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 Energy

Singularity Energy

Grant in 2022
Singularity Energy, Inc. is a company that develops a platform for real-time energy and carbon management, aimed at helping corporate clients optimize their energy usage and reduce carbon emissions. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes artificial intelligence to incorporate real-time carbon dioxide signals from the energy grid into its management solutions. This innovative approach allows organizations to co-optimize their energy costs and emissions effectively. Singularity Energy's platform is designed to support climate regulators and sustainability professionals by providing transparent and reliable data, thereby enabling informed decision-making to meet rigorous environmental targets. By offering a modern alternative to traditional carbon reporting methods, the company contributes to the broader goal of grid decarbonization and promotes sustainable practices in various industries.

Arctura

Grant in 2022
Arctura is dedicated to securing a sustainable energy future that is affordable, healthy, and accessible. Through technology innovation, we are developing new wind energy solutions to get more from every turn.

RePurpose Energy

Grant in 2021
Repurpose Energy provide affordable & sustainable energy storage solutions to enable the renewable energy transition.

Active Energy Systems

Grant in 2021
Active Energy Systems is leveraging its scientific expertise to develop and market an improved form of ice thermal energy storage. The company's headquarters are in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Alpha-En

Grant in 2020
Alpha-En Corporation, based in Yonkers, New York, is a development stage company focused on creating technologies for the environmentally sustainable manufacturing of high-purity lithium metal and associated battery components. Founded in 1969, the company specializes in lightweight, high energy density batteries, aiming to advance next-generation battery technologies. Alpha-En has developed a unique production process for lithium metal that operates at room temperature, minimizing environmental impact while enhancing cost-effectiveness. The company's innovations include protected anodes and various lithium compounds, positioning it as a key player in the evolving clean technology sector.

EnergyXchain

Seed Round in 2020
EnergyXchain develops and provides patent pending transaction management, smart contract and blockchain-based solutions for industries having high-volume, complex, repetitive transactions and needing greater transaction efficiency, effectiveness, autonomy and security.

Transaera

Grant in 2020
Transaera is focused on creating a new generation of affordable and energy-efficient cooling systems designed to minimize energy consumption while providing effective climate control. Their technology aims to enhance indoor environments crucial for both business operations and personal comfort, benefiting human productivity. By offering environmentally friendly cooling solutions, Transaera addresses the need for systems that have a reduced impact on the global climate and local energy infrastructure. These innovative cooling systems are suitable for both residential and commercial applications, enabling consumers to choose options that use significantly less energy compared to traditional air conditioners.

Virimodo

Grant in 2020
Virimodo is a developer of a clean energy subscription platform designed for urban residents to effectively monitor and manage their energy consumption. By utilizing algorithms and artificial intelligence, the platform matches users with suitable renewable energy suppliers, allowing them to customize their green energy plans according to their specific consumption patterns. This innovative approach not only promotes the use of renewable energy but also empowers consumers to track their energy usage, contributing to carbon reduction efforts in real estate portfolios. Through its services, Virimodo aims to facilitate a transition toward carbon neutrality in urban environments.

Creathadh Energies

Grant in 2019
Creathadh Energies develops integrated circuit technology for low-power vibration. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Singularity Energy

Grant in 2019
Singularity Energy, Inc. is a company that develops a platform for real-time energy and carbon management, aimed at helping corporate clients optimize their energy usage and reduce carbon emissions. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes artificial intelligence to incorporate real-time carbon dioxide signals from the energy grid into its management solutions. This innovative approach allows organizations to co-optimize their energy costs and emissions effectively. Singularity Energy's platform is designed to support climate regulators and sustainability professionals by providing transparent and reliable data, thereby enabling informed decision-making to meet rigorous environmental targets. By offering a modern alternative to traditional carbon reporting methods, the company contributes to the broader goal of grid decarbonization and promotes sustainable practices in various industries.

Noon Energy

Grant in 2019
Noon Energy develops a flow battery technology that enables economical long-duration energy storage. The company's design will allow intermittent renewable electricity sources, such as solar and wind, to meet continual demand. Noon Energy was founded in 2018 and based in Palo Alto, California.

EnerBlock

Grant in 2019
EnerBlock develops the energy tokens that are ascribed to the energy unit data from the database and the smart contract framework. They provide power electronics, behind-the-meter grid services, off-grid backup power, and simple integration with installed systems.

EnergyXchain

Pre Seed Round in 2019
EnergyXchain develops and provides patent pending transaction management, smart contract and blockchain-based solutions for industries having high-volume, complex, repetitive transactions and needing greater transaction efficiency, effectiveness, autonomy and security.

JAQ Energy

Grant in 2019
JAQ Energy develops energy and powers electronic system technologies. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Active Energy Systems

Grant in 2019
Active Energy Systems is leveraging its scientific expertise to develop and market an improved form of ice thermal energy storage. The company's headquarters are in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Tibbar Plasma Technologies develops a plasma heat engine for efficient fusion energy production. The company's headquarters are in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Dimensional Energy

Grant in 2018
Dimensional Energy is a chemistry company focused on advancing artificial photosynthesis to produce sustainable polymers and chemical intermediates. The company develops innovative technology that efficiently captures and converts carbon dioxide, utilizing waveguides to distribute sunlight evenly throughout scalable reactors. By enhancing the reactivity of carbon dioxide molecules, Dimensional Energy aims to create hydrocarbon fuels that address significant energy requirements while promoting environmental responsibility. Their approach positions them at the forefront of solar fuel viability, leveraging novel, functionalized catalysts to transform energy production.

Transaera

Grant in 2018
Transaera is focused on creating a new generation of affordable and energy-efficient cooling systems designed to minimize energy consumption while providing effective climate control. Their technology aims to enhance indoor environments crucial for both business operations and personal comfort, benefiting human productivity. By offering environmentally friendly cooling solutions, Transaera addresses the need for systems that have a reduced impact on the global climate and local energy infrastructure. These innovative cooling systems are suitable for both residential and commercial applications, enabling consumers to choose options that use significantly less energy compared to traditional air conditioners.

Mesodyne

Grant in 2018
Mesodyne's solution is a novel ultra-high energy density, multi-fuel, silent, compact power generator. Our generators convert fuel to electricity with heat and light as intermediaries: a small micro combustor heats a photonic crystal to incandescence and the resulting light is tailored to the bandgap of an infrared cell resulting in unprecedented high efficiencies.

Mesodyne

Grant in 2018
Mesodyne's solution is a novel ultra-high energy density, multi-fuel, silent, compact power generator. Our generators convert fuel to electricity with heat and light as intermediaries: a small micro combustor heats a photonic crystal to incandescence and the resulting light is tailored to the bandgap of an infrared cell resulting in unprecedented high efficiencies.

Dimensional Energy

Grant in 2017
Dimensional Energy is a chemistry company focused on advancing artificial photosynthesis to produce sustainable polymers and chemical intermediates. The company develops innovative technology that efficiently captures and converts carbon dioxide, utilizing waveguides to distribute sunlight evenly throughout scalable reactors. By enhancing the reactivity of carbon dioxide molecules, Dimensional Energy aims to create hydrocarbon fuels that address significant energy requirements while promoting environmental responsibility. Their approach positions them at the forefront of solar fuel viability, leveraging novel, functionalized catalysts to transform energy production.

Kelvin

Grant in 2017
Kelvin, formerly known as Radiator Labs, Inc., manufactures innovative radiator covers designed to enhance the efficiency of steam-heated buildings. The company's flagship product, the Cozy, is a wireless and cost-effective retrofit that can be easily installed over existing radiators to provide precise temperature control. This system addresses common issues such as overheating and uneven heating, significantly improving indoor comfort. By redistributing steam flow, the Cozy can accelerate heating in colder rooms and reduce overall heating costs by up to 40%. With an estimated potential for cumulative annual savings of $7 billion across the 120 million residential and commercial radiators in the United States, Kelvin's solutions aim to tackle both energy waste and tenant discomfort in various building types. Founded in 2011 and based in Brooklyn, New York, the company has received multiple awards for its contributions to clean energy and innovation.

enEvolv

Grant in 2016
enEvolv, Inc. engineers and licenses microorganisms to produce chemicals, enzymes, and small molecules. It offers bacteria, yeast, and algae for various industries, including specialty chemicals, food, energy, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. The company was incorporated in 2011 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts. As of March 18, 2020, enEvolv, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Zymergen, Inc.

Kelvin

Grant in 2015
Kelvin, formerly known as Radiator Labs, Inc., manufactures innovative radiator covers designed to enhance the efficiency of steam-heated buildings. The company's flagship product, the Cozy, is a wireless and cost-effective retrofit that can be easily installed over existing radiators to provide precise temperature control. This system addresses common issues such as overheating and uneven heating, significantly improving indoor comfort. By redistributing steam flow, the Cozy can accelerate heating in colder rooms and reduce overall heating costs by up to 40%. With an estimated potential for cumulative annual savings of $7 billion across the 120 million residential and commercial radiators in the United States, Kelvin's solutions aim to tackle both energy waste and tenant discomfort in various building types. Founded in 2011 and based in Brooklyn, New York, the company has received multiple awards for its contributions to clean energy and innovation.

enEvolv

Grant in 2014
enEvolv, Inc. engineers and licenses microorganisms to produce chemicals, enzymes, and small molecules. It offers bacteria, yeast, and algae for various industries, including specialty chemicals, food, energy, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. The company was incorporated in 2011 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts. As of March 18, 2020, enEvolv, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Zymergen, Inc.

Bettergy

Grant in 2014
Bettergy was founded by Dr. Lin-Feng Li in 2008 to conceive, develop and commercialize innovative energy and environmental technologies for the military and the general public. Bettergy was originally formed as an energy storage technology company and in pursuit of better battery performance, Bettergy sought advances in membrane technology. This led to a greater understanding of nanopore structures and the development of novel membrane technologies.

Ubiquitous Energy

Grant in 2014
Ubiquitous Energy, Inc. is a Silicon Valley-based company that specializes in the development of transparent solar technology. Founded in 2011 and originally spun out from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the company has created ClearView Power technology, which allows for the selective conversion of ultraviolet and near-infrared light into electricity while permitting visible light to pass through. This innovative approach enables everyday surfaces, such as windows and smart glass, to function as solar panels without compromising their appearance. ClearView Power serves as an energy source for various electronic devices, including wearables, tablets, and digital signage, thereby addressing battery life limitations in mobile devices. Additionally, Ubiquitous Energy has established a strategic development agreement with Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. to further advance its technology in the market.
Next Energy Technologies, founded in 2010 and based in Santa Barbara, California, specializes in transparent energy harvesting window technology. The company's innovative approach allows windows to generate energy from sunlight while maintaining aesthetic appeal and high performance. Their technology is designed to work efficiently even in challenging lighting conditions, and it features coatings integrated directly into dual-pane windows, eliminating additional encapsulation costs. This enables clients to convert windows and glass facades into low-cost, on-site renewable energy sources for buildings. Through its advancements, Next Energy Technologies aims to reshape the landscape of energy production in the built environment.

Aeolus Building Efficiency

Grant in 2013
Aeolus Building Efficiency will reduce energy use in large office HVAC systems at a much lower cost than current technologies. Their full-service, software solution uses advanced technology (pat. pend.) for room-by-room measurement and optimization of airflow, reducing HVAC energy up to 20% without expensive equipment installations or labor-intensive rebalancing. Their scalable business model will create significant financial value for customers and prevent millions of tons of CO2 emissions.

EnergyEne

Grant in 2013
EnergyEne is an industrial materials company based in Wooster, Ohio, established in 2013. It specializes in the development of rubber and biomaterials derived from guayule, a natural rubber source. The company focuses on producing non-immunogenic biomaterials for medical and consumer healthcare applications, utilizing innovative processing methodologies to create specialty latex-derived materials. By using locally grown guayule as a feedstock, EnergyEne aims to provide premium quality latex rubber at competitive prices, catering to industrial resources and services.

Bettergy

Grant in 2013
Bettergy was founded by Dr. Lin-Feng Li in 2008 to conceive, develop and commercialize innovative energy and environmental technologies for the military and the general public. Bettergy was originally formed as an energy storage technology company and in pursuit of better battery performance, Bettergy sought advances in membrane technology. This led to a greater understanding of nanopore structures and the development of novel membrane technologies.

enEvolv

Grant in 2013
enEvolv, Inc. engineers and licenses microorganisms to produce chemicals, enzymes, and small molecules. It offers bacteria, yeast, and algae for various industries, including specialty chemicals, food, energy, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. The company was incorporated in 2011 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts. As of March 18, 2020, enEvolv, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Zymergen, Inc.

Ubiquitous Energy

Grant in 2013
Ubiquitous Energy, Inc. is a Silicon Valley-based company that specializes in the development of transparent solar technology. Founded in 2011 and originally spun out from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the company has created ClearView Power technology, which allows for the selective conversion of ultraviolet and near-infrared light into electricity while permitting visible light to pass through. This innovative approach enables everyday surfaces, such as windows and smart glass, to function as solar panels without compromising their appearance. ClearView Power serves as an energy source for various electronic devices, including wearables, tablets, and digital signage, thereby addressing battery life limitations in mobile devices. Additionally, Ubiquitous Energy has established a strategic development agreement with Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. to further advance its technology in the market.
Next Energy Technologies, founded in 2010 and based in Santa Barbara, California, specializes in transparent energy harvesting window technology. The company's innovative approach allows windows to generate energy from sunlight while maintaining aesthetic appeal and high performance. Their technology is designed to work efficiently even in challenging lighting conditions, and it features coatings integrated directly into dual-pane windows, eliminating additional encapsulation costs. This enables clients to convert windows and glass facades into low-cost, on-site renewable energy sources for buildings. Through its advancements, Next Energy Technologies aims to reshape the landscape of energy production in the built environment.

Bettergy

Grant in 2012
Bettergy was founded by Dr. Lin-Feng Li in 2008 to conceive, develop and commercialize innovative energy and environmental technologies for the military and the general public. Bettergy was originally formed as an energy storage technology company and in pursuit of better battery performance, Bettergy sought advances in membrane technology. This led to a greater understanding of nanopore structures and the development of novel membrane technologies.

Pyro-E

Grant in 2012
Pyro-E Inc. specializes in thermal-electric technologies, focusing on the development of solid-state systems for waste energy recovery and clean energy generation. Founded in 2012 in Los Angeles, the company designs and implements energy harvesting solutions that can capture energy from low-frequency, intermittent vibrations found in various applications, including buildings, train rails, and pipelines. By integrating its technologies with commercial sensors, Pyro-E enables devices to operate without the need for wiring, enhancing energy-use efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. The company serves multiple industries, including smart water, industrial IoT, regenerative pavement, and ocean power, positioning itself as a leader in innovative energy solutions.

Ubiquitous Energy

Grant in 2012
Ubiquitous Energy, Inc. is a Silicon Valley-based company that specializes in the development of transparent solar technology. Founded in 2011 and originally spun out from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the company has created ClearView Power technology, which allows for the selective conversion of ultraviolet and near-infrared light into electricity while permitting visible light to pass through. This innovative approach enables everyday surfaces, such as windows and smart glass, to function as solar panels without compromising their appearance. ClearView Power serves as an energy source for various electronic devices, including wearables, tablets, and digital signage, thereby addressing battery life limitations in mobile devices. Additionally, Ubiquitous Energy has established a strategic development agreement with Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. to further advance its technology in the market.
Next Energy Technologies, founded in 2010 and based in Santa Barbara, California, specializes in transparent energy harvesting window technology. The company's innovative approach allows windows to generate energy from sunlight while maintaining aesthetic appeal and high performance. Their technology is designed to work efficiently even in challenging lighting conditions, and it features coatings integrated directly into dual-pane windows, eliminating additional encapsulation costs. This enables clients to convert windows and glass facades into low-cost, on-site renewable energy sources for buildings. Through its advancements, Next Energy Technologies aims to reshape the landscape of energy production in the built environment.

SolRayo

Grant in 2012
SolRayo, Inc. specializes in the development of nanoparticle-based materials aimed at enhancing renewable energy solutions and various industrial applications. The company focuses on addressing performance degradation in lithium-ion batteries by utilizing its innovative nanoparticle technology. In addition, SolRayo has created ultracapacitor technology that integrates nanoparticles with standard carbon sheets, resulting in a cost-effective and easily implementable solution. This technology significantly improves the performance of ultracapacitors, enabling them to serve as efficient clean energy storage devices. Through these advancements, SolRayo aims to transform energy utilization and support environmentally friendly practices across multiple sectors.

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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