National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

James Donlon

Program Director

Sean L. Jones

Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Sethuraman Panchanathan

Director

Ben Schrag Ph.D

Program Director and Policy Liaison, SBIR / STTR

Past deals in Embedded Software

Brainsoft

Grant in 2022
Brainsoft specializes in the development of technologies that leverage human brainwaves to control objects and analyze the relationship between brain activity and emotional and intellectual states. The company creates innovative interfaces that enable intuitive navigation, allowing users to interact with devices based on their mental and emotional conditions. By focusing on the interception and analysis of brainwaves, Brainsoft aims to support researchers in advancing their understanding of brain activity, ultimately benefiting society through improved insights into human cognition and behavior.

OnSystem Logic

Grant in 2021
Developer of security software designed to prevent malware and application vulnerabilities from compromising computer systems. The company's software offers a non-bypassable application hardening ability that works within existing software to protect against cyber threats, enabling businesses to have a preventative layer of defense.

DeepSim

Grant in 2021
DeepSim develops electronic design automation technology to help chip designers speed up design and verification. The company was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

Inchfab

Grant in 2021
Inchfab specializes in custom microchip manufacturing, offering proprietary tools that cater to the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) market. The company's microfabrication platform enables clients to prototype and produce low volumes of highly customized microchips economically. By focusing on the semiconductor and micromechanical Internet of Things (IoT) chip markets, Inchfab provides essential manufacturing capabilities that facilitate the design and production of specialized devices.

NanoSoft

Grant in 2020
NanoSoft is a cryogenic electron microscopy tool and instrument maker.

SuperMEM

Grant in 2020
SuperMEM, founded in 2019 and based in San Diego, California, specializes in the development of lightweight chips that facilitate artificial intelligence integration in devices. The company's innovative technology allows for the incorporation of AI into Internet of Things devices without significantly increasing costs or power consumption. By providing a standard chip interface and simplifying software migration, SuperMEM enables its clients to access transformative technology, making it easier and more affordable to create smarter devices in various applications.

SandBox Semiconductor

Grant in 2020
SandBox Semiconductor specializes in developing software tools aimed at enhancing the manufacturing process for semiconductor production. Their innovative software enables process engineers to identify optimal etch and deposition recipes with significantly fewer experiments, achieving this in one-third of the time and at a reduced cost compared to traditional methods. By streamlining recipe development, SandBox Semiconductor facilitates quicker deployment of new microelectronic devices, thereby improving efficiency and productivity in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

Embedor Technologies

Grant in 2019
Embedor Technologies specializes in developing wireless sensor systems designed to monitor the structural health of civil infrastructure. Headquartered in Urbana, Illinois, the company offers a smart sensor platform and software framework that enables real-time assessment of structural conditions, addressing both extreme events and long-term deterioration. By integrating data processing and interpretation capabilities directly into edge devices, Embedor effectively mitigates the challenges associated with data overload often seen in many Internet of Things (IoT) applications. This innovative approach allows for efficient and reliable monitoring of infrastructure, ensuring safety and longevity.

SandBox Semiconductor

Grant in 2018
SandBox Semiconductor specializes in developing software tools aimed at enhancing the manufacturing process for semiconductor production. Their innovative software enables process engineers to identify optimal etch and deposition recipes with significantly fewer experiments, achieving this in one-third of the time and at a reduced cost compared to traditional methods. By streamlining recipe development, SandBox Semiconductor facilitates quicker deployment of new microelectronic devices, thereby improving efficiency and productivity in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

DeepScale

Grant in 2018
DeepScale is a technology company that develops perceptual systems for semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles. It help automakers use industry-standard low-wattage processors to power more accurate perception. Alongside sensors, mapping, planning and control systems, perception, (sometimes referenced as “computer vision”) enables vehicles to make sense of what’s going on around them in real time.

NanoSoft

Grant in 2018
NanoSoft is a cryogenic electron microscopy tool and instrument maker.
Reduced Energy Microsystems, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company based in San Francisco, California, established in 2014. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing low power asynchronous microprocessors aimed at enhancing embedded devices. By integrating advanced circuit technology, intelligent architecture, and refined software tools, Reduced Energy Microsystems focuses on delivering energy-efficient silicon specifically for applications in computer vision and artificial intelligence. Their innovative solutions are designed to significantly reduce power consumption during processing operations, particularly in mobile devices.

Inspirit IoT

Grant in 2017
Inspirit IoT is a computer software that focuses on machine learning solutions. It features Xcelo Compiler, SoundGuardian, and DNN Architect. Inspirit IoT's mission is to be the global leader in delivering sensor intelligence. The company was founded in 2016 and headquartered in Champaign, Illinois.

DeepScale

Grant in 2016
DeepScale is a technology company that develops perceptual systems for semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles. It help automakers use industry-standard low-wattage processors to power more accurate perception. Alongside sensors, mapping, planning and control systems, perception, (sometimes referenced as “computer vision”) enables vehicles to make sense of what’s going on around them in real time.

Insense

Grant in 2016
Insense is a mems company developing a new generation of mems sensors such as gyros and accelerometers. The initial prototypes of the mems sensors are developed at the Stanford mems nanofabrication labs.

Symbyon Systems

Grant in 2016
Symbyon develops enterprise software and intellectual property for advanced error correction coding and machine learning. This technology has been proven and has been already deployed in storage devices. Their work resulting is the top choice for IEEE P1890 Standards for Error Correction Coding for Non-Volatile Memories. They are working with commercial partners to design their solution tailored to specific requirements for new applications.

Endectra

Grant in 2016
Endectra develops distributed sensor networks for use in defense, medicine, and industry. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

BEET

Grant in 2015
Beet, Inc. specializes in providing diagnostic and analytical tools designed to enhance problem-solving capabilities for operations facing complex assembly and automation challenges. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, with an additional office in China, the company offers a range of software solutions under its ENVISION brand. This includes ENVISION Enterprise SMART, ENVISION Sentinel SMART, and ENVISION System Scope, which cater to various operational scales and needs. Additionally, Beet provides a cloud-based Software-as-a-Service solution and consulting services. Its Process Visibility System (PVS) transforms manufacturing workflows by promoting proactive management and predictive maintenance, ultimately maximizing existing asset capacity and reducing unplanned downtime. The company's technology plays a crucial role in advancing manufacturers' efforts towards Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0, positioning them to improve production efficiency through real-time data utilization. Beet serves a diverse clientele, including automotive original equipment manufacturers and tooling manufacturers.

Symbyon Systems

Grant in 2015
Symbyon develops enterprise software and intellectual property for advanced error correction coding and machine learning. This technology has been proven and has been already deployed in storage devices. Their work resulting is the top choice for IEEE P1890 Standards for Error Correction Coding for Non-Volatile Memories. They are working with commercial partners to design their solution tailored to specific requirements for new applications.

Endectra

Grant in 2014
Endectra develops distributed sensor networks for use in defense, medicine, and industry. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Gazelle Semiconductor

Grant in 2014
Gazelle Semiconductor is a fabless semiconductor company that develops integrated circuit solutions for the power management industry. The company was founded in by Peter Oaklander, David Tournatory, and Nicolas Monier in 2013 and is based in San Carlos, California.

Insense

Grant in 2014
Insense is a mems company developing a new generation of mems sensors such as gyros and accelerometers. The initial prototypes of the mems sensors are developed at the Stanford mems nanofabrication labs.

Imbed Biosciences

Grant in 2013
Imbed Biosciences, Inc. is a medical device company based in Madison, Wisconsin, focused on developing innovative technologies for embedding bioactive molecules in wound dressings and surgical implants. The company specializes in antibacterial silver nanofilms that facilitate the sustained release of non-toxic silver, offering effective wound care for extended periods. By utilizing its advanced biomaterials platforms, Imbed aims to enhance wound dressings to prevent infections and promote faster healing, addressing a significant market opportunity in the management of surgical and chronic wounds, valued at $3 billion in the U.S. and Europe. Founded in 2010 as a spin-off from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Imbed is backed by extensive research and a team with over 25 years of collective experience in clinical wound management.

Packet Digital

Grant in 2013
Packet Digital, LLC is based in Fargo, North Dakota, and specializes in designing, developing, and marketing advanced power management solutions for portable electronic devices and embedded systems. Founded in 2003, the company produces power management integrated circuits under the PowerSage brand, which are utilized in various applications including personal digital assistants, multimedia players, laptops, and wireless sensors. Packet Digital's patented On-Demand Power technology enhances battery life in portable electronics and optimizes power consumption in embedded systems, catering to consumer electronics and military sectors. In addition to its product offerings, the company provides engineering and design services focused on power management and wireless technologies, supporting a diverse range of platforms and applications, from individual devices to larger systems like the power grid.

EngeniusMicro

Grant in 2013
EngeniusMicro LLC, a micro-systems and sensor engineering company, engages in the design, development, fabrication, modeling, and testing of micro sensors and micro actuators. Its products include passive ceramic based sensors to measure strain, temperature, pressure, and heat flux; nano-enhanced sensors, such as a man-portable chemical detector with laboratory grade sensitivity; and wireless connectivity technologies to readout harsh environment sensors. The company also provides embedded systems solutions, including analog and digital circuit design, printer circuit board manufacturing, FPGA systems, microprocessor systems, wireless integration, android and iPhone software development, desktop PC GUI development, and Web based application development. In addition, it offers various modeling and simulation solutions, which include 3D mechanical design, micro electro mechanical systems design and process modeling, multi physics finite element analysis, circuit analysis, mechanical thermal analysis, and micro fluidic modeling. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Reveal Design Automation, Inc. is a start-up based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializing in electronic design automation (EDA) software tools aimed at enhancing the formal verification of intricate semiconductor chip designs. Founded in 2009, the company offers Reveal-AV, a product that employs architectural equivalence methodology to ensure comprehensive design verification of various core types, including CPU, MPU, DSP, GPU, and microcontroller RTL against the instruction set architecture (ISA) specifications. Reveal's automated solutions significantly streamline the verification process, enabling tasks that typically take days with other methods to be completed in hours. This efficiency can lead to substantial cost savings for chip designers, reducing verification expenses and accelerating time-to-market, while also bolstering confidence in the accuracy and reliability of chip designs.

Signalogic

Grant in 2013
Signalogic is a leader in the development of efficient, low SWaP, HPC solutions for the server and embedded systems markets. Through their work with key business customers, channel partners and government agencies, they are advancing the use of HPC computing for a new generation of compute intensive applications.

Packet Digital

Grant in 2012
Packet Digital, LLC is based in Fargo, North Dakota, and specializes in designing, developing, and marketing advanced power management solutions for portable electronic devices and embedded systems. Founded in 2003, the company produces power management integrated circuits under the PowerSage brand, which are utilized in various applications including personal digital assistants, multimedia players, laptops, and wireless sensors. Packet Digital's patented On-Demand Power technology enhances battery life in portable electronics and optimizes power consumption in embedded systems, catering to consumer electronics and military sectors. In addition to its product offerings, the company provides engineering and design services focused on power management and wireless technologies, supporting a diverse range of platforms and applications, from individual devices to larger systems like the power grid.
Developer of semiconductors and computer hardware designed to be used for application-specific IC design operations. The company's hardware design technology integrates a digital language to incorporate seamless integration between algorithms and implementations in order to reduce overall power capacity, thereby enabling businesses to upgrade and migrate integrated circuit designs in an appropriate manner.
Ozark Integrated Circuits provides design techniques, modeling and design tools for integrated circuits and systems on chip for extreme environments.

EngeniusMicro

Grant in 2012
EngeniusMicro LLC, a micro-systems and sensor engineering company, engages in the design, development, fabrication, modeling, and testing of micro sensors and micro actuators. Its products include passive ceramic based sensors to measure strain, temperature, pressure, and heat flux; nano-enhanced sensors, such as a man-portable chemical detector with laboratory grade sensitivity; and wireless connectivity technologies to readout harsh environment sensors. The company also provides embedded systems solutions, including analog and digital circuit design, printer circuit board manufacturing, FPGA systems, microprocessor systems, wireless integration, android and iPhone software development, desktop PC GUI development, and Web based application development. In addition, it offers various modeling and simulation solutions, which include 3D mechanical design, micro electro mechanical systems design and process modeling, multi physics finite element analysis, circuit analysis, mechanical thermal analysis, and micro fluidic modeling. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Reveal Design Automation, Inc. is a start-up based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializing in electronic design automation (EDA) software tools aimed at enhancing the formal verification of intricate semiconductor chip designs. Founded in 2009, the company offers Reveal-AV, a product that employs architectural equivalence methodology to ensure comprehensive design verification of various core types, including CPU, MPU, DSP, GPU, and microcontroller RTL against the instruction set architecture (ISA) specifications. Reveal's automated solutions significantly streamline the verification process, enabling tasks that typically take days with other methods to be completed in hours. This efficiency can lead to substantial cost savings for chip designers, reducing verification expenses and accelerating time-to-market, while also bolstering confidence in the accuracy and reliability of chip designs.

CoolCAD Electronics

Grant in 2012
CoolCAD Electronics, LLC is a specialized design firm based in College Park, Maryland, focusing on computer-aided design (CAD) and custom electronics solutions. The company offers a wide range of services, including semiconductor device modeling, integrated circuit design, and printed circuit board development. Its expertise extends to semiconductor fabrication and characterization, covering various sensor designs, electrical and optical characterization, and radiation testing. Additionally, CoolCAD provides electronics design and prototyping services, focusing on projects such as energy monitoring systems and digital health sensors. The firm also engages in circuit modeling and simulation, utilizing tools like SPICE and TCAD for advanced analysis. Established in 2009, CoolCAD Electronics caters to niche electronic design applications, providing tailored solutions to meet specific market and client needs.

Echometrix

Grant in 2012
Echometrix was founded to create products that apply the theory of acoustoelasticity (AE) to the advanced evaluation of biological materials. Our first product offering is trademarked EchoSoft. It is ultrasound-based analytical software, which uses AE to provide an advanced, non-invasive, functional evaluation of ligament, tendon and muscle injuries. EchoSoft is now in use across the globe by opinion leading researchers in biomechanics and medical imaging and will be available for general clinical use in late 2012.

Energid Technologies

Grant in 2012
Energid Technologies provides software, products, and support to solve the most difficult robotics problems. Energid's robotics software simulates and controls kinematics and dynamics for all types of robotics applications, and their 3D machine vision software supports autonomy. Whether your challenge is in the field of medicine, agriculture, space-based systems, defense, or manufacturing, together they can solve it.
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