Portfolio
NSF-funded startups and small businesses saw around 300 exits and more than $20 billion in private investments during fiscal years 2016 to 2022. *
We fund almost all areas of technology
Between fiscal years 2016 and 2020, America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF made 2,200+ awards to startups and small businesses. Each year, we fund roughly 400 companies across nearly all technology areas and market sectors (with the exception of clinical trials and schedule I controlled substances). Select a topic area below to read more about the topic, see featured Phase I and Phase II success stories, and find program director information.
Browse lists of our active Phase I and Phase II awardees, who are still completing the research outlined in their proposals, view a list of awards to combat COVID-19, and see all of the awards we've made over the last 10 years.
ACTIVE PHASE I AWARDEES ACTIVE PHASE II AWARDEES COVID-19 RELATED AWARDS VIEW ALL AWARDEES
Advanced Manufacturing
M
Advanced Manufacturing: Sub-Topics
- Building and Infrastructure (M1)
- Carbon Sequestration (M2)
- Cybermanufacturing (M3)
- Distributed Manufacturing (M4)
- Ecomanufacturing (M5)
- Modeling and Simulation (M6)
- Natural Resources and Critical Minerals (M7)
- Quantum Device Manufacturing (M8)
- Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing (M9)
- Other Manufacturing Technologies (M10)
Advanced Materials
AM
Advanced Materials: Sub-Topics
- Advanced Engineering Materials (AM1)
- Coatings and Surface Modifications (AM2)
- Metals and Ceramics (AM3)
- Novel Advanced Materials-based Sensors (AM4)
- Structural and Infrastructural Materials (AM5)
- Other Advanced Materials Technologies (AM6)
Advanced Systems for Scalable Analytics
AA
Advanced Systems for Scalable Analytics: Sub-Topics
- Building Analytical System for Learning from Dynamic Environments (AA1)
- Data Mining, Machine Learning (Non-deep learning-based), and Reinforcement Learning (AA2)
- Decision Support and Optimization (AA3)
- Knowledge and Data Management Technologies (AA4)
- Marketplaces for Data and Models (AA5)
- Novel Visualization Technologies (AA6)
- Software Technologies for Scalable Analytical Systems (AA7)
- Other Novel Technologies (AA8)
Agricultural Technologies
AG
Agricultural Technologies: Sub-Topics
- Agroforestry (AG1)
- Farming in Underserved Communities (AG2)
- Food Waste Mitigation (AG3)
- Harvesting Complex Systems (AG4)
- Improved Resilience through Interspecies Interchange (AG5)
- Nature-based Solutions (AG6)
- Polyculture Systems (AG7)
- Precision Agriculture (AG8)
- Resilient Supply & Distribution (AG9)
- Other Agricultural Technologies (AG10)
Artificial Intelligence
AI
Artificial Intelligence: Sub-Topics
- Cognitive Science-based Technologies (AI1)
- Computer Vision Based AI Technologies (AI2)
- Conversational AI Technologies (AI3)
- Language-Based AI Technologies (AI4)
- Novel AI Hardware Technologies (e.g. Neuromorphic Computing, High-performance Technologies for AI, Smart and Secure Edge Devices, etc.) (AI5)
- Sustainable AI Technologies for Low Resource Environments (AI6)
- Technologies for Trustworthy AI (safe, fair, transparent, privacy-preserving, explainable, and/or secure) (AI7)
- Other Novel Technologies (AI8)
Augmented Virtual and Mixed Reality
AV
Augmented Virtual and Mixed Reality: Sub-Topics
- Accessible and Inclusive AR/VR/MR (AV1)
- Enhanced UI/UX for Immersive AR/VR/MR (AV2)
- Environmentally Sustainable Solutions for AR/VR/MR Design (AV3)
- Human-Centric AR/VR/MR Analytics for Collaboration (AV4)
- Immersive AR/VR/MR Fostering Shared Experiences (AV5)
- Other Augmented Virtual and Mixed Reality Technologies (AV6)
Biological Technologies
BT
Biological Technologies: Sub-Topics
- Animal Biotechnology (BT1)
- Aquaculture (BT2)
- Bio-Inspired Technologies (BT3)
- Bioinstruments and Biosensors (BT4)
- Cell and Tissue Engineering (BT5)
- Fermentation (BT6)
- Life Science Research Tools (BT7)
- Microbiome and Microbial Diversity (BT8)
- Plant Biotechnology (BT9)
- Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering (BT10)
- Other Biological Technologies (BT11)
Biomedical Technologies
BM
Biomedical Technologies: Sub-Topics
- Diagnostics (BM1)
- Drug Delivery Methods (BM2)
- Health in Underserved Communities (BM3)
- Materials for Biomedical Applications (BM4)
- Medical Imaging (BM5)
- Monitoring Devices (BM6)
- Women's Health (BM7)
- Other Biomedical Technologies (BM8)
Chemical Technologies
CT
Chemical Technologies: Sub-Topics
- Biochemicals (CT1)
- Catalysts, Advanced Chemicals and Materials (CT2)
- Chemical and Environmental Sensing and Data (CT3)
- Food Processing, Chemicals and Agriculture (CT4)
- Green Chemicals and Chemical Alternatives (CT5)
- Separations and Water Treatment (CT6)
- Other Chemical Technologies (CT7)
Cloud and High-Performance Computing
CH
Cloud and High-Performance Computing: Sub-Topics
- Algorithms and Applications (CH1)
- Computational Architecture (CH2)
- Convergence of AI and Cloud/HPC (CH3)
- Edge Computing (CH4)
- Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (CH5)
- In-memory Processing (CH6)
- Interconnects (CH7)
- Middleware (CH8)
- Performance Monitoring (CH9)
- Processing on Encrypted Data (CH10)
- Processor Architecture and Design (CH11)
- Resilience and Resource Management (CH12)
- Other Cloud and High-Performance Computing Technologies (CH13)
Cybersecurity and Authentication
CA
Cybersecurity and Authentication: Sub-Topics
- Computation on Encrypted Data (CA1)
- Cryptography, including Post-quantum Cryptography (CA2)
- Data Privacy and Integrity (CA3)
- Device Authentication (CA4)
- Encryption, including Homomorphic Encryption (CA5)
- Network and Device Security (CA6)
- Personal Authentication (CA7)
- Secure and Trusted Computing (CA8)
- Secure Machine-to-Machine Communication (CA9)
- Security of Cloud and High Performance Computing (HPC) Platforms (CA10)
- Other Cybersecurity and Authentication Technologies (CA11)
Digital Health
DH
Digital Health: Sub-Topics
- Assistive, Enabling and Rehabilitative technologies (DH1)
- Health and Biomedical informatics (DH2)
- Health in Underserved Communities (DH3)
- Healthcare Workflow, Economics and Delivery (DH4)
- Medical Diagnostics and Devices (DH5)
- Physical, Mental and Behavioral Health (DH6)
- Other Digital Health Technologies (DH7)
Distributed Ledger
DL
Distributed Ledger: Sub-Topics
- Autonomous Systems and Economies, and Smart Contracts (DL1)
- Blockchain, DAGs, and Next-Gen Protocols (DL2)
- Convergence with Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence (DL3)
- Convergence with Internet of Things, Crowdsourcing and Crowdsensing (DL4)
- Cryptography, Security, and Cybersecurity (DL5)
- Digital Assets (DL6)
- Distributed Consensus and Fault Tolerance Mechanisms (DL7)
- Distributed Ledger in Edge and Cloud Computing (DL8)
- Distributed Ledger Interoperability (DL9)
- Distributed Ledger in Network Architecture and Management (DL10)
- Financial Technologies (DL11)
- Human-to-Technology Interfaces and Decentralized Applications (dApps) (DL12)
- Scalability Solutions and Accumulators (DL13)
- Trusted Identity and Identity Management (DL14)
- Other Distributed Ledger Technologies (DL15)
Energy Technologies
EN
Energy Technologies: Sub-Topics
- Advanced Nuclear Energy Tech (EN1)
- CO2 and Methane Conversion, Petrochemicals, Oil and Gas (EN2)
- Directed Energy (EN3)
- Electromagnetics (EN4)
- Energy Efficiencies and Data Technologies (EN5)
- Energy Production and Power Generation (EN6)
- Energy Storage (EN7)
- Fusion (EN8)
- Hydrogen Technologies (EN9)
- Renewable Energy Generation & Storage (EN10)
- Other Energy Technologies (EN11)
Environmental Technologies
ET
Environmental Technologies: Sub-Topics
- Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation and Reversal (ET1)
- Digital Ecosystem for the Environment (ET2)
- Emission or Waste Reduction and the Circular Economy (ET3)
- Environmental and Societal Impact Measurement (ET4)
- Environmental Technologies for Achieving Sustainable Development (ET5)
- Food, Regenerative Agriculture, and Energy (ET6)
- Habitat Conservation, Adaptation and Restoration (ET7)
- Social and Behavioral Science Based Environmental Technologies (ET8)
- Sustainable Community Systems (ET9)
- Water Treatment, Resilience, and Sanitation (ET10)
- Other Environmental Technologies (ET11)
Human-Computer Interaction
HC
Human-Computer Interaction: Sub-Topics
- HCI to Enhance Human Cognitive Capacity (HC1)
- Neuroadaptive Systems (HC2)
- Smart Integrated Systems (HC3)
- Sustainable HCI Technologies (HC4)
- Other Human-Computer Interaction Technologies (HC5)
Instrumentation and Hardware Systems
IH
Instrumentation and Hardware Systems: Sub-Topics
- Instrumentation or Hardware Systems for Actuation, Control, and Manipulation (IH1)
- Instrumentation or Hardware Systems for Detection and Characterization (IH2)
- Instrumentation or Hardware Systems for Imaging (IH3)
- Other Instrumentation or Hardware Systems Technologies (IH4)
Internet of Things
I
Internet of Things: Sub-Topics
- IoT Communications (I1)
- IoT Integrated Systems (I2)
- IoT Sensors and Actuators (I3)
- Networking (I4)
- Other IoT Technologies (I5)
Learning and Cognition Technologies
LC
Learning and Cognition Technologies: Sub-Topics
- Advanced Inclusive Learning Technologies (LC1)
- Ethical AI Frameworks for Advancing Education (LC2)
- Research-based Design for Behavioral Health (LC3)
- Sustainable Education Models for Future Generations (LC4)
- Tools for Critical Information Analysis to Broaden Engagement (LC5)
- Other Learning and Cognition Technologies (LC6)
Medical Devices
MD
Medical Devices: Sub-Topics
- General Medical Devices (MD1)
- Implantables or Procedures (MD2)
- Materials, Processes, Prototyping Methods or Enablers (MD3)
- Monitoring or Instrumentation (MD4)
- Rehabilitation (MD5)
- Wearables and External Sensors (MD6)
- Women's Health (MD7)
Mobility
MO
Mobility: Sub-Topics
- Aviation (MO1)
- Behavioral Transitions (MO2)
- Hypersonic (MO3)
- Infrastructure and Flow (MO4)
- Marine (MO5)
- Personal Transportation (MO6)
- Resiliency and Sustainability (MO7)
- Other Mobility Topics (MO8)
Nanotechnology
N
Nanotechnology: Sub-Topics
- Nanomanufacturing (N1)
Other Topics
OT
Other Topics: Sub-Topics
- Other Topics (OT1)
Pharmaceutical Technologies
PT
Pharmaceutical Technologies: Sub-Topics
- Drug Discovery (PT1)
- Pharmaceutical and Biologic Manufacturing (PT2)
- Other Pharmaceutical Technologies (PT3)
Photonics
PH
Photonics: Sub-Topics
- Advanced Metrology and Sensors (PH1)
- Advanced Optical Components and Systems (PH2)
- Communications, Information, and Data Storage (PH3)
- Lighting and Displays (PH4)
- Photonic Devices (PH5)
- Photonic Energy Conversion (PH6)
- Photonic Materials (PH7)
- Photonic Metamaterials and Plasmonics (PH8)
- Quantum Optics and Nanophotonics (PH9)
- Silicon Photonics and Photonic Integrated Circuits (PH10)
- Other Photonics Technologies (PH11)
Power Management
PM
Power Management: Sub-Topics
- Energy Harvesting Devices and Systems (PM1)
- Materials and Devices for Power Electronics (PM2)
- Materials and Devices for Thermal Management (PM3)
- Novel Power and Thermal Management Sensors (PM4)
- Power Electronics Circuits and Control Systems (PM5)
- Power Management Infrastructure and Smart Grid Systems (PM6)
- Systems for Thermal Management (PM7)
- Other Power Management Technologies (PM8)
Quantum Information Technologies
QT
Quantum Information Technologies: Sub-Topics
- Quantum Algorithms (QT1)
- Quantum Communications (QT2)
- Quantum Computing (QT3)
- Quantum Sensing and Metrology (QT4)
- Quantum Simulation (QT5)
- Other Quantum Information Technologies (QT6)
Robotics
R
Robotics: Sub-Topics
- Human Assistive Technologies and Bio-related Robotics (R1)
- Human-Machine Interfaces and Control/Architecture (R2)
- Robotic Applications (R3)
- Robotics in Agile Manufacturing, and Co-Robots (R4)
- Underground or Underwater Robotics for Low-Visibility, Poor-Connectivity or Hidden Topography (R5)
- Other Robotics Technologies (R6)
Semiconductors
S
Semiconductors: Sub-Topics
- Electronic Devices (S1)
- Electronic Materials (S2)
- Integrated Circuit Design (S3)
- Microelectronics Packaging and Systems Integration (S4)
- Novel Semiconductor-based Sensors (S5)
- Processing and Metrology Technology (S6)
- Sustainable Semiconductor Manufacturing (S7)
- Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Materials (S8)
- Other Semiconductor Technologies (S8)
Space
SP
Space: Sub-Topics
- Extra-terrestrial Resource Extraction (SP1)
- Geological and Geoclimatic Science Data Technologies (SP2)
- Ground Launch Sites and Satellite Operations Technologies (SP3)
- In-space Manufacturing Technologies (SP4)
- Navigation and Positioning Technologies (SP5)
- On-Orbit Technologies (SP6)
- Remote Sensing Technologies (SP7)
- Spacecraft Development and Manufacturing (SP8)
- Space Technologies and Systems (SP9)
- Space Transportation and Access (SP10)
- Telecommunications Technologies (SP11)
- Other Space-related Technologies (SP12)
Wireless Technologies
W
Wireless Technologies: Sub-Topics
- Communication and Networking Technologies (W1)
- Networked Sensors and Sensing (W2)
- Wireless Devices and Components (W3)
- Wireless Systems (W4)
- Other Wireless Technologies (W5)
Download a searchable PDF of the full list of technology topic areas that also includes descriptions of the subtopics.
Featured Companies
We’re not interested in innovation for innovation’s sake — we back technologies that promote the social good. View a few of our many success stories.
New engine tech allows diesel engines to run on any fuel
Engineering bacteria to treat skin disease
Squishy Robotics’ shape-shifting robots provide real-time data in disasters
More
(*These figures were pulled from Pitchbook from 10/01/2015 to 09/30/2022
and include companies that received NSF funding prior to 2016.)