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 Navigation and Mapping

National Air and Space Museum

Grant in 2023
The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution has the world's biggest and most significant collection of aviation and space objects, including all aspects of human flight, as well as associated works of art and archive materials. It operates two iconic facilities that accommodate more than eight million visitors every year, making it the country's most visited museum. The Center for Earth and Planetary Studies is also housed there.

Xona Space Systems

Grant in 2022
Xona Space Systems, Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing position, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite solutions. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company is focused on creating a constellation of low-cost, low-Earth orbiting satellites designed to enhance navigation for various applications, including autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and mobile robotics. Their flagship product, the Xona Pulsar, delivers high-power signals from low Earth orbit, ensuring secure and accurate navigation and timing services. This innovative approach aims to meet the demands of smart transportation and smart infrastructure, providing the resilience and precision necessary for modern intelligent systems to operate safely and efficiently at scale.

Anello Photonics

Grant in 2021
Anello Photonics, based in Silicon Valley, specializes in developing advanced sensors that deliver optical gyroscope performance at an affordable price. Founded by experts in silicon photonics and inertial navigation, the company has created a patented technology known as the Anello SiPhOG gyroscope. This innovative sensor leverages an integrated photonic system-on-chip that utilizes a proprietary waveguide process, which simulates the characteristics of optical fiber within a compact chip. Anello's technology aims to redefine navigation systems with next-generation capabilities, positioning the company as a leader in the mass-market sensor industry. The company has garnered support from prominent venture capital firms to propel its growth and technological advancements.

StarNav

Grant in 2021
StarNav is a developer and manufacturer of satellite receivers focused on delivering accurate and reliable positioning data for both government and private sector applications. The company specializes in converting ambient non-GNSS radio signals, including cellular, television, and satellite transmissions, into precise positioning information. This innovative technology enables vehicles to operate safely even in environments where traditional GNSS signals are unavailable, addressing a critical need for reliable navigation solutions during complete GNSS denial.

SubUAS

Grant in 2021
SubUAS specializes in the development of unmanned aerial and underwater vehicles that are capable of operating in challenging weather and underwater conditions. These vehicles are designed to carry a variety of sensors tailored to specific missions, allowing clients to perform tasks such as inspection, reconnaissance, and payload delivery efficiently and cost-effectively. By leveraging advanced technology, SubUAS aims to enhance operational capabilities for its clients across various sectors, providing solutions that address the complexities of both air and water applications.

Mapless AI

Grant in 2020
Mapless AI is a research company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, focused on developing safe alternatives for transportation systems. The company has created a remote vehicle operations platform tailored for autonomous driving applications. This platform features a proprietary fail-operational safety system and optimized low-latency connectivity, allowing for safe and scalable solutions. Additionally, it offers a fleet-friendly retrofit that can be easily installed on existing vehicles, enabling customers to deploy and operate autonomous vehicles efficiently and cost-effectively. Through its innovations, Mapless AI aims to accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicles without the necessity of human drivers.

Xona Space Systems

Grant in 2020
Xona Space Systems, Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing position, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite solutions. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company is focused on creating a constellation of low-cost, low-Earth orbiting satellites designed to enhance navigation for various applications, including autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and mobile robotics. Their flagship product, the Xona Pulsar, delivers high-power signals from low Earth orbit, ensuring secure and accurate navigation and timing services. This innovative approach aims to meet the demands of smart transportation and smart infrastructure, providing the resilience and precision necessary for modern intelligent systems to operate safely and efficiently at scale.

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.

Non-Inertial Navigation Technology

Grant in 2019
Non-Inertial Navigation Technology develops and deploys Non-Inertial Navigation systems and devices. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

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.

Wi Sense

Grant in 2019
Wi-Sense specializes in indoor mapping and device-free activity detection by leveraging advanced signal processing techniques and modern machine learning algorithms. The company develops applications that monitor changes in Wi-Fi signals within environments, allowing for the detection of activities such as movement and temperature fluctuations. By addressing limitations associated with traditional sensors and cameras, Wi-Sense enhances safety and efficiency in various facilities, enabling users to better understand and respond to dynamic conditions in their surroundings.

Yodel Labs

Grant in 2019
Yodel Labs is focused on delivering precise location services within the mobile device sector. The company has developed a mobile positioning platform that features an acoustic location processing system capable of providing centimeter-level accuracy for indoor positioning. This innovative technology utilizes low-cost, energy-harvesting ultrasound beacons to facilitate high-accuracy localization applications. By doing so, Yodel Labs enables mobile application developers to effectively connect the virtual environment with the physical world.

Mirada

Grant in 2019
Mirada Technologies Inc., established in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, specializes in developing and selling LiDAR sensor components. These components are integral to advanced driver safety systems and autonomous vehicles, primarily serving automotive suppliers. Mirada's core offerings include innovative laser scanning and detector technology, with its flagship product being a state-of-the-art laser scanner that ensures accurate ranging distance, wide field of view, reliability, and scalable volume production.

Manifold Robotics

Grant in 2019
Manifold Robotics specializes in developing advanced drone technology that enhances safety and simplifies operations in complex environments. The company focuses on creating technical payloads that utilize electromagnetic fields (EMF) from power lines as a navigational aid, allowing drones to navigate autonomously along electric utility rights-of-way. This innovative approach enables automated power line inspections, significantly improving efficiency and reducing costs by up to 50%. By facilitating beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) flight, Manifold Robotics provides practical solutions that enhance the operational capabilities of drones, making them safer and more effective for various industries.

Apollo AI

Grant in 2018
Apollo AI builds super-safe self-driving systems and HD maps. They offer mapping, object detection, tracking, and classification, as well as decision-making and path optimization. They also offer information theory, control systems, detection and estimation, machine learning, neural networks, communication and signal processing systems, systems design, and navigation.

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.

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.

AutoModality

Grant in 2017
AutoModality Inc. is a company that specializes in developing flight control software for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), enabling them to operate autonomously in environments where GPS signals are unavailable. Founded in 2014 and based in Syracuse, New York, AutoModality manufactures drone platforms that utilize off-the-shelf components to facilitate automated inspections. Their technology is particularly focused on the agriculture and infrastructure sectors, allowing for close-up inspections of structures such as bridges, culverts, rolling stock, and cell towers. The company's advanced navigation software and integrated sensors enable drones to approach inspection sites closely, providing real-time quality streaming from onboard cameras to handheld devices. This capability allows users to gather critical data in challenging locations that are often difficult to access. AutoModality is also recognized for its innovative contributions to the drone industry, exemplified by Team Autero, which won the 2016 DJI SDK Challenge.

Mirada

Grant in 2017
Mirada Technologies Inc., established in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, specializes in developing and selling LiDAR sensor components. These components are integral to advanced driver safety systems and autonomous vehicles, primarily serving automotive suppliers. Mirada's core offerings include innovative laser scanning and detector technology, with its flagship product being a state-of-the-art laser scanner that ensures accurate ranging distance, wide field of view, reliability, and scalable volume production.

Z-senz

Grant in 2017
Z-senz develops the next leap in LIDAR to enable safety and reliability in autonomous vehicles. The company's headquarters are in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2015 by a group of scientists with expertise in optics, lasers, material science, physics, and manufacturing,

Hydronalix

Grant in 2017
Founded in 2009, Hydronalix has become recognized as a leader and international symbol in robotics innovation for beach and flood rescue with Their successful patented EMILY product line. Their Mission is to provide enhanced value added capabilities to first responders, earth scientists, military, and safety to the maritime industry. Their focus is on development of small expendable maritime robotic technologies to support missions ranging from search and rescue, bathymetric mapping and underwater ISR, to meteorological station keeping and data gathering, in challenging open ocean and littoral marine environments. They have 11,000 square feet of Engineering, Office, and manufacturing space in Sahuarita, AZ. Water testing is performed at Silver-Bell, Patagonia, and Sahuarita Lakes in Arizona. Ocean and surf zone testing is performed in San Diego, Venice Beach, and Malibu, CA. Company sales are both domestic and overseas with export distribution through out Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The company maintains a growing staff of skilled engineers and technicians performing advanced development services and products for the Navy, NOAA, DARPA, and DHS. In addition to EMILY, the company produces a complete product line of advanced Autonomous Mobile Buoys (AMB). The company’s executive leadership team has collective experience of over 200 years in Ocean and Marine Engineering, Robotic systems, advanced sensors, manufacturing, and materials science.

Yodel Labs

Grant in 2017
Yodel Labs is focused on delivering precise location services within the mobile device sector. The company has developed a mobile positioning platform that features an acoustic location processing system capable of providing centimeter-level accuracy for indoor positioning. This innovative technology utilizes low-cost, energy-harvesting ultrasound beacons to facilitate high-accuracy localization applications. By doing so, Yodel Labs enables mobile application developers to effectively connect the virtual environment with the physical world.

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.

Kuma Signals

Grant in 2016
Kuma Signals is transitioning communications research into commercial products for the government. They involve in signal processing, digital communication, navigation, and software radio. They offer services for organizations with engineering hurdles in their product development. These services range from development and theoretical analysis to embedded implementation of wireless communications protocols and algorithms.

Z-senz

Grant in 2015
Z-senz develops the next leap in LIDAR to enable safety and reliability in autonomous vehicles. The company's headquarters are in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2015 by a group of scientists with expertise in optics, lasers, material science, physics, and manufacturing,

RF Ranging

Grant in 2014
RF Ranging is committed to provide the world's most accurate and reliable RF ranging and tracking solution.

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.

Near Earth Autonomy

Grant in 2013
Near Earth Autonomy, Inc., founded in 2011 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in developing autonomous systems that enhance the safety of both ground and aerial vehicles. The company focuses on creating technologies that facilitate safe and accessible autonomous flight, enabling unmanned aircraft of various sizes, from small drones to full-size helicopters, to operate effectively across a range of applications. Their innovations include advanced sensor suites, collision detection, relative navigation, landing zone assessment, motion planning, and visual pilot aids. By integrating these technologies, Near Earth Autonomy aims to make autonomous navigation systems reliable and practical for diverse operational needs.

Pirouette Software

Grant in 2013
Pirouette Software is a personalized geospatial information provider. Myair and streetsmart are among the two products that are being developed. Drivers may find parking easily and safely with the use of the parking discovery and navigation software system known as streetsmart.

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.

Echo Ridge

Grant in 2013
Echo Ridge, founded in 2006 in Sterling, Virginia, specializes in developing and selling systems for resilient Positioning/Navigation/Timing (PNT) and Electronic Warfare (EW), alongside high-fidelity laboratory modeling, simulation, and testing of complex radio frequency (RF) devices and systems. The company offers a range of services tailored for various sectors, including aviation, biosurveillance, cyber intelligence, disaster management, and federal infrastructure. With a focus on both commercial and government markets, Echo Ridge provides comprehensive research, product development, and intellectual property development services, utilizing advanced signal processing algorithms, software design, and hardware production. This enables customers to implement effective wireless applications across multiple domains, including communications systems and sophisticated modeling and simulation environments.

Love Park Robotics

Grant in 2013
Love Park Robotics is a Philadelphia-based start-up focused on developing advanced technologies for intelligent products and services. The company's flagship platform, CoPilot, offers sliding-scale autonomous navigation for service vehicles in both indoor and dynamic outdoor environments. Additionally, Love Park Robotics specializes in 3D perception software that enhances industrial robotic applications. This software supports advanced driver assistance systems, allowing service vehicles to navigate autonomously and addressing accessibility challenges for wheelchair users. By providing flexible licensing options and custom solutions, the company collaborates with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to integrate its technology into innovative products and services, facilitating the creation of robotics systems that utilize artificial intelligence to interact effectively with the physical world.

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.
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