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 Wireless

Beamlink

Grant in 2022
Beamlink builds last mile cell networks, decreasing disaster zone network downtimes from months to a matter of days and providing rural clinics and refugee camps better access to healthtech and education

SkyGig

Grant in 2022
SkyGig is a communication technology company that specializes in millimeter-wave wireless communications. The company is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

WaveArray

Grant in 2022
WaveArray is a technology company based in Naples, Florida, founded in 2017. It specializes in developing an electronic platform aimed at eliminating biofouling, a common problem in marine environments. The company's innovative approach utilizes electronic technology and principles of water energy interaction to create microbubbles on submerged surfaces, which effectively inhibit the growth of hard-shelled organisms and algae. By preventing the formation of microorganisms on man-made surfaces, WaveArray offers a sustainable alternative to traditional antifouling paints and coatings, which can pose risks to marine ecosystems.

Yank Technologies

Grant in 2022
Yank Tech is a wireless charging startupcompany located in New Lab, a co-workingspace for creating emerging technologies.

Cambrian Works

Grant in 2021
Cambrian Works is a space technology development firm focused on advancing fault-tolerant communications networks for both Earth and lunar constellations. The company specializes in creating hardware and software solutions that serve as a space network provider, enabling flexible connectivity to meet diverse client requirements. Its technologies are designed to facilitate low-latency and secure communication, allowing clients to efficiently implement networks that connect to bus processors and manage cross-link and downlink communications terminals. Cambrian Works can operate as a standalone software package on satellite processors or be integrated into the GigRouter for enhanced connectivity and routing capabilities.

TFWireless

Grant in 2021
TFWireless specializes in advanced wireless communications technology, focusing on the commercialization of rateless codec technology. This innovative platform enhances performance and achieves significant cost reductions in wireless communications, addressing critical factors such as latency, processing speeds, and energy consumption. The company's technology is applicable in both space communication and terrestrial wireless networks, facilitating reliable transmission of information between transmitters and receivers in various environments. Through its transformative solutions, TFWireless aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of wireless communication systems.
TLC Millimeter Wave Products provides front-end wired and wireless communication devices, delivering military and commercial companies' bandwidth to back-end applications and servers. They offer increased power, speed, and reliability in millimeter-wave and microwave products.
Millimeter Wave Systems, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Amherst, Massachusetts, specializes in millimeter wave and microwave hardware solutions. The company develops a range of products, including subsystems, modules, components, and antennas, as well as advanced technologies such as cryogenic quantum-limited parametric amplifiers and latching junction ferrite circulators. These innovations are utilized in various applications, including medical scanners, sensors, automobile radars, and high data-rate communications. Millimeter Wave Systems aims to provide consistent quality in production while offering customizable solutions tailored to specific industry needs.

Pi-Radio

Grant in 2020
Developer and provider of low-power fully-digital transceiver designed for future mmWave radios. The company democratize experimental wireless research through plainly affordable SDR systems that feature advanced wireless technologies, combined with free and open-source software implementations, enabling wireless engineers to create technologies related to 6G and beyond.

Emanate Wireless

Grant in 2020
Emanate Wireless builds solutions that continuously monitor the operation and productivity of key clinical assets at healthcare facilities. The management of clinical assets that are constantly moving and/or in use can be chaotic. Optimizing this process is key to enhancing productivity and reducing staff stress.

SkyGig

Grant in 2020
SkyGig is a communication technology company that specializes in millimeter-wave wireless communications. The company is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Optipulse

Grant in 2020
Optipulse, Inc. designs and manufactures wireless communication equipment for intercity and residential communication connection grid.

Wield

Grant in 2020
Wield is a San Francisco-based company founded in 2020 that develops advanced prosthetic systems aimed at enhancing mobility and independence for individuals with limb loss. The company's platform utilizes innovative materials and biomimetic design to create prosthetics that are not only functional but also aesthetically appealing. By integrating technology that allows users to control their prosthetics through computers, Wield empowers individuals to engage fully in daily activities and achieve their personal goals.

WaveArray

Grant in 2019
WaveArray is a technology company based in Naples, Florida, founded in 2017. It specializes in developing an electronic platform aimed at eliminating biofouling, a common problem in marine environments. The company's innovative approach utilizes electronic technology and principles of water energy interaction to create microbubbles on submerged surfaces, which effectively inhibit the growth of hard-shelled organisms and algae. By preventing the formation of microorganisms on man-made surfaces, WaveArray offers a sustainable alternative to traditional antifouling paints and coatings, which can pose risks to marine ecosystems.

GenXComm

Grant in 2019
GenXComm, Inc. is a technology company based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2016. The company specializes in developing Simultaneous Self Interference Cancellation (S-SIX) technology, which allows telecommunications carriers to maximize the use of available spectrum. This innovative technology enables full duplex communication, permitting simultaneous transmission and reception of signals on the same channel. As carriers prepare for 5G deployments to meet the growing demand for wireless connectivity, GenXComm's S-SIX technology stands out by significantly enhancing network throughput, reducing latency, and improving adaptability and security. Overall, GenXComm's solutions are positioned to support the demands of an increasingly connected world.

SkyGig

Grant in 2019
SkyGig is a communication technology company that specializes in millimeter-wave wireless communications. The company is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Millimeter Wave Systems, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Amherst, Massachusetts, specializes in millimeter wave and microwave hardware solutions. The company develops a range of products, including subsystems, modules, components, and antennas, as well as advanced technologies such as cryogenic quantum-limited parametric amplifiers and latching junction ferrite circulators. These innovations are utilized in various applications, including medical scanners, sensors, automobile radars, and high data-rate communications. Millimeter Wave Systems aims to provide consistent quality in production while offering customizable solutions tailored to specific industry needs.

Mesh++

Grant in 2019
Mesh++ is a developer of solar-powered wireless communication technologies aimed at providing high-speed WiFi access in public spaces and remote areas. The company specializes in solar-powered routers that leverage mobile processing power to deliver reliable internet connectivity outdoors. By focusing on sustainable solutions, Mesh++ enables users to access high-speed internet at a low cost, enhancing connectivity in environments where traditional infrastructure may be lacking.

LYT

Grant in 2018
SinWaves, Inc. is a wireless communication company based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2016. It focuses on developing a roadside communication network that integrates Internet of Things technologies, vehicular networks, and wireless sensor networks. The company manufactures detection systems aimed at enhancing road safety and improving traffic flow management. By creating a cloud platform that connects vehicle telemetry with traffic light infrastructure, SinWaves enables real-time applications designed to enhance mobility and support autonomous vehicles. The platform utilizes existing city networks and algorithms to optimize traffic signal timings based on varying conditions, such as time of day and traffic volume. Initial applications include emergency vehicle preemption and prioritizing public transit, contributing to more efficient road networks.

Resonant Link

Grant in 2018
Resonant Link LLC manufactures and develops wireless charging solutions by leveraging coil technology. Its products include Resonant Link’s multi-layer self-resonant structure (MSRS). It serves robot, drone, and electric vehicles industries throughout the world. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Shelburne, Vermont.

Lunewave

Grant in 2018
Lunewave Inc. is a Tucson, Arizona-based company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of Luneburg lens-based antennas and automotive radar sensor systems. Founded in 2017, Lunewave creates innovative three-dimensional printed antennas designed for applications in autonomous driving, wireless communications, and drones. The company's products cater to various sectors, including telecommunications, aerospace and defense, and specialized research. Lunewave's sensors are characterized by their custom-made antennas, which come in different sizes and operating frequencies to meet specific requirements. These sensors are compact, robust, and capable of providing high resolution with an all-directional field of view and long detection range, making them suitable for the growing demands of 5G technology and autonomous vehicles.

Wicked Device

Grant in 2018
Wicked Device is a Works member company.

i5 Technologies

Grant in 2018
i5 Technology designs and develops smart antenna systems for next generation wireless communications platforms. The company’s innovative multi-functional reconfigurable antenna (MRA) technology overcomes the challenges of legacy systems and delivers significant performance gains with reduced cost and space efficiency. MRAs are capable of dynamically adapting frequency, radiation pattern and polarization based on the requirements of the environment and the communication network.

Jeeva

Grant in 2018
Jeeva Wireless Inc. is a Seattle-based company that specializes in developing transmission devices utilizing Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and Bluetooth technologies. Incorporated in 2015, Jeeva focuses on enhancing internet connectivity for a wide range of devices, aiming to support the growing demand for connectivity solutions among the next billion users. Through its innovative products, the company addresses the challenges of connecting more devices in an increasingly digital world.

GenXComm

Grant in 2017
GenXComm, Inc. is a technology company based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2016. The company specializes in developing Simultaneous Self Interference Cancellation (S-SIX) technology, which allows telecommunications carriers to maximize the use of available spectrum. This innovative technology enables full duplex communication, permitting simultaneous transmission and reception of signals on the same channel. As carriers prepare for 5G deployments to meet the growing demand for wireless connectivity, GenXComm's S-SIX technology stands out by significantly enhancing network throughput, reducing latency, and improving adaptability and security. Overall, GenXComm's solutions are positioned to support the demands of an increasingly connected world.

Micro-Leads

Grant in 2017
Micro-Leads Medical is a medical technology company focused on creating innovative therapies within the neuromodulation and bioelectronic medicine sectors. The company has developed a wireless implantable neuromodulation device that delivers arbitrary bi-phasic pulses and kilohertz blocking patterns. This platform allows for wireless programming of stimulation patterns via a browser interface, utilizing subcutaneous, implantable peripheral nerve stimulators. Its offerings include features such as tether-free animal operation, adjustable anodic and cathodic amplitudes, and unobtrusive wireless charging accessories. These advancements aim to enhance spinal-cord stimulation therapy, providing relief for patients suffering from back pain and related disorders.

MuMec

Grant in 2017
MuMec is a fabless startup building new wireless data transmission technology that uses drastically lower operating power. With these new wireless transceivers, the power budget is low enough to allow continuous operation of sensor node devices for years while using only scavenged or battery power.

Lunewave

Grant in 2016
Lunewave Inc. is a Tucson, Arizona-based company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of Luneburg lens-based antennas and automotive radar sensor systems. Founded in 2017, Lunewave creates innovative three-dimensional printed antennas designed for applications in autonomous driving, wireless communications, and drones. The company's products cater to various sectors, including telecommunications, aerospace and defense, and specialized research. Lunewave's sensors are characterized by their custom-made antennas, which come in different sizes and operating frequencies to meet specific requirements. These sensors are compact, robust, and capable of providing high resolution with an all-directional field of view and long detection range, making them suitable for the growing demands of 5G technology and autonomous vehicles.

Wicked Device

Grant in 2016
Wicked Device is a Works member company.

LYT

Grant in 2016
SinWaves, Inc. is a wireless communication company based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2016. It focuses on developing a roadside communication network that integrates Internet of Things technologies, vehicular networks, and wireless sensor networks. The company manufactures detection systems aimed at enhancing road safety and improving traffic flow management. By creating a cloud platform that connects vehicle telemetry with traffic light infrastructure, SinWaves enables real-time applications designed to enhance mobility and support autonomous vehicles. The platform utilizes existing city networks and algorithms to optimize traffic signal timings based on varying conditions, such as time of day and traffic volume. Initial applications include emergency vehicle preemption and prioritizing public transit, contributing to more efficient road networks.

The Samraksh

Grant in 2016
The Samraksh is a wireless sensor network expertise with innovative research into the hardware, software and algorithmic issues.

RF Pixels

Series A in 2016
RF Pixels is a technology company that provides next generation wireless solutions, enabling 5G.

Micro-Leads

Grant in 2016
Micro-Leads Medical is a medical technology company focused on creating innovative therapies within the neuromodulation and bioelectronic medicine sectors. The company has developed a wireless implantable neuromodulation device that delivers arbitrary bi-phasic pulses and kilohertz blocking patterns. This platform allows for wireless programming of stimulation patterns via a browser interface, utilizing subcutaneous, implantable peripheral nerve stimulators. Its offerings include features such as tether-free animal operation, adjustable anodic and cathodic amplitudes, and unobtrusive wireless charging accessories. These advancements aim to enhance spinal-cord stimulation therapy, providing relief for patients suffering from back pain and related disorders.

Bionet Sonar

Grant in 2016
Developer of wireless ultrasound-based imaging devices intended to monitor the patient's condition. The company's battery-powered medical implants with sensors use ultrasonic technology to provide continuous real-time monitoring of physiological parameters as well as transfer the data collected from the sensors using Bluetooth technology to the platform, providing healthcare professionals with implantable monitoring devices that will last longer while occupying a smaller space in the patient's body, thus subjecting the patient to fewer surgeries.
Developer of wireless glucose sensing wearable intended to help diabetes patients live a normal, productive and happy life. The company develops wireless electrochemical glucose sensor that is implanted few millimeters under the skin to measure glucose level in diabetic people, enabling patients to avail simple and effective solution for accurate and painless glucose monitoring for diabetes management.

i5 Technologies

Grant in 2016
i5 Technology designs and develops smart antenna systems for next generation wireless communications platforms. The company’s innovative multi-functional reconfigurable antenna (MRA) technology overcomes the challenges of legacy systems and delivers significant performance gains with reduced cost and space efficiency. MRAs are capable of dynamically adapting frequency, radiation pattern and polarization based on the requirements of the environment and the communication network.

OceanComm

Grant in 2016
OceanComm, Inc. develops a wireless underwater modem which enables wireless video streaming underwater and wireless remote control of underwater vehicles. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Champaign, Illinois.

WiseWear

Grant in 2015
WiseWear® is an award-winning Internet of things (IoT) company that designs, develops and sells a family of proprietary connected devices and services to keep everyone in your family healthy, safe and secure. WiseWear makes “technology invisible” and does so by seamlessly integrating proprietary biosensing, and wireless communication technologies into everyday items.

Shoelace Wireless

Grant in 2015
Shoelace Wireless. Boosting Mobile Internet Speed, Reliability and Security

MuMec

Grant in 2015
MuMec is a fabless startup building new wireless data transmission technology that uses drastically lower operating power. With these new wireless transceivers, the power budget is low enough to allow continuous operation of sensor node devices for years while using only scavenged or battery power.

VLNcomm

Grant in 2015
VLNComm is a prominent company specializing in Visible Light Communication (VLC), commonly known as Li-Fi technology. This innovative approach allows for wireless data transmission by utilizing optical energy, combining illumination and data services simultaneously. VLNComm's systems are designed to enhance internet speeds in multiuser indoor environments, leveraging the broad bandwidth of visible light. Additionally, the technology supports location-based services, functioning as an indoor GPS that accurately estimates user positions. By promoting eco-friendly lighting solutions that serve dual purposes, VLNComm aims to advance alternative data communication techniques and improve connectivity for various applications.

LUMEOVA

Grant in 2015
LUMEOVA is developing ultra-fast, wireless communication solutions.

OceanComm

Grant in 2014
OceanComm, Inc. develops a wireless underwater modem which enables wireless video streaming underwater and wireless remote control of underwater vehicles. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Champaign, Illinois.

netBlazr

Grant in 2014
netBlazr provides affordable, high-speed internet to residences and businesses as an alternative to the "big guys" that force people into high-cost service bundles for things they don't want. It was incorporated in 2010 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

Physical Devices

Grant in 2014
Physical Devices is a developer of RF technology for smartphones. The company develops wireless RF technology for smartphones from white space to Wi-Fi that will protect GPS and other RF signals against wideband interference. Physical Devices is developing breakthrough RF technology that will tune Smartphones from White Space to Wi-Fi and will protect GPS and other RF signals against severe wideband interference, among its other technologies. Physical Devices LLC develops RF filters for ultra-wideband tuning of Smartphones and to protect GPS and other RF signals against severe wideband interference, as well developing sensors for precise navigation and localization.

Lion Semiconductor

Grant in 2014
Lion Semiconductor Inc. is an electronics company based in San Francisco, California, with additional offices in Seoul, South Korea, and Shenzhen, China. Founded in 2012, it specializes in developing power and battery management integrated circuits (ICs) aimed at enhancing the performance of mobile electronics. The company's product portfolio includes battery charger ICs and single-chip power management ICs, employing a proprietary switched-capacitor architecture with digital control to achieve over 98% efficiency. These innovations enable ultra-fast wired and wireless charging solutions, as well as extended battery life for mobile devices.

Sensys Networks

Grant in 2013
Sensys Networks, Inc. is a wireless technology company specializing in integrated traffic data systems and traffic management solutions. It provides a range of products including FlexMag sensors for vehicle detection, MicroRadar for bicycle detection, and technology for collecting MAC addresses from Bluetooth or Wi-Fi devices. The company also offers solutions such as FlexControl, Access Point Controller Cards, and Repeaters to manage communications and data processing for wireless sensor networks. Additionally, Sensys Networks provides SNAPS, a software solution for automated vehicle detection data processing, VIMS Analyzer for cloud-based vehicle identification, and TrafficDOT for configuration management. The company’s offerings cater to various traffic management needs, including adaptive control, parking detection, and travel time measurement. Sensys Networks serves a global customer base, with over 150 clients across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Founded in 2003 and based in Berkeley, California, Sensys Networks operates as a subsidiary of TagMaster AB.

MegaMIMO

Grant in 2013
MegaMIMO's patent-pending technology alleviates the wireless capacity crunch. They've demonstrated that it delivers ten times more data per unit of spectrum as compared to today's technologies, and requires no changes to end-user devices.

Shoelace Wireless

Grant in 2013
Shoelace Wireless. Boosting Mobile Internet Speed, Reliability and Security

netBlazr

Grant in 2012
netBlazr provides affordable, high-speed internet to residences and businesses as an alternative to the "big guys" that force people into high-cost service bundles for things they don't want. It was incorporated in 2010 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

Lion Semiconductor

Grant in 2012
Lion Semiconductor Inc. is an electronics company based in San Francisco, California, with additional offices in Seoul, South Korea, and Shenzhen, China. Founded in 2012, it specializes in developing power and battery management integrated circuits (ICs) aimed at enhancing the performance of mobile electronics. The company's product portfolio includes battery charger ICs and single-chip power management ICs, employing a proprietary switched-capacitor architecture with digital control to achieve over 98% efficiency. These innovations enable ultra-fast wired and wireless charging solutions, as well as extended battery life for mobile devices.

Physical Devices

Grant in 2012
Physical Devices is a developer of RF technology for smartphones. The company develops wireless RF technology for smartphones from white space to Wi-Fi that will protect GPS and other RF signals against wideband interference. Physical Devices is developing breakthrough RF technology that will tune Smartphones from White Space to Wi-Fi and will protect GPS and other RF signals against severe wideband interference, among its other technologies. Physical Devices LLC develops RF filters for ultra-wideband tuning of Smartphones and to protect GPS and other RF signals against severe wideband interference, as well developing sensors for precise navigation and localization.

Dirac Solutions, Inc.

Grant in 2012
Dirac Solutions Inc provides secure wireless communications in hostile signal propagation environments.

Shared Spectrum

Grant in 2012
Shared Spectrum Company (SSC) is the leading developer of spectrum-sensing cognitive radio technology that allows devices to dynamically and automatically seek out and use the optimum frequencies and bandwidth. Anytime. Anywhere.

TagArray

Grant in 2011
TagArray, Inc. specializes in Real Time Location Services (RTLS) utilizing ultra-wide band (UWB) technology to deliver efficient and cost-effective asset tracking solutions. The company's system is designed for various applications, including inventory management, healthcare asset tracking, equipment monitoring, and agricultural uses. By offering ultra-low power and high-performance transceivers, TagArray enables rapid real-time tracking with readings available every 0.1 seconds. This technology allows for economical mass deployment in large markets, addressing challenges related to shrinkage and inventory management that have previously hindered widespread implementation.
Whisper Communications is an Atlanta-based company that specializes in wireless networking services, leveraging innovative physical layer security technologies. Utilizing a patent-pending encoding methodology developed from research at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Whisper's technology ensures that data signals transmitted beyond its designated "cone of silence" are rendered meaningless to potential eavesdroppers. This approach allows IT companies to effectively monitor, track, and control devices located in fixed environments, enhancing data security by linking it to proximity to the data source. Whisper Communications aims to provide robust solutions that address the growing need for secure wireless communication in various sectors.
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