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

Debasis Majumdar

Program Director

Graciela Narcho

Staff Associate

Sethuraman Panchanathan

Director

Past deals in Defence

Orbital Services Corporation (OSCorp)

Grant in 2024
OSCorp is an in-space services company that safeguards the space domain and builds a thriving in-space economy. OSCorp develops cutting-edge technologies at the nexus of GN and C, AI/ML, LiDAR sensors, space robotics, and lasercom terminals. The company aims to revolutionize space operations by delivering strategic capabilities for the U.S. government and commercial space operators. It also aims to provide government operators with unparalleled situational awareness and enable them to execute tactically responsive space operations to protect strategic government and commercial space assets, and the services they provide, from denial, disruption, destruction, or degradation.

ANAFLASH

Grant in 2022
ANAFLASH Inc. is a semiconductor startup that specializes in developing an energy-efficient microprocessor designed for battery-powered edge devices. Funded by NSF, DoD, and NASA, the company focuses on creating a brain-inspired solution that enables real-time artificial intelligence inferencing without relying on cloud access. Their innovative flash-based microprocessor efficiently handles complex tasks while minimizing data traffic and power consumption during active and idle modes. This technology offers clients a cost-effective system for energy-efficient edge computing, featuring an integrated non-volatile neural network computing engine that allows secure task execution without the need for external resources.

Mesodyne

Grant in 2022
Mesodyne is an engineering and manufacturing company focused on innovative electricity generation solutions, particularly through its patented LightCell technology, which converts various fuels into electricity using light. Founded in 2018 by Drs. Veronika Stelmakh and Walker Chan, the company aims to deliver portable and reliable power generation systems to military and commercial users. Mesodyne's compact power generators enhance the endurance of small autonomous systems, offering efficient and long-lasting energy sources that bridge the gap between traditional batteries and internal combustion engines. This technology is designed to alleviate the burden on dismounted warfighters and emergency responders while extending the operational range of unmanned vehicles, wearables, and other equipment.

Distributed Spectrum

Grant in 2021
Founded in 2020, Distributed Spectrum is a defense technology company that specializes in signal processing, machine learning, and embedded systems. The company develops software and sensors designed to enhance understanding of critical radio signals for various missions. Its spectrum monitoring systems provide essential situational awareness and actionable alerts, offering capabilities such as passive signature detection and signal analysis. These products enable users to comprehend the radio spectrum in their vicinity and effectively identify and track signals across diverse environments.

4D Avionic Systems

Grant in 2021
4D Avionic Systems provides Strategic and Tactical Deconfliction services. They offer three-dimensional prescriptive control and high density operations, enabling the aviation industry to get a safer, more efficient, and more profitable technology for airspace management.

Apogee Semiconductor

Grant in 2021
Apogee Semiconductor specializes in semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on the development of radiation-hardened power, analog, and mixed-signal components. The company aims to enhance the accessibility of space technologies by providing solutions that bridge the gap between commercial and high-reliability semiconductor technologies. Apogee Semiconductor offers a range of radiation-hardened processes and integrated circuit designs that are tailored for extreme environments, ensuring reliability and performance. By utilizing cost-effective standard semiconductor processes, the company enables designers to create robust components suitable for applications in challenging conditions, thus supporting advancements in the aerospace sector and beyond.

Frost Defense

Grant in 2021
Frost Defense develops frost protection products to keep windshields frost-free. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois.

Anello Photonics

Grant in 2021
Anello Photonics is a technology company developing a silicon photonic optical gyroscope to navigate, position, and motion track autonomous applications in challenging GPS-jammed and spoofed environments. The company's technology portfolio spans over 28 issued patents, and over 44 pending patents, and includes an AI-based sensor fusion engine. It serves the robotics, defense, construction, agriculture, and autonomous vehicles industries.

Zeteo Tech

Grant in 2021
Zeteo is a defense and space company that specializes in prototype and transition innovative solutions. The company retains a wide network of affiliates with research, development, and production capabilities enabling idea generation, prototyping, and deployment. Zeteo was founded in 2013 and headquartered in Maryland, United States.

Skyhaven Systems

Grant in 2021
Skyhaven Systems is a research and development firm headquartered in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with primary laboratories in Westford, Massachusetts. Established in 2017 through the merger of Reactive Innovations, LLC, the company specializes in addressing critical needs of the U.S. Government across the Defense, Energy, Aerospace, and Environmental sectors. Skyhaven employs advanced electrochemical engineering and reaction-based chemistry to tackle complex technical challenges, working closely with agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The firm focuses on innovative chemical process technologies, including reactor design and thermal management, to develop operational prototypes and deliver research findings. As a small business, Skyhaven retains technology rights from its government-funded projects, providing the government with a royalty-free license while also enabling the firm to pursue commercialization opportunities. This strategic approach allows Skyhaven to address high-risk development areas often overlooked by larger organizations, fostering innovation through government contracts and grants. The firm actively protects its intellectual property through patents and trade secrets, positioning itself for future growth in both governmental and commercial markets.

DeepBits

Grant in 2021
DeepBits is a cybersecurity firm dedicated to indexing and analyzing binary code to enhance threat discovery and mitigation. Drawing inspiration from Google's mission to organize information, DeepBits aims to improve the security of various devices, including computers, mobile phones, and IoT devices. The company leverages over a decade of multimillion-dollar research, supported by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense, to quickly identify vulnerabilities and classify malware, even as it attempts to conceal its identity. Utilizing artificial intelligence and deep learning, DeepBits' platform accurately disassembles and analyzes binary files, enabling organizations to detect threats early in the software development cycle. This proactive approach helps companies reduce cybersecurity expenditures and effectively prevent potential cyber threats.

Sperry Bio

Corporate Round in 2021
Sperry Bio is focused on developing innovative medical devices, particularly the sperry micro-coring system, aimed at treating burns and enhancing wound healing while minimizing scarring. The company is engaged in research programs aligned with the objectives of the army medical research and materiel command, specifically within the clinical and rehabilitative medicine research domain. By creating advanced skin graft harvesting technologies, Sperry Bio seeks to alleviate the pain and limitations associated with existing treatment methods, addressing functional impairments caused by severe scarring and contraction. Their approach aims to improve both the effectiveness of burn injury treatments and the cosmetic outcomes for patients.

Blue Cranium

Grant in 2020
Blue Cranium develops cutting-edge technology solutions for the commercial, medical, transportation, space, and defense industries. Comsat Architects has been established as a trade name by Blue Cranium LLC.

Advent Diamond

Grant in 2020
Advent Diamond specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced semiconductor materials and components tailored for applications in telecommunications, power, quantum technologies, and sophisticated sensors. The company focuses on producing semiconducting diamond components by utilizing cleanroom processing, lithography, and surface modification techniques. In addition to its core offerings, Advent Diamond is engaged in creating innovative radiation detectors designed for the defense, commercial, and scientific sectors. Through its cutting-edge technology and expertise, the company aims to support various industries by enhancing their capabilities and fostering innovation.

Swift Coat

Grant in 2020
Swift Coat, Inc. is an Arizona-based company that specializes in designing and manufacturing nanoparticle-coating solutions. Incorporated in 2016 and located in Peoria, Arizona, Swift Coat offers innovative coating materials capable of covering a wide range of surfaces, including those that are hard, soft, smooth, rough, flat, and irregularly shaped. The company's technology enables efficient application through aerosol cans, allowing for rapid coating of large areas while maintaining precise thickness tolerances. Swift Coat serves various markets, including solar energy, military applications, consumer products, industrial sectors, glazing, filtration, displays, and sensors.

ANAFLASH

Grant in 2020
ANAFLASH Inc. is a semiconductor startup that specializes in developing an energy-efficient microprocessor designed for battery-powered edge devices. Funded by NSF, DoD, and NASA, the company focuses on creating a brain-inspired solution that enables real-time artificial intelligence inferencing without relying on cloud access. Their innovative flash-based microprocessor efficiently handles complex tasks while minimizing data traffic and power consumption during active and idle modes. This technology offers clients a cost-effective system for energy-efficient edge computing, featuring an integrated non-volatile neural network computing engine that allows secure task execution without the need for external resources.

Orbit Fab

Grant in 2020
Orbit Fab, Inc. is a company focused on developing orbital propellant depots to support satellite servicing and expand the operational capabilities of space assets. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company provides various products, including the Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI) for on-orbit refueling and docking, as well as prototypes of rigid and flexible tankers for the International Space Station (ISS). By creating the necessary infrastructure for in-space fuel supply, Orbit Fab aims to foster a growing market for satellite maintenance and new industries such as space tourism, manufacturing, and mining. Their technology enhances the flexibility and operational lifespan of satellites, enabling operators to acquire fuel and materials as needed, thus transforming the way satellites are serviced in orbit.

Lucida Research

Grant in 2020
Lucida Research provides research and development in optical gun sights. Their research and development conducted under this project will enhance scientific and technological understanding of optical beam steering and optical guidance techniques applicable to broad fields of science and engineering, such as astronomy, missile tracking, remote sensing, and self-driving cars.

Unknot.id

Grant in 2019
Unknot.id is a developer of a pioneering contextual behavioral intelligence platform that leverages advanced AI algorithms to analyze diverse signals from mobile sensors and other data sources. The platform is designed to create a comprehensive and secure view of human contexts, addressing real-time situational awareness challenges across various sectors, including hospitality, property management, law enforcement, military and defense, and healthcare. By utilizing privacy-preserving machine learning and smartphone technology, Unknot.id offers solutions for fraud detection and effective tracking in environments with limited GPS capabilities, all without the need for infrastructure deployment. This technology ensures secure authorization and privacy preservation for its clients, enabling new capabilities in both digital and physical contexts.

Frost Defense

Grant in 2019
Frost Defense develops frost protection products to keep windshields frost-free. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois.

Mstatt

Grant in 2019
Mstatt develops photonic technologies for the healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing, and defense industries. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

Ludlum Measurements

Grant in 2019
Ludlum Measurements, Inc. specializes in the manufacture of radiation detection instruments and technologies that ensure the safety of personnel and the environment. Founded in 1962 by Don Ludlum, the company provides a diverse array of equipment used for various applications, including routine monitoring of personnel and materials, border security, and emergency response scenarios. In addition to its primary products, Ludlum Measurements also offers servicing for radiation detection instruments made by other manufacturers, along with training courses for instrument repair and calibration. This enables customers to maintain affordable, reliable, and durable equipment tailored to their specific needs.

Recon-RF

Grant in 2019
Recon-RF provides MMICs, LNAs, mixers, and T/R cells, which are used to develop integrated microwave assemblies and modules from DC to above 140 GHz. They have discriminating GaN SSPA design capabilities to enable custom Ultra-High-Efficiency SSPAs in MMIC, Hybrid-MIC, and final module forms.

PrintFoam

Grant in 2019
PrintFoam specializes in 3D printing services that utilize foamed materials to create lighter and more cost-effective components. By employing advanced materials formulation and manufacturing techniques, the company produces innovative foam products that can be tailored to meet specific requirements across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, defense, oil and gas, and construction. Their technology allows for adjustments in foam porosity and matrix properties, resulting in enhanced compressive strength and reduced material expenses. This combination of benefits positions PrintFoam as a valuable partner for businesses seeking efficient and effective additive manufacturing solutions.

Phoenix Tailings

Grant in 2019
Phoenix Tailings, is building technology to enable the recycling and re-mining of Bauxite Residue (“Red Mud”) - a hazardous by-product in the aluminum industry - to extract strategic materials which are critical to the Defense, Automotive, Electronics and Biotech industries. The company was founded with the mission to revolutionize the mining industry by enabling new sources of strategic materials, sustainably and economically.

Gigajot Technology

Grant in 2019
Gigajot Technology Inc. is a Pasadena, California-based company founded in 2017 by Dr. Saleh Masoodian and Dr. Jiaju Ma. The company specializes in the development of quanta image sensors (QIS) that utilize high-speed single-photon detection to enhance image capture capabilities for both consumers and professionals. Gigajot Technology offers image processing services across various sectors, including scientific imaging, medical imaging, space imaging, security and defense, low-light photography and videography, computational imaging, automotive sensing, and 3D sensing. By focusing on advanced imaging technologies, Gigajot aims to create innovative solutions that address diverse imaging needs.

ANAFLASH

Grant in 2019
ANAFLASH Inc. is a semiconductor startup that specializes in developing an energy-efficient microprocessor designed for battery-powered edge devices. Funded by NSF, DoD, and NASA, the company focuses on creating a brain-inspired solution that enables real-time artificial intelligence inferencing without relying on cloud access. Their innovative flash-based microprocessor efficiently handles complex tasks while minimizing data traffic and power consumption during active and idle modes. This technology offers clients a cost-effective system for energy-efficient edge computing, featuring an integrated non-volatile neural network computing engine that allows secure task execution without the need for external resources.

PC Krause and Associates

Grant in 2018
PC Krause and Associates (PCKA) was incorporated in the state of Indiana in 1983. After the successful completion of several small task-ordered contracts with government agencies and Midwest utilities, PCKA was starting to become recognized as an up-and-coming consulting company with highly-talented engineers. It is a high-tech company with a concentration of high-level expertise in the dynamics of electromechanical systems with particular emphasis on power-electronic-based systems of the types to be found in advanced aircraft, ships, and ground vehicles. The company has a well-established reputation for solving engineering challenges through the use of advanced modeling, simulation, analysis, and control techniques.

South 8 Technologies

Grant in 2018
South 8 Technologies, Inc. is a manufacturer based in San Diego, California, specializing in advanced lithium batteries and electrochemical capacitors that utilize a unique liquefied gas electrolyte known as LiGas®. Founded in 2015, the company addresses key issues associated with traditional lithium-ion batteries, particularly their susceptibility to fire and performance limitations in extreme temperatures. LiGas technology enhances energy density and safety, allowing batteries to operate effectively within a temperature range of -60 to 60 °C. This innovation serves a diverse array of applications, including electric vehicles, energy storage, aerospace, and defense industries, by providing improved performance and reduced flammability compared to conventional materials. South 8 has developed its first battery cell, the Arctic™ LiGas 18650, and is actively working on additional battery chemistries. The company holds 23 patents across multiple jurisdictions, with a customer base that includes cell manufacturers and end-users, supported by various investors in the technology and automotive sectors.

Swift Coat

Grant in 2018
Swift Coat, Inc. is an Arizona-based company that specializes in designing and manufacturing nanoparticle-coating solutions. Incorporated in 2016 and located in Peoria, Arizona, Swift Coat offers innovative coating materials capable of covering a wide range of surfaces, including those that are hard, soft, smooth, rough, flat, and irregularly shaped. The company's technology enables efficient application through aerosol cans, allowing for rapid coating of large areas while maintaining precise thickness tolerances. Swift Coat serves various markets, including solar energy, military applications, consumer products, industrial sectors, glazing, filtration, displays, and sensors.

Lunewave

Grant in 2018
Lunewave Inc. is a manufacturer based in Tucson, Arizona, specializing in Luneburg lens-based antennas and automotive radar sensor systems. Founded in 2017, the company serves various sectors, including telecommunications, aerospace and defense, automotive, and specialized research. Lunewave develops advanced, three-dimensional printed Luneburg lens antennas and radar systems tailored for applications in autonomous driving, wireless communications, and drone technology. Its products feature custom-made antennas available in various sizes and operating frequencies, designed to meet specific customer needs. The sensors are characterized by their compact, robust design, offering high resolution, all-directional fields of view, and long detection ranges.

Advent Diamond

Grant in 2018
Advent Diamond specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced semiconductor materials and components tailored for applications in telecommunications, power, quantum technologies, and sophisticated sensors. The company focuses on producing semiconducting diamond components by utilizing cleanroom processing, lithography, and surface modification techniques. In addition to its core offerings, Advent Diamond is engaged in creating innovative radiation detectors designed for the defense, commercial, and scientific sectors. Through its cutting-edge technology and expertise, the company aims to support various industries by enhancing their capabilities and fostering innovation.

Planck Aerosystems

Grant in 2018
Planck Aerosystems Inc. is an autonomous drone company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing innovative drone-based surveillance software named Shearwater, which is designed for various applications including survey and mapping, emergency response, safety and surveillance, and scientific research. The company integrates artificial intelligence into its drone technology, enabling advanced capabilities such as vision-based navigation and control. This technology allows drones to autonomously launch and land on moving vehicles and vessels, significantly enhancing operational applications in sectors such as security, defense, maritime, and logistics. Planck Aerosystems primarily serves government agencies and industrial maritime operators, providing them with cutting-edge solutions for drone autonomy and mobility.

Mesodyne

Grant in 2018
Mesodyne is an engineering and manufacturing company focused on innovative electricity generation solutions, particularly through its patented LightCell technology, which converts various fuels into electricity using light. Founded in 2018 by Drs. Veronika Stelmakh and Walker Chan, the company aims to deliver portable and reliable power generation systems to military and commercial users. Mesodyne's compact power generators enhance the endurance of small autonomous systems, offering efficient and long-lasting energy sources that bridge the gap between traditional batteries and internal combustion engines. This technology is designed to alleviate the burden on dismounted warfighters and emergency responders while extending the operational range of unmanned vehicles, wearables, and other equipment.

Gigajot Technology

Grant in 2017
Gigajot Technology Inc. is a Pasadena, California-based company founded in 2017 by Dr. Saleh Masoodian and Dr. Jiaju Ma. The company specializes in the development of quanta image sensors (QIS) that utilize high-speed single-photon detection to enhance image capture capabilities for both consumers and professionals. Gigajot Technology offers image processing services across various sectors, including scientific imaging, medical imaging, space imaging, security and defense, low-light photography and videography, computational imaging, automotive sensing, and 3D sensing. By focusing on advanced imaging technologies, Gigajot aims to create innovative solutions that address diverse imaging needs.

DeepBits

Grant in 2017
DeepBits is a cybersecurity firm dedicated to indexing and analyzing binary code to enhance threat discovery and mitigation. Drawing inspiration from Google's mission to organize information, DeepBits aims to improve the security of various devices, including computers, mobile phones, and IoT devices. The company leverages over a decade of multimillion-dollar research, supported by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense, to quickly identify vulnerabilities and classify malware, even as it attempts to conceal its identity. Utilizing artificial intelligence and deep learning, DeepBits' platform accurately disassembles and analyzes binary files, enabling organizations to detect threats early in the software development cycle. This proactive approach helps companies reduce cybersecurity expenditures and effectively prevent potential cyber threats.

South 8 Technologies

Grant in 2017
South 8 Technologies, Inc. is a manufacturer based in San Diego, California, specializing in advanced lithium batteries and electrochemical capacitors that utilize a unique liquefied gas electrolyte known as LiGas®. Founded in 2015, the company addresses key issues associated with traditional lithium-ion batteries, particularly their susceptibility to fire and performance limitations in extreme temperatures. LiGas technology enhances energy density and safety, allowing batteries to operate effectively within a temperature range of -60 to 60 °C. This innovation serves a diverse array of applications, including electric vehicles, energy storage, aerospace, and defense industries, by providing improved performance and reduced flammability compared to conventional materials. South 8 has developed its first battery cell, the Arctic™ LiGas 18650, and is actively working on additional battery chemistries. The company holds 23 patents across multiple jurisdictions, with a customer base that includes cell manufacturers and end-users, supported by various investors in the technology and automotive sectors.

TangiTek

Grant in 2017
TangiTek develops carbon fiber composites for use in aerospace, electronics, defense, communications, and consumer products. The company was founded in 2011 and is based in Portland, Oregon.

Planck Aerosystems

Grant in 2016
Planck Aerosystems Inc. is an autonomous drone company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing innovative drone-based surveillance software named Shearwater, which is designed for various applications including survey and mapping, emergency response, safety and surveillance, and scientific research. The company integrates artificial intelligence into its drone technology, enabling advanced capabilities such as vision-based navigation and control. This technology allows drones to autonomously launch and land on moving vehicles and vessels, significantly enhancing operational applications in sectors such as security, defense, maritime, and logistics. Planck Aerosystems primarily serves government agencies and industrial maritime operators, providing them with cutting-edge solutions for drone autonomy and mobility.

Lunewave

Grant in 2016
Lunewave Inc. is a manufacturer based in Tucson, Arizona, specializing in Luneburg lens-based antennas and automotive radar sensor systems. Founded in 2017, the company serves various sectors, including telecommunications, aerospace and defense, automotive, and specialized research. Lunewave develops advanced, three-dimensional printed Luneburg lens antennas and radar systems tailored for applications in autonomous driving, wireless communications, and drone technology. Its products feature custom-made antennas available in various sizes and operating frequencies, designed to meet specific customer needs. The sensors are characterized by their compact, robust design, offering high resolution, all-directional fields of view, and long detection ranges.

Infinium Metals

Grant in 2016
Infinium Metals, based in Natick, Massachusetts, specializes in the development and commercialization of advanced metallurgical processes for producing lightweight and magnetic materials. The company manufactures essential metals including magnesium, titanium, tantalum, neodymium, dysprosium, and solar-grade silicon using innovative techniques such as solid oxide membrane electrolysis. This low-energy process not only enhances efficiency but also minimizes environmental impact. Infinium Metals provides magnesium for fuel-efficient vehicles and aircraft components, neodymium for magnets used in wind turbines and hybrid vehicles, and elements for high power-to-weight generators. Additionally, the company offers recycling solutions for magnesium and rare earth elements. Infinium serves various industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer technology, defense, energy, and mass transit. Originally founded in 2008 as Metal Oxygen Separation Technologies, Inc., the company rebranded in 2013 to reflect its broader focus on clean metals.

Influit Energy

Grant in 2016
Influit Energy develops novel, nanotechnology-based functional liquids, or nanofluids, that enable solutions for energy challenges, including low-viscosity liquids that transport and store electric and thermal energy. Influit developed a rechargeable liquid energy storage format for basing and defense capability. Influit is also working with DARPA to develop a rechargeable liquid energy storage format to address basing and defense capability needs. Mobile flow battery pods that can be connected to and accumulate energy from distributed or centralized intermittent renewable energy sources enable the closed-cycle energy storage ecosystem. Influit Energy focuses on material science, electrochemistry, system integration, and product development.

PC Krause and Associates

Grant in 2016
PC Krause and Associates (PCKA) was incorporated in the state of Indiana in 1983. After the successful completion of several small task-ordered contracts with government agencies and Midwest utilities, PCKA was starting to become recognized as an up-and-coming consulting company with highly-talented engineers. It is a high-tech company with a concentration of high-level expertise in the dynamics of electromechanical systems with particular emphasis on power-electronic-based systems of the types to be found in advanced aircraft, ships, and ground vehicles. The company has a well-established reputation for solving engineering challenges through the use of advanced modeling, simulation, analysis, and control techniques.

BTI Targetry

Grant in 2016
BTI Targetry specializes in the development and deployment of high-performance targets for radionuclide production. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Cary, North Carolina.

TPhotonics

Grant in 2016
TPhotonics, founded in 2012 in Southern Arizona, is a company that focuses on developing advanced laser solutions utilizing its patented T-cavity technology. As a spin-off from the University of Arizona's College of Optical Sciences, TPhotonics specializes in vertical external cavity surface emitting lasers. These lasers are capable of producing spectrally tunable light across multiple wavelengths, spanning from the ultraviolet to the far infrared regions of the spectrum. This versatility allows TPhotonics to cater to various sectors, including medical, commercial, and military applications, while also supporting scientific research and multi-disciplinary education in exploring new wavelengths and their potential uses.

R-DEX Systems

Grant in 2016
R-DEX Systems, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, specializes in developing information products derived from airborne and satellite imagery for defense and commercial uses. The company focuses on creating AI, robotics, automation, and sensor solutions tailored for mission-critical systems. R-DEX Systems produces advanced 2D and 3D machine vision inspection and robotics solutions that cater to a diverse array of applications in robotics, industrial automation, and automated inspection. Their innovations support the defense sector in the development and deployment of reliable and adaptable AI technologies.

Autonomic Materials

Grant in 2015
Autonomic Materials, Inc. specializes in the design, manufacture, and marketing of self-healing solutions for the coatings industry. The company produces microencapsulated additives that include both dual and single capsule systems, which utilize various chemical processes to repair coating damage at the micron level. These products provide corrosion protection and are applicable to a wide range of substrates, including metals, wood, concrete, plastics, and composites. Autonomic Materials' solutions are utilized in diverse sectors such as alternative energy, industrial maintenance, military equipment, infrastructure, and consumer paints. Founded in 2005 and based in Champaign, Illinois, the company focuses on enhancing the performance and longevity of materials by enabling them to respond to damage autonomously, thus reducing the need for manual detection and intervention.

BTI Targetry

Grant in 2015
BTI Targetry specializes in the development and deployment of high-performance targets for radionuclide production. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Cary, North Carolina.

Akron Ascent Innovations

Grant in 2015
Their motivation is to find solutions to problems that people face everyday, from household consumer applications to medical devices, packaging, assembly, and defense. They want to make materials that work so well they seem like magic and want to make the world a better place for it.

Apogee Semiconductor

Grant in 2015
Apogee Semiconductor specializes in semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on the development of radiation-hardened power, analog, and mixed-signal components. The company aims to enhance the accessibility of space technologies by providing solutions that bridge the gap between commercial and high-reliability semiconductor technologies. Apogee Semiconductor offers a range of radiation-hardened processes and integrated circuit designs that are tailored for extreme environments, ensuring reliability and performance. By utilizing cost-effective standard semiconductor processes, the company enables designers to create robust components suitable for applications in challenging conditions, thus supporting advancements in the aerospace sector and beyond.

InView Technology

Grant in 2014
InView Technology Corporation, founded in 2009 and based in Austin, Texas, specializes in the development and manufacturing of compressive sensing-based imaging and hyperspectral imaging products. The company's offerings include shortwave and midwave infrared cameras, hyperspectral imagers, and CompressView software, which aids in managing the setup, capture, and processing of imaging data. Their technologies find applications across various sectors, including microscopy, life sciences, military and surveillance, maritime operations, industrial process control, food and pharmaceutical inspection, energy audits, and material research. InView Technology's innovations enable detailed imaging and spectral analysis, providing critical insights for diverse industries.

Silverside Detectors

Grant in 2014
Silverside Detectors is a technology company that develops nuclear radiation detection technologies to protect cities and citizens from nuclear terrorism. It designs and develops adaptable radiation detectors. These detectors can be installed in urban and transit infrastructure for nuclear detection. The company develops inexpensive thermal neutron detectors that can be a building block for large-area networked scanning and other future solutions for nuclear threat reduction.

EGW Technologies

Grant in 2014
EGW Technologies offers technology development and product design in industries including medical devices, laboratory equipment, avionics, defense, robotics, consumer electronics, sports equipment, transportation, industrial controls, and lighting.

REL

Grant in 2014
REL, INC is a technology company with focus areas in material process development. REL develops advanced materials for high performance products, including lightweight brakes, insulation for NASA, armor and conformable natural gas tanks. Critical to the successful scale-up of material technology is the scale-up of process technology. REL develops it all in-house, the material and the process. This process equipment expertise leads to custom engineered equipment for casting, automation, test equipment and non-destructive testing.

Empire Robotics

Grant in 2014
Empire Robotics, Inc. specializes in extremely flexible robotic end-effectors that leverage the jamming phase transition of granular materials. Founded in 2012, Empire's team of soft robotics experts, materials scientists, and experienced automation engineers are serving diverse technology fields including agile manufacturing automation, collaborative robotics, prosthetics, and mobile military robotics. Across a broad range of applications, Empire's products enable secure grasping and manipulation of widely varying objects with simple inexpensive tools.

TRX Systems

Grant in 2014
TRX Systems, Inc. specializes in developing indoor location solutions that provide accurate tracking and mapping in environments where GPS signals are weak or unavailable, such as indoors, underground, and in dense urban areas. The company's flagship product, the NEON system, integrates advanced sensor fusion, time-of-flight ranging, and mapping algorithms to deliver precise real-time location data. Key offerings include the NEON Tracking Unit, a wearable sensor accessory, and the NEON Personnel Tracker, which enables users to be tracked both indoors and outdoors for applications in industrial, security, public safety, and defense sectors. Additionally, TRX provides NEON Signal Mapper for real-time 3D indoor mapping and other application programming interface solutions. The company's technology is embedded in various devices like mobile phones and radios, enhancing situational awareness and command effectiveness. Established in 2001 and headquartered in Greenbelt, Maryland, TRX Systems markets its products through online channels.

MAVRIC

Grant in 2013
MAVRIC is a cross-campus multidisciplinary collaboration to study Autonomous Vehicles at the University of Michigan. MAVRIC represents a truly multidisciplinary approach to studying Autonomous Vehicles. Members of MAVRIC are from the School of Information, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering and the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute. MAVRIC's research has been sponsored by the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), Toyota Research Institute (TRI), MCity/Mobility Transformation Center.

Apogee Semiconductor

Grant in 2013
Apogee Semiconductor specializes in semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on the development of radiation-hardened power, analog, and mixed-signal components. The company aims to enhance the accessibility of space technologies by providing solutions that bridge the gap between commercial and high-reliability semiconductor technologies. Apogee Semiconductor offers a range of radiation-hardened processes and integrated circuit designs that are tailored for extreme environments, ensuring reliability and performance. By utilizing cost-effective standard semiconductor processes, the company enables designers to create robust components suitable for applications in challenging conditions, thus supporting advancements in the aerospace sector and beyond.

TPhotonics

Grant in 2013
TPhotonics, founded in 2012 in Southern Arizona, is a company that focuses on developing advanced laser solutions utilizing its patented T-cavity technology. As a spin-off from the University of Arizona's College of Optical Sciences, TPhotonics specializes in vertical external cavity surface emitting lasers. These lasers are capable of producing spectrally tunable light across multiple wavelengths, spanning from the ultraviolet to the far infrared regions of the spectrum. This versatility allows TPhotonics to cater to various sectors, including medical, commercial, and military applications, while also supporting scientific research and multi-disciplinary education in exploring new wavelengths and their potential uses.

Charles River Analytics

Grant in 2013
Charles River Analytics, Inc. develops and delivers intelligent systems for government, defense, intelligence, and commercial customers. It offers cognitive, sensor processing and networking, and decision management systems; and autonomous robotic platforms and multi-agent systems for information management, command, and control applications. The companyâ€:tm:s products include BNet, which offers tools for building, using, and embedding networks in software applications; VisionKit, a computer vision system that enables computers to automate repetitive visual tasks; and Verideo, a software tool for truthing and annotating video imagery. Its architectures integrate various algorithmic, sub symbolic, and symbolic techniques, including case-based reasoning, data mining, expert systems, genetic algorithms, neural networks, and argumentation systems. The company also provides outsourced software engineering and development services, which include computer vision software, expert system, and intelligent agent and multi-agent system development services. It serves the U.S. federal government and the Department of Defense. The company was founded in 1983 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

REL

Grant in 2013
REL, INC is a technology company with focus areas in material process development. REL develops advanced materials for high performance products, including lightweight brakes, insulation for NASA, armor and conformable natural gas tanks. Critical to the successful scale-up of material technology is the scale-up of process technology. REL develops it all in-house, the material and the process. This process equipment expertise leads to custom engineered equipment for casting, automation, test equipment and non-destructive testing.

IntraMicron

Grant in 2013
IntraMicron, Inc. is an engineering technology development and manufacturing company based in Auburn, Alabama, founded in 2001. The company specializes in producing micron-diameter metal fibers and microfibrous media designed to enhance catalytic, sorptive, and filtration processes. IntraMicron's offerings include a range of products such as metal fibers, nonwoven media, filtration systems, and modular desulfurization solutions. These products cater to various industries, including energy, defense, chemicals, and aerospace, and are utilized in applications such as clean air filtration and water purification. The company's innovative technology aims to improve the efficiency of filtration and other processes, contributing to health and safety in the environments where their products are deployed.

Nanocerox

Grant in 2013
Nanocerox, Inc. specializes in the production of mixed-metal oxide spherical nanopowders, including indium tin oxide, spinel, and yttrium aluminum garnet. Founded in 1996 as TAL Materials and renamed in 2004, the company is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Its nanopowders are utilized in a wide range of applications across various sectors, including military armor, paint pigments, lighting components, and sensors. Additionally, these materials serve as raw inputs for products requiring transparency, durability, and heat resistance, supporting technologies in industrial, military, medical, and aerospace fields through methods such as Flame Spray Pyrolysis and other wet chemistries.

AOSense, Inc

Grant in 2013
AOSense is a creator and producer of atom optic tools for accurate timekeeping, gravity measurement, and navigation. Inertial measuring units, gyroscopes, accelerometers, gravimeters, gravity gradiometers, and atomic frequency standards are some of their capabilities. Their product categories such as atom beam sources, electronics, frequency standards, lasers, tapered amplifiers, fiber frequency combs, optical isolators, transfer cavities, optomechanics, and atom-optic sensors.

Numerica Corporation

Grant in 2013
Numerica Corporation specializes in tracking and data fusion services for the space, air, and missile defense sectors. The company focuses on distributed tracking and multi-sensor fusion to address threats and sensor modalities associated with moving platforms. Additionally, Numerica's Space Domain Awareness initiatives involve the detection, tracking, identification, and characterization of various factors within the space domain that could influence space operations, thereby impacting national and allied security, safety, economy, and environment. Through these services, Numerica aims to provide effective solutions that enhance operational capabilities for its customers.

Photon System

Grant in 2013
Photon Systems offers products such as lab and portable spectrometer systems, hand held sensors, deep UV sources, personal exposure monitors, chemical printers and mappers, plug and play gated boxcar integrators, and more. It has applications in sectors such as residual pharmaceutical ingredients, photoluminescence analysis of wide bandgap semiconductors, and stand-off detection of trace explosive, chemical, and biological contaminants, among others. They used DUV fluorescence, DUV raman, resonance raman, and other technologies.

Infinity Physics

Grant in 2013
Infinity Physics transforms cutting edge science into turnkey technologies.Their specialty in multi-physics research and development extends from high fidelity analyses to final designed hardware product lines. This capability extends from single component to integrated full system analysis, design, and test including controls and optimization with associated connection to physical hardware. Infinity Physics also comprises systems engineering and management, public and educational outreach, marketing and conference, and facility design capabilities.

Akron Ascent Innovations

Grant in 2013
Their motivation is to find solutions to problems that people face everyday, from household consumer applications to medical devices, packaging, assembly, and defense. They want to make materials that work so well they seem like magic and want to make the world a better place for it.

InView Technology

Grant in 2013
InView Technology Corporation, founded in 2009 and based in Austin, Texas, specializes in the development and manufacturing of compressive sensing-based imaging and hyperspectral imaging products. The company's offerings include shortwave and midwave infrared cameras, hyperspectral imagers, and CompressView software, which aids in managing the setup, capture, and processing of imaging data. Their technologies find applications across various sectors, including microscopy, life sciences, military and surveillance, maritime operations, industrial process control, food and pharmaceutical inspection, energy audits, and material research. InView Technology's innovations enable detailed imaging and spectral analysis, providing critical insights for diverse industries.

Infinity Physics

Grant in 2013
Infinity Physics transforms cutting edge science into turnkey technologies.Their specialty in multi-physics research and development extends from high fidelity analyses to final designed hardware product lines. This capability extends from single component to integrated full system analysis, design, and test including controls and optimization with associated connection to physical hardware. Infinity Physics also comprises systems engineering and management, public and educational outreach, marketing and conference, and facility design capabilities.

NanoWatt Design

Grant in 2013
NanoWatt Design operates in business that includes providing non-commercial research. It commercializes low-power semiconductor technology developed at the University of Arkansas. In collaboration with a $5B defense/aerospace partner, NanoWatt applied its expertise to image processing, and the company continues to work on defense-related contracts. Nanowatt Design was founded in 2011and is based in Fayetteville, Arizona.

Infinium Metals

Grant in 2013
Infinium Metals, based in Natick, Massachusetts, specializes in the development and commercialization of advanced metallurgical processes for producing lightweight and magnetic materials. The company manufactures essential metals including magnesium, titanium, tantalum, neodymium, dysprosium, and solar-grade silicon using innovative techniques such as solid oxide membrane electrolysis. This low-energy process not only enhances efficiency but also minimizes environmental impact. Infinium Metals provides magnesium for fuel-efficient vehicles and aircraft components, neodymium for magnets used in wind turbines and hybrid vehicles, and elements for high power-to-weight generators. Additionally, the company offers recycling solutions for magnesium and rare earth elements. Infinium serves various industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer technology, defense, energy, and mass transit. Originally founded in 2008 as Metal Oxygen Separation Technologies, Inc., the company rebranded in 2013 to reflect its broader focus on clean metals.

Launchpoint

Grant in 2013
LaunchPoint is a developer of advanced electric and hybrid-electric propulsion and power generation systems, primarily serving the aerospace, defense, and power generation sectors. Founded in 2020 and based in Goleta, California, the company specializes in vehicle propulsion and motor control systems designed for a range of applications, including drones and air mobility solutions for both passenger and cargo transport. Their products can be air or liquid-cooled and are software-controlled, providing innovative alternatives for clients in the government and defense industries looking to implement electric and hybrid electric flight systems.

Empire Robotics

Grant in 2012
Empire Robotics, Inc. specializes in extremely flexible robotic end-effectors that leverage the jamming phase transition of granular materials. Founded in 2012, Empire's team of soft robotics experts, materials scientists, and experienced automation engineers are serving diverse technology fields including agile manufacturing automation, collaborative robotics, prosthetics, and mobile military robotics. Across a broad range of applications, Empire's products enable secure grasping and manipulation of widely varying objects with simple inexpensive tools.

Free Form Fibers

Grant in 2012
Free Form Fibers LLC specializes in the development and manufacture of inorganic high-performance fibers using advanced laser-driven chemical vapor deposition technology. The company produces a wide range of filament materials, including silicon carbide, boron carbide, tungsten carbide, and diamond-like carbon, among others. These fibers are designed for various applications such as non-woven filters, catalysts, reinforcement in ceramic and metal matrix composites, and superconducting filaments. Free Form Fibers serves diverse industries, including military and aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and energy, providing solutions that require heat and chemical resistance. Established in 2006 and based in Saratoga Springs, New York, the company focuses on delivering low-cost, high-performance materials for demanding applications.

Boston Micromachines

Grant in 2012
Boston Micromachines Corporation specializes in developing microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based mirrors that enhance optical control in various applications. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company offers a range of deformable mirrors, including mini-DM for laboratory adaptive optics, multi-DM for advanced systems, and kilo-DM for more extensive applications. Additionally, it provides adaptive optics kits and wavefront sensors to support wavefront correction tasks. Its products are utilized in fields such as astronomy, microscopy, laser control, medical discovery, defense, and retinal imaging. The company serves a diverse clientele, including manufacturers of optical imaging and communication systems, governmental agencies, and vision science research laboratories, both domestically and internationally. Boston Micromachines also develops low-power modulating retro-reflectors for military applications, further expanding its impact in optical technology.

IntraMicron

Grant in 2012
IntraMicron, Inc. is an engineering technology development and manufacturing company based in Auburn, Alabama, founded in 2001. The company specializes in producing micron-diameter metal fibers and microfibrous media designed to enhance catalytic, sorptive, and filtration processes. IntraMicron's offerings include a range of products such as metal fibers, nonwoven media, filtration systems, and modular desulfurization solutions. These products cater to various industries, including energy, defense, chemicals, and aerospace, and are utilized in applications such as clean air filtration and water purification. The company's innovative technology aims to improve the efficiency of filtration and other processes, contributing to health and safety in the environments where their products are deployed.

Dirac Solutions, Inc.

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

Templeman Automation

Grant in 2012
Templeman Automation is a technology and product development company for large customers such as the US Army.

TRX Systems

Grant in 2012
TRX Systems, Inc. specializes in developing indoor location solutions that provide accurate tracking and mapping in environments where GPS signals are weak or unavailable, such as indoors, underground, and in dense urban areas. The company's flagship product, the NEON system, integrates advanced sensor fusion, time-of-flight ranging, and mapping algorithms to deliver precise real-time location data. Key offerings include the NEON Tracking Unit, a wearable sensor accessory, and the NEON Personnel Tracker, which enables users to be tracked both indoors and outdoors for applications in industrial, security, public safety, and defense sectors. Additionally, TRX provides NEON Signal Mapper for real-time 3D indoor mapping and other application programming interface solutions. The company's technology is embedded in various devices like mobile phones and radios, enhancing situational awareness and command effectiveness. Established in 2001 and headquartered in Greenbelt, Maryland, TRX Systems markets its products through online channels.

Free Form Fibers

Grant in 2012
Free Form Fibers LLC specializes in the development and manufacture of inorganic high-performance fibers using advanced laser-driven chemical vapor deposition technology. The company produces a wide range of filament materials, including silicon carbide, boron carbide, tungsten carbide, and diamond-like carbon, among others. These fibers are designed for various applications such as non-woven filters, catalysts, reinforcement in ceramic and metal matrix composites, and superconducting filaments. Free Form Fibers serves diverse industries, including military and aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and energy, providing solutions that require heat and chemical resistance. Established in 2006 and based in Saratoga Springs, New York, the company focuses on delivering low-cost, high-performance materials for demanding applications.

Energid Technologies

Grant in 2012
Energid Technologies Corporation, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, specializes in developing software solutions for advanced motion control in robotics. The company offers Actin, a software development kit and tasking framework designed for real-time and adaptive motion control, addressing the complex needs of various sectors including industrial, medical, aerospace, and energy. Energid's software excels in simulating and controlling the kinematics and dynamics of robotic systems, providing essential support for autonomy through its 3D machine vision capabilities. By tackling challenging robotics problems, Energid Technologies serves applications across diverse fields such as medicine, agriculture, defense, and manufacturing. As of February 2018, Energid operates as a subsidiary of Teradyne, Inc.

Evigia Systems

Grant in 2012
Evigia is an innovation leader in utilizing integrated sensor and ASIC technologies to dramatically improve the functionality and cost of wireless and sensing products. Our competitive advantage is our proven ability to deliver wireless sensing and tracking technology that provides longer battery life, a smaller form factor, and superior functionality per unit cost. This is achieved through an integrated electronics design and manufacturing approach which combines wireless communications and sophisticated sensing functions within an integrated silicon chip, reducing the number of discrete components used in wireless sensing and tracking hardware. This results in smaller form factors, higher energy efficiency and lower production costs. Evigia Systems was founded as a wireless and sensing electronics company based in Ann Arbor, MI, in mid-2004. Evigia is acknowledged as a leading provider of wireless sensing, identification and tracking products and solutions proven in military, security, and commercial applications.
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