National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

James Donlon

Program Director

Sean L. Jones

Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Debasis Majumdar

Program Director

Graciela Narcho

Staff Associate

Sethuraman Panchanathan

Director

Marco Rubin

Reviewer

Past deals in Kentucky

Kentucky Science & Engineering Foundation

Grant in 2025
The Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation (KSEF) is dedicated to fostering innovation and enhancing economic growth in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Established to support research and development activities, KSEF aims to build a robust pipeline of new ideas and technologies. By investing in various scientific initiatives, the foundation seeks to promote advancements that can contribute to the overall development of the state's economy and scientific landscape.

Northern Kentucky University

Grant in 2024
Northern Kentucky University, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit institution located in a vibrant suburban area just across the river from Cincinnati, serving nearly 16,000 students. The university offers a diverse range of graduate and undergraduate programs, contributing to its reputation as a growing metropolitan university. With a commitment to education and community engagement, Northern Kentucky University plays a significant role in the region's development and supports a dynamic student experience. Its investment portfolio reflects a balanced approach, including various asset classes such as equity funds, fixed income, and private equity, among others, ensuring financial stability to support its educational mission.

Bluegrass Community and Technical College

Grant in 2024
Bluegrass Community and Technical College is a college in Kentucky Community where students find confidence, collaboration, compassion, and success. and Technical College.

Kentucky Community and Technical College System

Grant in 2024
Founded in 2002, Somerset Community College is a relatively young school, but it has all of the knowledge and resources of institutions that have been around for decades. SCC serves over 15 counties, offering personal, professional, and economic development for residents of southern Kentucky. Somerset provides one-year certificate and diploma programs and 2-year associate’s degree programs, with easy transfer opportunities to any Kentucky university. SCC’s rapidly growing academics includes currently consists of eight divisions: * Business & Information Technology * Construction & Manufacturing * Education & Consumer Sciences * Health * Humanities & Fine Arts * Natural Sciences & Mathematics * Social Sciences * Transportation To help stimulate the local economy, the school also funds several adult education programs including GED preparation and career coaching. These courses are designed to get Kentuckians to work by teaching essential skills and targeted job training. Somserset currently has six locations throughout southern Kentucky, so you can study at the campus that’s most convenient for you. In addition to federal grants and loans, Somerset offers a number of academic and endowed scholarships to eligible students. The Elliott Family Trust and Roscoe Kelley Memorial Scholarship are among the financial aid opportunities available.

University of Louisville

Grant in 2024
The University of Louisville is a public research university offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. It is committed to advancing knowledge through research in fields such as health, engineering, and the humanities. The university actively collaborates with community partners to enhance its academic and research initiatives, thereby contributing to the education, healthcare, and research sectors. Additionally, the University of Louisville School of Dentistry operates as a specialized institute within the university, focusing on dental education and practice.

University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

Grant in 2024
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment persists as a land-grant university. Agriculture, food, and environmental systems are critical components of Kentucky's economic future, and the college's programs play an important role in these areas.

University of Kentucky

Grant in 2023
The University of Kentucky is a public land grant institution committed to enhancing lives through academic excellence, research, service, and healthcare. As Kentucky's flagship university, it fosters diversity, economic growth, and human welfare.

Western Kentucky University

Grant in 2023
Western Kentucky University, off of College Heights Blvd in Bowling Green, has over 170 amazing undergraduate and 50 graduate school fields of study to choose from. Some of the many interesting offerings at WKU include advertising, dental hygiene, early childhood education, economics, graphic design, health care administration, nursing, paralegal studies, performing arts, women’s studies, zoology, and more. For the quintessential college experience, look no further than the amazing campus facilities and events of WKU. The Hilltoppers’ football team was recently promoted to Division 1-A, allowing them to compete for national bowls and titles. Western Kentucky University also has international appeal with study-abroad programs and the Chinese Flagship program, which integrates the learning of the Chinese language into a student’s education for those interested in international careers. Financial aid is available to eligible students at WKU the form of grants, student employment, loans, veterans’ benefits, tuition waivers, and scholarships. The school itself offers academic scholarships, alumni grants, departmental scholarships and Kentucky state assistance. Job fairs and employment preparation seminars aren’t the only career services you can expect from the career center. Employers often post job leads on the website board, exclusive to WKU students. Internships are also available to students looking to gain work experience in their fields of choice.

University of Louisville

Grant in 2023
The University of Louisville is a public research university offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. It is committed to advancing knowledge through research in fields such as health, engineering, and the humanities. The university actively collaborates with community partners to enhance its academic and research initiatives, thereby contributing to the education, healthcare, and research sectors. Additionally, the University of Louisville School of Dentistry operates as a specialized institute within the university, focusing on dental education and practice.

University of Louisville

Grant in 2023
The University of Louisville is a public research university offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. It is committed to advancing knowledge through research in fields such as health, engineering, and the humanities. The university actively collaborates with community partners to enhance its academic and research initiatives, thereby contributing to the education, healthcare, and research sectors. Additionally, the University of Louisville School of Dentistry operates as a specialized institute within the university, focusing on dental education and practice.

Bellarmine University

Grant in 2022
A rigorous, respected, personal Catholic education featuring diverse academics on a small but lively campus is what you can expect at Bellarmine University. Located in Louisville, one of the nation’s most vibrant small cities, Bellarmine’s campus is also a center of rich academic, social and cultural activity. Over 70 student organizations give students the opportunity to perform with music ensembles, work at the campus radio station, go bowling, discuss art, perform in plays and meet others with similar career interests. Academics at Bellarmine are, however, the most outstanding part of the Bellarmine experience. Small class sizes aren’t the only great feature of Bellarmine’s educational life. Bellarmine’s commitment to rigor and excellence also makes for an intense learning experience with expert faculty. Majors at Bellarmine are also highly diverse. Accounting, Arts Administration, Education, Media and Cultural Studies, Nursing, Professional Writing, Psychology, and Religion are just a sampling of the highly varied offerings. Graduate programs in such fields as Business, Physical Therapy and Spirituality are also available. As if that weren’t enough, Bellarmine even goes so far as to offer certificate programs in such professional fields as Respiratory Therapy and pre-professional degrees in Law, Medicine, Dentistry and others. To gain experience and professional contacts, many students also take advantage of Bellarmine’s vast internship opportunities. Admissions criteria differ depending on one’s degree-level and area of study. In addition federal financial aid offerings for eligible students, Bellarmine encourages students to seek out private scholarships and also offers tuition payment plans.

Bluegrass Community and Technical College

Grant in 2022
Bluegrass Community and Technical College is a college in Kentucky Community where students find confidence, collaboration, compassion, and success. and Technical College.

Pascal Tags

Grant in 2022
Pascal Tags is a technology company founded in 2018 and based in Louisville, Kentucky, specializing in chipless identification technology aimed at enhancing inventory management. The company has developed an innovative RFID tag that operates without a microchip in the transponder, allowing for efficient tracking of inventory items. This technology enables manufacturers, shippers, and consumers to monitor products throughout the supply chain, from production and logistics to retail and home usage, all using a single tag. Pascal Tags' solution offers a streamlined alternative for effective inventory control, improving operational efficiency for various stakeholders in the logistics and retail sectors.

Lepidext

Grant in 2021
Lepidext is a company based in Lexington, Kentucky, founded in 2015 by Angelika Fath-Goodin and Bruce Webb. It specializes in pest control technology aimed at managing Lepidoptera populations, particularly targeting pests like the corn earworm. The company develops bio-pesticides that are species-specific, safe, and effective, providing an alternative to genetically modified plants and chemical pesticides. By leveraging a deep understanding of insect biology and collaborating closely with farmers, Lepidext seeks to enhance crop security and promote agricultural prosperity. Its innovative approach allows for improved pest management strategies, benefiting farmers and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

HeXalayer

Grant in 2021
HeXalayer, based in Louisville, Kentucky, develops graphene-based materials and carbon composites to enhance the capacity and performance of lithium-ion batteries. The company's nanomaterials-based technology centers on IML Graphene, a carbon material intended to improve energy storage in rechargeable batteries. It offers rotated multilayer graphene in powder and foil forms, as well as three-dimensional graphene materials and product options for research and development, enabling clients to access graphene materials with higher energy capacity for battery research, energy storage projects, and laboratory experiments.

Active Therapy Systems

Grant in 2021
Founded in 2017, Active Therapy Systems develops an interactive exercise platform designed to deliver personalized therapies for individuals with Parkinson's disease in the comfort of their own homes.

Pascal Tags

Grant in 2019
Pascal Tags is a technology company founded in 2018 and based in Louisville, Kentucky, specializing in chipless identification technology aimed at enhancing inventory management. The company has developed an innovative RFID tag that operates without a microchip in the transponder, allowing for efficient tracking of inventory items. This technology enables manufacturers, shippers, and consumers to monitor products throughout the supply chain, from production and logistics to retail and home usage, all using a single tag. Pascal Tags' solution offers a streamlined alternative for effective inventory control, improving operational efficiency for various stakeholders in the logistics and retail sectors.

University of Louisville

Grant in 2019
The University of Louisville is a public research university offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. It is committed to advancing knowledge through research in fields such as health, engineering, and the humanities. The university actively collaborates with community partners to enhance its academic and research initiatives, thereby contributing to the education, healthcare, and research sectors. Additionally, the University of Louisville School of Dentistry operates as a specialized institute within the university, focusing on dental education and practice.

HeXalayer

Grant in 2019
HeXalayer, based in Louisville, Kentucky, develops graphene-based materials and carbon composites to enhance the capacity and performance of lithium-ion batteries. The company's nanomaterials-based technology centers on IML Graphene, a carbon material intended to improve energy storage in rechargeable batteries. It offers rotated multilayer graphene in powder and foil forms, as well as three-dimensional graphene materials and product options for research and development, enabling clients to access graphene materials with higher energy capacity for battery research, energy storage projects, and laboratory experiments.

Active Therapy Systems

Grant in 2018
Founded in 2017, Active Therapy Systems develops an interactive exercise platform designed to deliver personalized therapies for individuals with Parkinson's disease in the comfort of their own homes.

Bert Thin Films

Grant in 2017
Bert Thin Films, LLC is a manufacturer based in Louisville, Kentucky, specializing in innovative copper paste solutions for the solar industry. Founded in 2014, the company produces CuBert, a patented copper-based paste designed to serve as a direct substitute for traditional silver paste used in solar panel manufacturing. This product allows solar panel manufacturers to utilize existing screen-printing equipment and belt furnaces, facilitating a seamless transition to a more cost-effective alternative without the need for process changes. Bert Thin Films aims to help its clientele achieve significant cost savings while maintaining production efficiency in solar panel fabrication.

RedLeaf Biologics

Grant in 2017
RedLeaf Biologics produces natural pigment products, including natural food colors, colorants, antioxidants, and antimicrobials for human and livestock applications. Founded in 2015 and based in Lexington, Kentucky, the company develops bioactive ingredients that are natural, sustainable, scalable, and socially responsible. It collaborates with local farmers to grow materials in the United States, supporting sustainable agriculture and supply chain security. The products offer alternatives to chemical dyes and synthetic additives, delivering safe, versatile ingredients for customers seeking natural solutions in food and beverage and related sectors.

Breath Diagnostics

Grant in 2016
Founded in 2014, Breath Diagnostics develops and manufactures a non-invasive diagnostic tool for lung cancer screening. Its flagship product, OneBreath, utilizes proprietary silicon microchip technology to capture specific volatile organic compounds from a single exhaled breath sample, enabling quantitative analysis via conventional mass spectrometers.

PowerTech Water

Grant in 2016
PowerTech Water, Inc. is a company specializing in water treatment solutions, focusing on the development and marketing of innovative products. It offers CapCo, an electrochemical filter designed to effectively remove a range of metals from water, including lead, copper, manganese, iron, silver, gold, mercury, zinc, nickel, and aluminum. The company's technology serves various industries, including batteries, microelectronics, electroplating, automotive, metal finishing, mining, food and beverage, and oil and gas. Founded in 2014, PowerTech Water is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, and is committed to providing chemical-free wastewater treatment solutions.

Liberate Medical

Grant in 2016
Liberate Medical, LLC is a medical device company focused on developing innovative solutions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Established in 2013 and headquartered in Crestwood, Kentucky, the company has created the VentFree system, which employs proprietary non-invasive neuromuscular electrical stimulation to contract abdominal wall muscles in synchrony with exhalation during mechanical ventilation. This technology aims to mitigate disuse atrophy of these muscles, potentially decreasing the duration of mechanical ventilation required for adult patients. By enhancing respiratory muscle function, Liberate Medical seeks to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with the care of individuals with pulmonary disorders.

Pyrochem Catalyst

Grant in 2016
Founded in 2010, Pyrochem Catalyst specializes in the development of oxidation and reduction catalysts for automotive emissions control and chemical processing. Its products enable efficient conversion of natural gas into synthesis gas under high aromatic, high sulfur, and high-temperature conditions, helping businesses reduce capital expenditures and operating costs through consistent performance.

RedLeaf Biologics

Grant in 2016
RedLeaf Biologics produces natural pigment products, including natural food colors, colorants, antioxidants, and antimicrobials for human and livestock applications. Founded in 2015 and based in Lexington, Kentucky, the company develops bioactive ingredients that are natural, sustainable, scalable, and socially responsible. It collaborates with local farmers to grow materials in the United States, supporting sustainable agriculture and supply chain security. The products offer alternatives to chemical dyes and synthetic additives, delivering safe, versatile ingredients for customers seeking natural solutions in food and beverage and related sectors.

PowerTech Water

Grant in 2015
PowerTech Water, Inc. is a company specializing in water treatment solutions, focusing on the development and marketing of innovative products. It offers CapCo, an electrochemical filter designed to effectively remove a range of metals from water, including lead, copper, manganese, iron, silver, gold, mercury, zinc, nickel, and aluminum. The company's technology serves various industries, including batteries, microelectronics, electroplating, automotive, metal finishing, mining, food and beverage, and oil and gas. Founded in 2014, PowerTech Water is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, and is committed to providing chemical-free wastewater treatment solutions.

Bert Thin Films

Grant in 2014
Bert Thin Films, LLC is a manufacturer based in Louisville, Kentucky, specializing in innovative copper paste solutions for the solar industry. Founded in 2014, the company produces CuBert, a patented copper-based paste designed to serve as a direct substitute for traditional silver paste used in solar panel manufacturing. This product allows solar panel manufacturers to utilize existing screen-printing equipment and belt furnaces, facilitating a seamless transition to a more cost-effective alternative without the need for process changes. Bert Thin Films aims to help its clientele achieve significant cost savings while maintaining production efficiency in solar panel fabrication.

Pyrochem Catalyst

Grant in 2014
Founded in 2010, Pyrochem Catalyst specializes in the development of oxidation and reduction catalysts for automotive emissions control and chemical processing. Its products enable efficient conversion of natural gas into synthesis gas under high aromatic, high sulfur, and high-temperature conditions, helping businesses reduce capital expenditures and operating costs through consistent performance.

Liberate Medical

Grant in 2014
Liberate Medical, LLC is a medical device company focused on developing innovative solutions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Established in 2013 and headquartered in Crestwood, Kentucky, the company has created the VentFree system, which employs proprietary non-invasive neuromuscular electrical stimulation to contract abdominal wall muscles in synchrony with exhalation during mechanical ventilation. This technology aims to mitigate disuse atrophy of these muscles, potentially decreasing the duration of mechanical ventilation required for adult patients. By enhancing respiratory muscle function, Liberate Medical seeks to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with the care of individuals with pulmonary disorders.

ParaTechs

Grant in 2014
Founded in 2004, ParaTechs is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative technologies and bringing novel products to market. It focuses on enabling discovery and development in the biotech sector.

Tier 1 Performance

Grant in 2013
Tier 1 Performance Solutions, LLC specializes in online learning and knowledge management solutions tailored for commercial, non-profit, and government organizations. Established in 1993 and headquartered in Covington, Kentucky, the company offers a range of products designed to enhance learning and performance. Among its key offerings is Performance1, a content management system that streamlines the authoring and delivery of performance-related content. Additionally, the Library1 system provides a diverse collection of media assets, including illustrations and animations, to support various learning initiatives. Method1 serves as a structured approach for developing learning modules, while the company also provides online help and electronic performance support systems to facilitate software deployment.

CEINT

Grant in 2013
CEINT is a collaborative research center headquartered at Duke University, investigating the environmental implications of nanomaterials. It explores their potential exposure, biological effects, and ecological impacts, involving researchers from multiple universities and international partners.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.