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 Spin-off

TruSpin uses a breakthrough A/C electrospinning process to affordably mass-produce compositions of nanofibers that are difficult or impossible to make using pre-existing methods. Right now, TruSpin is using these nanofibers as an additive to the chemicals that go inside batteries for a tremendous increase in energy density.

Epivara

Grant in 2021
Epivara, founded in 2016 and based in Champaign, Illinois, is developing a single-injection alternative to traditional spaying and neutering surgeries. This innovative approach aims to provide a safer and less invasive method for sterilizing pets, eliminating the pain and risks associated with conventional surgical procedures. By utilizing a small capsule, Epivara's solution offers the benefits of neutering, such as preventing overpopulation and reducing reproduction-related diseases, while also sparing pet owners from the costs and lengthy recovery times of surgery. The company's mission centers on enhancing the well-being of animals and their owners through compassionate care and cutting-edge scientific advancements.

Spira

Grant in 2020
Spira is a company focused on producing algae-based ingredients that aim to replace petroleum and animal-derived compounds, promoting sustainability. By utilizing cyanobacteria, Spira develops industrial ingredients that serve various sectors, including beverages, cosmetics, textiles, and confectionery. The company collaborates with a global network of farming partners to manufacture raw materials that not only reduce reliance on petrochemicals but also support carbon capture and wastewater management efforts. Additionally, Spira's initiatives assist farmers in developing countries, contributing to a transition towards healthier materials and more sustainable practices across industries.

unspun

Grant in 2019
Unspun, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in the production of customized jeans using advanced body scanning technology and fit algorithms. Founded in 2015, Unspun aims to revolutionize the apparel industry by reducing global carbon emissions through automated and localized manufacturing processes. The company offers a B2B software platform that enables digital customization for various large apparel brands. Recognized for its innovation, Unspun's technology was featured in TIME's list of Best Inventions of 2019. The company is supported by several notable investors and is actively working on the future of additive and automated apparel production, positioning itself as a leader in the quest for sustainable fashion.

Photon Spot

Grant in 2019
Photon Spot specializes in superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors, their applications, and sub-Kelvin cryogenic systems. The company was founded in 2019 and is based in Monrovia, California.

Spine Align

Grant in 2019
Spine Align, LLC, founded in 2017 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, is a medical device company focused on advancing spinal surgery through innovative imaging technology. The company is developing a platform that provides real-time, three-dimensional measurements of spinal alignment during corrective spinal fusion surgeries. Its flagship product enhances intraoperative alignment assessments while reducing reliance on X-ray imaging. This approach aims to standardize surgical outcomes and address the challenges of high revision rates associated with primary spine surgeries. Through its patent-pending technology, Spine Align seeks to improve the precision and effectiveness of spinal procedures, benefiting both medical professionals and patients.

unspun

Grant in 2018
Unspun, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in the production of customized jeans using advanced body scanning technology and fit algorithms. Founded in 2015, Unspun aims to revolutionize the apparel industry by reducing global carbon emissions through automated and localized manufacturing processes. The company offers a B2B software platform that enables digital customization for various large apparel brands. Recognized for its innovation, Unspun's technology was featured in TIME's list of Best Inventions of 2019. The company is supported by several notable investors and is actively working on the future of additive and automated apparel production, positioning itself as a leader in the quest for sustainable fashion.

SpinRise Technologies

Grant in 2018
SpinRise Technologies develops applications to improve the outcomes of autistic children. SpinRise Technologies was founded by a group of experienced technologists and entrepreneurs who want to assist autistic people in reaching their full potential.

unspun

Grant in 2017
Unspun, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in the production of customized jeans using advanced body scanning technology and fit algorithms. Founded in 2015, Unspun aims to revolutionize the apparel industry by reducing global carbon emissions through automated and localized manufacturing processes. The company offers a B2B software platform that enables digital customization for various large apparel brands. Recognized for its innovation, Unspun's technology was featured in TIME's list of Best Inventions of 2019. The company is supported by several notable investors and is actively working on the future of additive and automated apparel production, positioning itself as a leader in the quest for sustainable fashion.

SparcIt

Grant in 2016
SparcIt is an NSF-funded technology and creativity company based in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA. Based on over 50 years of psychological research, SparcIt has developed the first-ever automated platform to accurately assess and categorize an individual or teams' creative thinking abilities. Some are divergent thinkers and generate many ideas, other have the knack to focus on very original ones. Employers can now measure and help enhance employees and teams' creative power through an easy to use online platform. They gain access to an accurate and versatile creativity quotient (CQ) to recruit and train employees, to form teams with appropriate, balanced skill sets. Increased engagement, improved retention, and enhanced leadership skills all result in a successful organization.

SparcIt

Grant in 2015
SparcIt is an NSF-funded technology and creativity company based in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA. Based on over 50 years of psychological research, SparcIt has developed the first-ever automated platform to accurately assess and categorize an individual or teams' creative thinking abilities. Some are divergent thinkers and generate many ideas, other have the knack to focus on very original ones. Employers can now measure and help enhance employees and teams' creative power through an easy to use online platform. They gain access to an accurate and versatile creativity quotient (CQ) to recruit and train employees, to form teams with appropriate, balanced skill sets. Increased engagement, improved retention, and enhanced leadership skills all result in a successful organization.

Arqball LLC

Grant in 2013
Arqball Spin allows anyone to create, edit, and share interactive 360-visualizations that convey the 3D quality of an object from your iphone or tablet.

SparcIt

Grant in 2013
SparcIt is an NSF-funded technology and creativity company based in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA. Based on over 50 years of psychological research, SparcIt has developed the first-ever automated platform to accurately assess and categorize an individual or teams' creative thinking abilities. Some are divergent thinkers and generate many ideas, other have the knack to focus on very original ones. Employers can now measure and help enhance employees and teams' creative power through an easy to use online platform. They gain access to an accurate and versatile creativity quotient (CQ) to recruit and train employees, to form teams with appropriate, balanced skill sets. Increased engagement, improved retention, and enhanced leadership skills all result in a successful organization.

Arqball LLC

Grant in 2013
Arqball Spin allows anyone to create, edit, and share interactive 360-visualizations that convey the 3D quality of an object from your iphone or tablet.
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