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 Natural Resources

The Geological Society of America

Grant in 2024
The Geological Society of America gives earth scientists of all skill levels and from all backgrounds academic, governmental, commercial, and industrial access to resources that are critical to their professional development.

NCAR

Grant in 2023
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is a federally funded research and development center devoted to service, research and education in the atmospheric and related sciences. NCAR’s mission is to understand the behavior of the atmosphere and related physical, biological and social systems; to support, enhance and extend the capabilities of the university community and the broader scientific community – nationally and internationally; and to foster transfer of knowledge and technology for the betterment of life on Earth. The National Science Foundation is NCAR's primary sponsor, with significant additional support provided by other U.S. government agencies, other national governments and the private sector.

Stratajam

Grant in 2022
Stratajam specializes in providing a comprehensive range of geoscience services aimed at supporting the mining and mineral exploration sectors, particularly in developing countries. The company offers feasibility studies, bulk material procurement, mineral reserves estimation, and geology 3D modeling. Additionally, Stratajam conducts geological report reviews, manages exploration projects, and performs mineral operation due diligence. Their services also include periodic material reconciliation and production optimization, ensuring clients achieve rapid and accurate results throughout their operations. By developing quality tools and methodologies, Stratajam enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of geological assessments and planning processes.

TEVERRA

Grant in 2022
TEVERRA is a clean energy technology company that provides innovative subsurface solutions aimed at optimizing carbon storage, energy storage, and geothermal operations. The company focuses on converting oil and gas assets into geothermal resources and offers a range of services including subsurface thermal energy storage, geothermal systems, and power plant design. Additionally, TEVERRA specializes in subsurface monitoring, visualization, and control for both geothermal and oil and gas sectors. By developing advanced technology and implementing international projects, TEVERRA supports the transition to a low-carbon and sustainable energy mix.

Minerva Lithium

Grant in 2021
Minerva Lithium, founded in 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina, specializes in developing advanced extraction techniques for critical minerals, particularly lithium. The company focuses on direct lithium extraction technology designed to enhance the recovery of lithium while also recovering usable water. Utilizing a proprietary nano mosaic membrane filter system, Minerva Lithium enables various sectors, including renewable energy, automotive, and technology, to extract high-grade pure minerals from non-traditional water resources. Its innovative approach aims to accelerate the development of clean energy technologies and support the growing lithium market.

BirdHabitatBot

Grant in 2021
BirdHabitatBot specializes in developing robotic systems aimed at eliminating invasive plant species from natural environments. The company utilizes drones equipped with unpiloted aerial systems to capture images that facilitate the mapping, monitoring, and removal of non-native invasive plants in deciduous forests. These invasive species pose a serious threat to forest habitats, leading to the degradation of ecosystems. By providing natural resource professionals with advanced tools to manage understory invasive shrubs, BirdHabitatBot enhances the ability to restore and maintain habitats for native plants and wildlife.

Comon

Grant in 2021
Comon provides species identification, ecological monitoring, and geological assessment services. They offer unpiloted aerial systems' images for mapping, monitoring, and identifying rare and invasive species and provide reports on water loggers, soil samples, temperature, historic weather, and tidal data, enabling natural resource managers and conservation organizations to determine practices for sites.

Natrx

Grant in 2021
Natrx specializes in providing innovative, nature-based solutions for coastal resilience and infrastructure protection. By leveraging advanced technology and geospatial software, the company aims to create sustainable and high-performance solutions that integrate nature directly into infrastructure. Natrx's approach addresses the limitations of traditional methods, which are often costly and ecologically harmful. The company's offerings are tailored to meet the performance needs of large-scale public and private asset owners, enabling builders, architects, and ecologists to enhance environmental outcomes while developing infrastructure. Natrx's commitment to marrying ecological considerations with infrastructure development seeks to set a new standard for sustainability and economic impact.

MineraLogic

Grant in 2021
MineraLogic is a geochemistry consultancy firm based in Duluth, Minnesota, founded in 2016. The company specializes in helping clients identify risks and opportunities stemming from geochemical reactions involving minerals, water, and the atmosphere. MineraLogic provides a structured approach to understanding the distribution and mobility of chemical elements within geological systems. This expertise enables clients to effectively manage geochemical relationships that can significantly influence the success of their projects.

Minerva Lithium

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Minerva Lithium, founded in 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina, specializes in developing advanced extraction techniques for critical minerals, particularly lithium. The company focuses on direct lithium extraction technology designed to enhance the recovery of lithium while also recovering usable water. Utilizing a proprietary nano mosaic membrane filter system, Minerva Lithium enables various sectors, including renewable energy, automotive, and technology, to extract high-grade pure minerals from non-traditional water resources. Its innovative approach aims to accelerate the development of clean energy technologies and support the growing lithium market.

Heirloom

Grant in 2021
Heirloom specializes in direct air capture technology aimed at enhancing the natural absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The company's innovative system accelerates the ability of limestone to capture CO2, allowing for its permanent storage underground. By operating on renewable energy, Heirloom's technology promotes carbon capture and utilization at a large scale, with the goal of removing significant amounts of atmospheric CO2. This approach not only minimizes secondary impacts but also supports clients in restoring the atmosphere through natural processes.

NUMiX MATERIALS

Grant in 2020
NUMiX MATERIALS is a water treatment company that specializes in manufacturing and supplying sorbents to remove dissolved heavy metals from contaminated water. It focuses on RCRA, Water, Sorbents, Pretreatment, and Metals. It was founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Eden

Grant in 2020
Eden is focused on developing a sustainable platform for natural resource recovery, aiming to create a carbon-neutral future. The company has introduced a novel method known as Pulsed Electrical Well Stimulation (PEWS), which is a patent-pending technology designed to replace traditional hydraulic fracturing. This innovative approach eliminates the need for water injection and addresses the logistical challenges and environmental risks associated with conventional fracking methods. By utilizing high-voltage electricity and proprietary modeling techniques, Eden enhances rock permeability with precision, facilitating effective resource extraction across various geological settings. This technology not only reduces costs but also minimizes the negative impacts typically associated with hydraulic fracturing, positioning Eden as a leader in environmentally responsible resource recovery.

Biomineral Systems

Grant in 2020
Biomineral Systems focuses on environmental biochemical research and technology, offering a range of services aimed at tackling global environmental challenges. The company provides expertise in phosphorus management, soil organic carbon management, and soil quality enhancement. It also specializes in biogeochemical modeling for forest management, carbon trading and capture, mineral synthesis and characterization, and acid mine drainage solutions. By serving as environmental policy advisors to government entities and medium to large businesses, Biomineral Systems supports efforts to improve food security, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance biodiversity. Additionally, they develop and distribute decision-support tools that assist scientists and engineers in addressing complex environmental issues.

EQO

Grant in 2019
Environmental Quality Operations (EQO) specializes in advanced detection and monitoring solutions for invasive species in aquatic environments. Leveraging over a decade of experience in bioengineering and diagnostic development, EQO offers a unique automated sampling platform that enables users to monitor critical resources at risk of infestation. This system allows for programmable sampling intervals, with collected samples analyzed at EQO's laboratory to provide rapid results. The company's detection services utilize highly sensitive assays, capable of determining population activity and life cycle dynamics through biomarker analysis. In addition to monitoring, EQO is actively developing targeted biopesticide systems aimed at eradicating invasive species while minimizing impacts on non-target organisms. This integrated approach not only enhances early detection and robust analytics but also supports environmental protection and cost-effective remediation efforts.

Tcarta

Grant in 2019
Tcarta is a provider of seabed mapping and bathymetric data, specializing in maritime applications. Based in Denver, Colorado, the company offers a range of geospatial remote sensing solutions, including hydro spatial products and Earth observation analysis services. Tcarta focuses on delivering Satellite-Derived Bathymetry data for near-shore areas, which facilitates hydrographic surveys for research and government agencies. Their offerings support various applications, such as coastal engineering, environmental monitoring, and global mapping, catering to both inland and offshore environments.

Algenesis

Grant in 2019
Algenesis is a material science and technology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2016. The company focuses on producing renewable polyurethanes derived from algae and non-food plant oils, aiming to combat pollution associated with fossil fuel-based products. Algenesis develops biodegradable polyurethane foam products, including soft foams for footwear and hard foams for surfboards. By partnering with various companies, Algenesis seeks to address the global plastic pollution crisis through innovative material redesign, promoting environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics.

Gadusol Laboratories

Grant in 2019
Gadusol Laboratories, based in Corvallis, Oregon, is a startup focused on developing non-toxic sunscreens through the use of patented synthetic biology technology. The company specializes in producing natural sunscreen antioxidants derived from marine organisms, specifically gadusol, which is utilized by aquatic creatures to protect themselves from sunburn. As concerns about the environmental and health impacts of conventional sunscreen ingredients grow, Gadusol Laboratories aims to provide safe, effective, and comfortable alternatives for consumers.

Gadusol Laboratories

Seed Round in 2019
Gadusol Laboratories, based in Corvallis, Oregon, is a startup focused on developing non-toxic sunscreens through the use of patented synthetic biology technology. The company specializes in producing natural sunscreen antioxidants derived from marine organisms, specifically gadusol, which is utilized by aquatic creatures to protect themselves from sunburn. As concerns about the environmental and health impacts of conventional sunscreen ingredients grow, Gadusol Laboratories aims to provide safe, effective, and comfortable alternatives for consumers.

Conservation X Labs

Grant in 2019
Conservation X Labs is an organization focused on addressing the critical drivers of human-induced extinction through technology, entrepreneurship, and open innovation. It seeks to develop and scale solutions that tackle these issues directly rather than merely addressing their symptoms. By running global innovation competitions that invite participation from a wide range of individuals and organizations, Conservation X Labs encourages the development of novel ideas and solutions. The organization combines in-house expertise with collaborative efforts to support early-stage companies in their growth, ultimately aiming to revolutionize conservation practices through a market-driven approach.

Cleancult

Grant in 2019
Cleancult is a company focused on creating sustainable cleaning products that reduce reliance on single-use plastics. It manufactures refillable items in aluminum bottles and offers all-natural laundry detergents in the form of cleaning pods. These pods contain powerful stain-fighting ingredients and a non-toxic formula, making them suitable for customers with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. By promoting eco-friendly practices and providing effective cleaning solutions, Cleancult aims to support a sustainable lifestyle for its consumers.

Algenesis

Grant in 2018
Algenesis is a material science and technology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2016. The company focuses on producing renewable polyurethanes derived from algae and non-food plant oils, aiming to combat pollution associated with fossil fuel-based products. Algenesis develops biodegradable polyurethane foam products, including soft foams for footwear and hard foams for surfboards. By partnering with various companies, Algenesis seeks to address the global plastic pollution crisis through innovative material redesign, promoting environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics.

Eden

Grant in 2018
Eden is focused on developing a sustainable platform for natural resource recovery, aiming to create a carbon-neutral future. The company has introduced a novel method known as Pulsed Electrical Well Stimulation (PEWS), which is a patent-pending technology designed to replace traditional hydraulic fracturing. This innovative approach eliminates the need for water injection and addresses the logistical challenges and environmental risks associated with conventional fracking methods. By utilizing high-voltage electricity and proprietary modeling techniques, Eden enhances rock permeability with precision, facilitating effective resource extraction across various geological settings. This technology not only reduces costs but also minimizes the negative impacts typically associated with hydraulic fracturing, positioning Eden as a leader in environmentally responsible resource recovery.

Tcarta

Grant in 2018
Tcarta is a provider of seabed mapping and bathymetric data, specializing in maritime applications. Based in Denver, Colorado, the company offers a range of geospatial remote sensing solutions, including hydro spatial products and Earth observation analysis services. Tcarta focuses on delivering Satellite-Derived Bathymetry data for near-shore areas, which facilitates hydrographic surveys for research and government agencies. Their offerings support various applications, such as coastal engineering, environmental monitoring, and global mapping, catering to both inland and offshore environments.

risQ

Grant in 2018
risQ is a National Science Foundation-funded firm run by a team of data and physical science specialists with extensive experience in climate change and private sector innovation. risQ uses economic and physical sciences to accelerate climate adaptation.

Gadusol Laboratories

Grant in 2017
Gadusol Laboratories, based in Corvallis, Oregon, is a startup focused on developing non-toxic sunscreens through the use of patented synthetic biology technology. The company specializes in producing natural sunscreen antioxidants derived from marine organisms, specifically gadusol, which is utilized by aquatic creatures to protect themselves from sunburn. As concerns about the environmental and health impacts of conventional sunscreen ingredients grow, Gadusol Laboratories aims to provide safe, effective, and comfortable alternatives for consumers.

Biomineral Systems

Grant in 2017
Biomineral Systems focuses on environmental biochemical research and technology, offering a range of services aimed at tackling global environmental challenges. The company provides expertise in phosphorus management, soil organic carbon management, and soil quality enhancement. It also specializes in biogeochemical modeling for forest management, carbon trading and capture, mineral synthesis and characterization, and acid mine drainage solutions. By serving as environmental policy advisors to government entities and medium to large businesses, Biomineral Systems supports efforts to improve food security, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance biodiversity. Additionally, they develop and distribute decision-support tools that assist scientists and engineers in addressing complex environmental issues.

RedLeaf Biologics

Grant in 2017
RedLeaf Biologics, Inc. is a producer of natural food colors, antioxidants, and antimicrobials for both human and livestock applications, with a focus on providing alternatives to chemical dyes and additives. Founded in 2015 and based in Lexington, Kentucky, the company collaborates with local farmers to develop high-performance bioactive substances that are natural, sustainable, and scalable. By employing sustainable agriculture practices, RedLeaf ensures supply chain security while delivering versatile, safe products that do not compromise on quality or efficacy.

Loci Controls

Grant in 2016
Loci Controls, Inc. specializes in the development and commercialization of an automated landfill gas collection system. The company offers Loci WellWatcher, a system featuring wellhead-mounted hardware and cloud-based monitoring and analytics that optimize methane extraction from landfills. By providing real-time monitoring of gas composition, pressure, temperature, and flow, Loci Controls has demonstrated the capability to enhance gas collection efficiency by over 20%, while also improving safety and reducing operational costs for landfill operators and energy utility customers in the United States. The company combines innovative sensor technology, continuous monitoring, advanced algorithms, and field service support to increase profitability and mitigate environmental, health, and safety risks. Founded in 2012 and based in Fall River, Massachusetts, Loci Controls is committed to advancing technology for the effective management of landfill gas resources.

risQ

Grant in 2016
risQ is a National Science Foundation-funded firm run by a team of data and physical science specialists with extensive experience in climate change and private sector innovation. risQ uses economic and physical sciences to accelerate climate adaptation.

RedLeaf Biologics

Grant in 2016
RedLeaf Biologics, Inc. is a producer of natural food colors, antioxidants, and antimicrobials for both human and livestock applications, with a focus on providing alternatives to chemical dyes and additives. Founded in 2015 and based in Lexington, Kentucky, the company collaborates with local farmers to develop high-performance bioactive substances that are natural, sustainable, and scalable. By employing sustainable agriculture practices, RedLeaf ensures supply chain security while delivering versatile, safe products that do not compromise on quality or efficacy.

The Actives Factory

Grant in 2015
The Actives Factory is a wholesale supplier of natural actives and compounds. They provide cosmetics care, personal care, pharmaceutical drugs, and research dietary supplements. The birch tree is a source of their natural triterpenes compounds such as betulin, betulinic acid, lupeol, and betulin caffeates.

Biota

Grant in 2015
Biota Technology, Inc., established in 2012 and headquartered in San Diego, California, specializes in applying DNA sequencing and data science to explore and analyze the Earth's subsurface. It offers services such as production profiling, sweet spot identification, and reservoir connectivity to the oil and gas industry, providing actionable insights to maximize reservoir production and minimize environmental impact. Biota has worked with a majority of the top producers in US Shale, delivering multimillion-dollar value through insights into drainage volumes, well connectivity, and engineered completions.

Loci Controls

Grant in 2015
Loci Controls, Inc. specializes in the development and commercialization of an automated landfill gas collection system. The company offers Loci WellWatcher, a system featuring wellhead-mounted hardware and cloud-based monitoring and analytics that optimize methane extraction from landfills. By providing real-time monitoring of gas composition, pressure, temperature, and flow, Loci Controls has demonstrated the capability to enhance gas collection efficiency by over 20%, while also improving safety and reducing operational costs for landfill operators and energy utility customers in the United States. The company combines innovative sensor technology, continuous monitoring, advanced algorithms, and field service support to increase profitability and mitigate environmental, health, and safety risks. Founded in 2012 and based in Fall River, Massachusetts, Loci Controls is committed to advancing technology for the effective management of landfill gas resources.

Biota

Grant in 2014
Biota Technology, Inc., established in 2012 and headquartered in San Diego, California, specializes in applying DNA sequencing and data science to explore and analyze the Earth's subsurface. It offers services such as production profiling, sweet spot identification, and reservoir connectivity to the oil and gas industry, providing actionable insights to maximize reservoir production and minimize environmental impact. Biota has worked with a majority of the top producers in US Shale, delivering multimillion-dollar value through insights into drainage volumes, well connectivity, and engineered completions.

Green SulfCrete

Grant in 2013
SulfCrete™ is an innovative, New York-based company that utilizes recycled materials from the oil and coal industries to produce its keystone product: a high-strength, ultra-impermeable, corrosion-resistant, low-CO2 emission, waterless, sulfur-polymer concrete. We have transformed a previously unworkable product developed in the 1980s by the U.S. Bureau of Mines into one with both commercial viability and enormous market potential. For the past 30 years, years, sulfur-polymer concrete has required the use of a high-cost additive that has made it commercially infeasible. SulfCrete's patented innovations, emerging out of the Environmental and Climate Sciences Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory, have changed this-- making use of alternative, organic additives, over 100x less expensive, to manufacture an all-around superior product.

EarthClean

Grant in 2013
EarthClean develops corn-starch based retardants used on supressing and retarding fires. The company provides services for wildland firefighting, home protection, urban firefighting, and railway grinding. EarthClean was established in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

EnergyEne

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

Montana BioAgriculture

Grant in 2013
Montana BioAgriculture specializes in developing biological products for agriculture and forestry, leveraging the natural interactions between fungi and plants. Their core offerings include beneficial fungal endophytes that help limit plant diseases, control pest insects, and enhance plants' tolerance to harsh environmental conditions such as drought and high temperatures. The company's expertise lies in translating these fungal-plant interactions into innovative, sustainable solutions for farmers and foresters, enabling them to cultivate healthier, more resilient crops and trees.

Budding Biologist

Grant in 2013
Budding Biologist produces engaging and scientifically accurate educational tools designed to inspire children to explore science both at home and in school. The company offers a series of illustrated books and is expanding into interactive video games aimed at children in grades 1-5. Recently, Budding Biologist received a grant to develop an ecologically-themed video game, which will be released as three tablet apps. These apps will come with supplementary lesson plans, worksheets, and assessment tools aligned with Common Core Standards, enhancing their use in educational settings. Collaborating with leading ecologists from UC-Davis, the video game will be based on real-life data and scientific principles, addressing a gap in the market for ecology-focused educational games that foster scientific inquiry in young learners.

NovoBiotic Pharmaceuticals

Grant in 2012
NovoBiotic Pharmaceuticals is a privately held, early stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of new drugs from natural sources.

Azavea

Grant in 2012
Azavea is a company that specializes in developing geospatial web applications and data analytics tools aimed at enhancing decision-making across various sectors, including education, health services, natural resources, and politics. The firm leverages both open source and commercial technologies to provide solutions that facilitate the processing and visualization of geographic data. Azavea's offerings include products for geospatial data processing, earth imagery, and collaborative redistricting, as well as capabilities in big data processing, machine learning, and software engineering. By harnessing the power of geospatial technology, Azavea aims to improve communities and promote sustainable practices.
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