National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

James Donlon

Program Director

Sean L. Jones

Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Sethuraman Panchanathan

Director

Ben Schrag Ph.D

Program Director and Policy Liaison, SBIR / STTR

Past deals in Robotics

MCity

Grant in 2022
Mcity, the autonomous vehicle research center on the University of Michigan campus.Mcity is the only advanced mobility R&D center that combines early-stage research, testing in a real-world environment, and on-road vehicle deployments to further prove new technologies.

OmniVis

Grant in 2022
OmniVis operates a portable pathogen detection platform that allows for the rapid and accurate measurement of pathogens in various environments, particularly in food processing facilities. The company provides an easy-to-use hardware device in conjunction with disposable test kits that can analyze swabs or liquid samples. This streamlined process reduces the pathogen detection time to just 30 minutes, making it both efficient and cost-effective for health organizations. By focusing on user-friendly technology, OmniVis aims to enhance the accuracy of pathogen detection while ensuring affordability and simplicity in its application.

Virtual Apprentice

Grant in 2022
Virtual Apprentice offers virtual reality workplace and occupational training. They also utilize VR to help with recruitment, upskilling, and employment retention. Their training content enhances productivity in healthcare, construction, communications, technology, transportation, manufacturing, hospitality, and education.

InnovBot

Grant in 2022
InnovBot develops wall-climbing robot technologies that provide vertical mobility and high-precision positioning solutions. The company is based in Yorktown Heights, New York.

Brainsoft

Grant in 2022
Brainsoft specializes in the development of technologies that leverage human brainwaves to control objects and analyze the relationship between brain activity and emotional and intellectual states. The company creates innovative interfaces that enable intuitive navigation, allowing users to interact with devices based on their mental and emotional conditions. By focusing on the interception and analysis of brainwaves, Brainsoft aims to support researchers in advancing their understanding of brain activity, ultimately benefiting society through improved insights into human cognition and behavior.

Resolved Analytics

Grant in 2022
model.explore.predict The 1st industrial revolution used water and steam to mechanize production. The 2nd used electric power to create mass production. The 3rd used electronics and information technology to automate production. A 4th is now taking shape as a fusion of technologies blurring the lines between the physical and digital spheres. Our mission is to help companies capture the efficiency and production gains that IR 4.0 promises. The commoditization of computing power is enabling, for the first time, algorithmically driven product optimization using high-fidelity simulations such as CFD and FEM modeling. We make that vision and others a reality for our customers. Talk to us to find out how combining artificial intelligence, computational engineering and data analytics and visualization can keep you ahead of the competition.

Inception Robotics

Grant in 2022
Inception Robotics offers robot as a service and software as a service. They provide services such as contactless deliveries, safe navigation in dense crowds, robust indoor localization, compliant navigation, robust AI-based navigation, multi-modal sensor configuration support, environment data analysis, cloud-based deployment, and monitoring.

Phlux Technologies

Grant in 2022
Phlux Technologies, Inc. specializes in designing and developing advanced 3D sensor technology aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in industrial robotics and automation. Founded in 2020 and based in Pittsburgh, California, the company focuses on creating innovative safety products that replace traditional physical barriers around robots with three-dimensional digital fences. Utilizing proprietary optical sensing technology, artificial intelligence, and computer vision, Phlux Technologies' solutions establish safety zones around robotic systems and other equipment. This approach not only maximizes valuable floor space but also reduces setup times and boosts productivity. By enabling the development of smarter, more advanced robots and autonomous vehicles, Phlux Technologies is positioned to significantly impact the future of collaborative robotics and industrial automation.

OffWorld

Grant in 2022
OffWorld is focused on creating a new generation of universal industrial robots intended for use on the Moon, asteroids, and Mars. The company aims to deploy millions of smart robots that will operate under human supervision in offworld environments, transforming the inner solar system into a more sustainable habitat for life and civilization. In addition to its offworld ambitions, OffWorld is rethinking mining, processing, manufacturing, and urban development on Earth. The company has an extensive background in advanced technologies, having developed air-breathing rocket engines, orbital spacecraft, and a range of robots. OffWorld's artificial intelligence-powered platform is specifically designed for extreme, unstructured environments, catering to the needs of the mining and infrastructure sectors. This innovation enhances productivity, cost efficiency, and employee safety while also aiming to reduce the carbon footprint associated with these industries.

Hardshell Labs

Grant in 2022
Hardshell Labs focuses on developing innovative, internet-controlled devices aimed at environmental conservation and wildlife protection. The company creates a network of remotely operable, artificial intelligence-enhanced rovers designed to deter bird pests from agricultural crops and various facilities, thereby minimizing avian damage. These devices are particularly valuable in protecting crops from ravens and crows, as well as in mitigating infestations at landfills and composting sites. Hardshell Labs also conducts predation research on endangered juvenile desert tortoises, assessing threats posed by avian predators, and engages in laser research for agricultural applications. Through these initiatives, the company provides humane and commercially viable solutions to wildlife management challenges, supporting both environmental conservation and agricultural productivity.

Ambi Robotics

Grant in 2022
Ambidextrous Laboratories, Inc. is a company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2018. It specializes in developing software that enables AI-based robotic picking specifically for e-commerce applications. By focusing on advanced control systems for object manipulation, Ambidextrous aims to enhance how robots interact with their environments, thereby improving efficiency in various logistical processes.

Roadprintz

Grant in 2022
RoadPrintz, Inc. specializes in the manufacture of robotic equipment designed for road painting and pavement markings. Based in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the company focuses on providing machines that can survey, map, paint, and repaint various road markings, including signs such as turn arrows and lane separators. Founded in 2018, RoadPrintz aims to enhance road safety by making effective visual street markings more affordable and accessible for all road users.

Roadprintz

Grant in 2021
RoadPrintz, Inc. specializes in the manufacture of robotic equipment designed for road painting and pavement markings. Based in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the company focuses on providing machines that can survey, map, paint, and repaint various road markings, including signs such as turn arrows and lane separators. Founded in 2018, RoadPrintz aims to enhance road safety by making effective visual street markings more affordable and accessible for all road users.

ARIX Technologies

Grant in 2021
ARIX Technologies, Inc. is a robotics and data analytics company that specializes in developing crawling robots for pipeline inspection in the oil and gas sector. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Jackson, Louisiana, with an engineering office in Houston, Texas, the company’s technology combines robotics with advanced data analytics to enhance the detection and analysis of corrosion in pipeline assets. This innovative approach not only improves safety and sustainability for petrochemical facilities but also offers significant cost savings in manufacturing operations. Through its solutions, ARIX Technologies aims to transform pipeline monitoring practices, enabling companies to better manage their infrastructure.

Corinnova

Grant in 2021
CorInnova Incorporated, founded in 2004 and based in Houston, Texas, specializes in device-based therapies aimed at treating congestive heart failure. The company is known for its innovative non-blood-contacting soft robotic cardiac assist device, which has the potential to significantly increase the number of heart failure patients eligible for life-saving device therapies. By focusing on advanced technological solutions, CorInnova seeks to improve outcomes for individuals suffering from this serious condition.

Lambda Function

Grant in 2021
Lambda Function specializes in industrial automation software that enhances autonomous precision manufacturing. The company's software integrates advanced analytics and physics-based machine learning with real-time process parameter data from CNC machines and contextual data from Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems. This comprehensive approach supports effective decision-making in manufacturing engineering and operations. By leveraging these technologies, Lambda Function enables machine shops to boost productivity and improve machining autonomy, ultimately facilitating more efficient manufacturing processes.
Rapid Radicals Technology specializes in advanced wastewater treatment solutions aimed at helping municipal sewerage districts manage combined sewer overflows. Founded in 2016 and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company has developed a decentralized, high-rate treatment technology that integrates rapid solids removal with a proprietary advanced oxidation process. This fully automated system is versatile, catering to various applications, including municipal wastewater treatment, industrial high-strength waste management, and emergency scenarios requiring mobile or compact solutions. By providing reliable and cost-effective wastewater management options, Rapid Radicals Technology supports clients in fostering a more resilient water infrastructure.

Ranial Systems

Grant in 2021
Developer of a real-time process automation platform designed to provide converging cognitive artificial intelligence and edge computing runtime. The company's platform focuses to cater alternative domains and strategic initiatives in smart energy, real-time plant monitoring, and wearable technology automation and spree to explore the emerging market potentials dealing with context-aware, business process automation, advisory services on product development and co-innovation, enabling businesses to solve their critical problems in business process automation space.

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.

GrayMatter Robotics

Grant in 2021
GrayMatter Robotics creates solutions to assist humans in tedious and ergonomically challenging tasks. It develops robotic brains for industrial robots designed to allow them to transform into smart assistants for high-mix low-volume manufacturing applications. It makes AI-brains for robots to make them smart, easy to use and rapidly deployable for complex operations, enabling users to improve their quality of life by leveraging robotics and artificial intelligence. The company was founded in 2020 and is based in Los Angeles, California.

Rotoye

Grant in 2021
Rotoye is a technology developer and researcher specializing in multirotor and avionics systems, established in 2017 and located in Marietta, Georgia. The company focuses on advancing aviation and aerospace component manufacturing by providing a range of electronics and battery accessories. These offerings enable clients to design and construct innovative mobile robotics and electronic drones, contributing to the evolution of the aerospace industry.

AMBOTS

Grant in 2021
AMBOTS Inc. is commercializing the patent-pending swarm 3D printing and assembly technologies. This technology aims to automate manufacturing with a swarm of smart and autonomous mobile robots, from everyday products to houses and infrastructures. Just like how a swarm of bees or wasps would work together to build their nests, the swarm of smart mobile robots can work together to print and assemble products based on digital models on demand. AMBOTS stands for Autonomous Mobile ROBOTS and Advanced Manufacturing ROBOTS.

Chibitronics

Grant in 2021
Chibitronics specializes in the creation of circuit stickers that integrate electronics with art and craft. Founded by Jie Qi, along with collaborators Andrew Huang and Patricia Ng, the company emerged from Qi's PhD research at the MIT Media Lab. Chibitronics offers toolkits that allow users to build circuits and programs using peel-and-stick electronics, including conductive circuit stickers, coin cell batteries, and adhesive copper tape. This innovative approach enables artists, crafters, and students to explore their creativity while experiencing the functionality of lights and circuitry. By combining technology and artistic expression, Chibitronics aims to empower individuals to become creators in the field of expressive electronics.

Maijker

Grant in 2021
Maijker Corp commercializes groundbreaking AI and sensor technology research. The company uses Industry Standards to develop novel approaches to applying AI to specific manufacturing problems.

BirdHabitatBot

Grant in 2021
BirdHabitatBot develops a robotic system to remove invasive plant species from the environment. Unpiloted aerial systems images from the company's drones are used to map, monitor, and remove non-native invasive plants in the deciduous forest that are significantly contributing to the degradation of forest habitat, allowing natural resource professionals to manage understory invasive shrub species and improve habitat for native plants and wildlife.

Ecate

Grant in 2021
Ecate is developing an organo-robotic interface that combines human and machine intelligence. The company was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
Autonomous underwater swarm robotic systems for ocean exploration, founded by Sushil Tyagi

Construkts

Grant in 2021
CONSTRUKTS is a mixed-reality platform combining physical block constructions with the power of learner-focused challenges and real-time model analysis. CONSTRUKTS is a hands-on learning platform that merges smart blocks constructions with a virtual 3D model of the construction to strengthen spatial thinking, STEM learning, and creativity.CONSTRUKTS is hardware to software solution for connecting IoT smart blocks to an artificial intelligence knowledge engine to augment hands-on learning with real-time generated STEM learning challenges. We believe that creativity is a way to empower learners to realize their potential as future innovators. We believe it is the responsibility of technology innovators to challenge how advanced technologies are integrated into our everyday lives.

Verboso

Grant in 2021
Verboso develops a speech therapy platform designed to make speech therapy fun, engaging, and data driven using video games powered by AI. The company's platform leverages AI to provide a non-binary grade of speech therapy exercises in real-time allowing the user to control a video game while tracking compliance and improvement data, enabling parents to engage their children in speech therapy sessions while having fun at the same time.

Modular Science

Grant in 2021
Modular Science focuses on automating the majority of processes in vegetable farming through the development of specialized modular machines. These farming bots are designed to significantly reduce manual labor by handling various tasks involved in food production, thereby enhancing efficiency and sustainability. By leveraging automation, Modular Science aims to promote healthier agricultural practices that benefit both humans and the environment.

NeuroTechR3

Grant in 2021
NeuroTechR3 is a biomedical device and digital health start-up focused on creating affordable rehabilitation technologies to enhance upper extremity function in individuals affected by brain injuries, such as stroke and cerebral palsy. The company's flagship product, R3THATM, utilizes machine learning and cloud technology to facilitate personalized telerehabilitation through exergames designed to promote neuroplasticity. This innovative approach incorporates motion tracking, analytics, and real-time biofeedback, enabling a more proactive and patient-centered rehabilitation process. Founded in 2020 by a team of four women and spun out from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers School of Health Professions, NeuroTechR3 is strategically positioned in the local market, collaborating with rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient centers, and therapists. The company's expertise lies in the intersection of biomedical engineering and computer science, allowing for the development of data-driven solutions that enhance patient recovery outcomes. NeuroTechR3 aims to disrupt the exergame rehabilitation field by providing sustainable and accessible options for individuals with various impairments, ultimately contributing to the overall improvement of human health.

Kinetica Labs

Grant in 2021
Kinetica Labs is a company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializing in sensing and simulation technology. It provides innovative Motion Capture technology that transforms video footage into precise posture data, enabling the assessment of ergonomic risks in the workplace without relying on markers, suits, or sensors. In addition to its core technology, Kinetica Labs offers a range of services including insurance consultancy, safety audits, ergonomic assessments, and physical therapy services, catering to clients seeking to enhance workplace safety and employee well-being.

QAS.AI

Grant in 2021
QAS.AI focuses on developing and commercializing advanced software that enhances the functionality of image-guided surgical equipment. The company specializes in image analysis and treatment management, creating tools that accurately assess tissue perfusion status and identify vessel occlusion. This software is designed for use during surgical procedures, enabling clinicians to detect areas of inadequate blood flow in the brain and to evaluate the effectiveness of aneurysm correction six months post-embolization. By providing real-time assistance during endovascular surgeries, QAS.AI aims to improve patient outcomes and support healthcare professionals in delivering precise interventions. The multidisciplinary team at QAS.AI includes specialists in biomedical engineering, neurosurgery, and pathology, ensuring a comprehensive approach to surgical technology.

EnVision Endoscopy

Grant in 2021
Developer of a medical device designed to use for endoscopic surgeries. The company's device is compatible with standard endoscopes for tissue approximation for surgeries with an image-guided suturing system, enabling hospitals to reduce the procedure time and mortality rates.

Dextrous Robotics

Grant in 2021
Dextrous Robotics is a robotics company that develops AI-enabled warehouse robots. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee.

CAIRA Surgical

Grant in 2021
CAIRA Surgical is a medical software and technology company on a mission to reduce costs and improve patient outcomes in orthopedic care. CAIRA Surgical develops advanced joint replacement software, scanning, and precision radar technologies designed for reliability, intuitive adoption, and global accessibility. CAIRA Surgical strives to empower surgeons by inventing and investing in new, proprietary technologies that simplify workflows and enable better patient outcomes in joint replacement.

RevMedica

Grant in 2021
Manufacturer of surgical devices intended to enhance surgeon performance. The company's system provides critical decision-making information along with superior performance and a smart balance of features and ease the way surgeons approach soft tissue management, enabling surgeons to extend their tactile reach to the target tissue with AI guidance, minimize inefficient workflows, reduce costs, and eliminate toxic waste disposal.

NeuroTechR3

Grant in 2021
NeuroTechR3 is a biomedical device and digital health start-up focused on creating affordable rehabilitation technologies to enhance upper extremity function in individuals affected by brain injuries, such as stroke and cerebral palsy. The company's flagship product, R3THATM, utilizes machine learning and cloud technology to facilitate personalized telerehabilitation through exergames designed to promote neuroplasticity. This innovative approach incorporates motion tracking, analytics, and real-time biofeedback, enabling a more proactive and patient-centered rehabilitation process. Founded in 2020 by a team of four women and spun out from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers School of Health Professions, NeuroTechR3 is strategically positioned in the local market, collaborating with rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient centers, and therapists. The company's expertise lies in the intersection of biomedical engineering and computer science, allowing for the development of data-driven solutions that enhance patient recovery outcomes. NeuroTechR3 aims to disrupt the exergame rehabilitation field by providing sustainable and accessible options for individuals with various impairments, ultimately contributing to the overall improvement of human health.

Canopii

Grant in 2021
Canopii is a greenhouse technology company providing turn-key farms integrated with cost-effective labor automation and energy management systems to support local and sustainable production of fresh produce.

Hummingbird Nano

Grant in 2021
Hummingbird Nano is a company specializing in the development of ultra-smooth, circular channel microfluidic chips, produced in a single solid form. Their innovative technology allows for the creation of products that were previously unattainable with existing manufacturing methods, while also reducing costs for current high-priced products, making them more accessible. Hummingbird Nano's manufacturing approach combines the speed of injection molding with the flexibility of 3D printing, transforming the production process for small components like microfluidic chips and micro-optics. The company's focus is on precision engineering, enabling the assembly of micro-scale components into larger systems with nanometer-scale accuracy. This advancement aims to enhance chip performance and design flexibility, ultimately contributing to broader innovation and societal benefits.

OmniVis

Grant in 2021
OmniVis operates a portable pathogen detection platform that allows for the rapid and accurate measurement of pathogens in various environments, particularly in food processing facilities. The company provides an easy-to-use hardware device in conjunction with disposable test kits that can analyze swabs or liquid samples. This streamlined process reduces the pathogen detection time to just 30 minutes, making it both efficient and cost-effective for health organizations. By focusing on user-friendly technology, OmniVis aims to enhance the accuracy of pathogen detection while ensuring affordability and simplicity in its application.

AG350

Grant in 2021
Developer of an assignment analytics platform designed to grade assignments and provide feedback automatically. The company's platform utilizes machine learning and provides computer architecture and hardware programming which detects common coding pitfalls and makes intelligent auto-suggestions to students, enabling teachers to focus only on teaching by making assignment management as frictionless as possible.

Vertiq

Grant in 2021
IQinetics Technologies Inc. specializes in advanced motor control technology for the robotics sector, with a focus on enhancing performance and versatility. The company, established in 2016 and based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originated from the University of Pennsylvania’s robotics lab. It offers an integrated motor and electronic speed controller (ESC) featuring an embedded position sensor, alongside its innovative IQ Pulsing Technology, which allows for precise motor torque adjustments. This technology enables the creation of drones that can maneuver with the agility of quadrotors, as well as applications in robotics, industrial machinery, and mobility sectors. IQinetics also provides comprehensive services, including motor and controller design, firmware development, and production monitoring, while leveraging both public and proprietary algorithms to optimize power, efficiency, and control in its motion systems.

Labrador Systems

Grant in 2021
Labrador Systems, Inc. is a technology company based in Oak Park, California, specializing in the development of assistive robots aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals, particularly those with disabilities or long-term care needs. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on creating practical applications of advanced robotics to assist users with everyday tasks, thereby supporting independent living and home health services. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Labrador Systems aims to empower individuals to carry out physical tasks, facilitating a more active and self-sufficient lifestyle.
Aura Intelligent Systems provides solutions in the fields of radio technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence.​ Its patented technology provides 5D situational awareness without the harmful effects of interference, jamming, and multipath. Their technology is based on a 5G hardware architecture and intelligent software that can be programmed.

ReSuture

Grant in 2021
ReSuture specializes in creating advanced physical simulations aimed at enhancing surgical training, particularly for open vascular procedures. The company develops innovative surgical instruments that address contemporary challenges in medical simulation. These instruments provide realistic physical stimulation, enabling users to effectively learn vascular surgical skills in a controlled and monitored setting. By improving psychomotor skills and minimizing training time, ReSuture allows medical practitioners to replicate the mechanical properties of human vascular tissue, thereby facilitating repeated and realistic simulations of vascular surgery. This approach not only enhances the training experience but also contributes to better preparedness for actual surgical procedures.

Modular Matter

Grant in 2021
Modular Matter develops a prosthesis system aimed at providing those with limb differences with mobility, strength, comfort, and confidence. The company. was founded by Jeff Gair, who is also the developer of the modular socket.

SeaDrone

Grant in 2021
SeaDrone specializes in the development of robotic hardware for underwater inspection, focusing on reducing the costs associated with subsea infrastructure assessments. The company offers a comprehensive service that combines low-cost robotic systems and mobile software to facilitate efficient underwater visual inspections. Its platform features an aerial drone system designed specifically for precision sub-sea observation and filming, allowing professionals to conduct their underwater inspections with enhanced speed and ease. SeaDrone aims to streamline the inspection process, making it more accessible and effective for various applications in marine environments.

SKROOT Laboratory

Grant in 2020
SKROOT Laboratory specializes in the development of wireless sensor systems designed for biotherapeutic process developers. The company has created a unique sensor sticker that, when applied to a reactor and paired with a reader, provides a wireless, non-invasive platform capable of continuously measuring critical parameters such as cell concentration, foaming, and temperature in upstream cell vessels and single-use bioreactors. This innovative technology enables operators to closely monitor bioprocesses, significantly reducing the risk of advancing costly conditions and accelerating the time to market for biotherapeutic products.

Radwave Technologies

Grant in 2020
RadWave Technologies Inc. is an early-stage company based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, that specializes in developing advanced technologies for minimally invasive medical procedures. Founded in 2018, the company has created an electromagnetic navigation system that enhances the accuracy of object tracking during complex surgical operations. This innovative system provides performance tracking services for image-guided, minimally invasive, and robotic procedures, allowing medical professionals to effectively locate surgical instruments and tools within the human body, even in scenarios where there is no direct line of sight. Through its cutting-edge technology, RadWave Technologies aims to improve surgical outcomes and enhance the capabilities of healthcare providers.

Thinking Robots

Grant in 2020
Thinking Robots provides software solutions for robotic tasks that can be performed on any robotic platform. The company was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

Tangible Research

Grant in 2020
Tangible Research is focused on the advancement of telerobotic systems and robotic technology through expertise in engineering and research.

TRIC Robotics

Grant in 2020
TRIC Robotics develops an autonomous, non-chemical pesticide alternative for strawberry farms. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Newark, DE.

Ubiros

Grant in 2020
Manufacturer of a robotic gripper designed to handle fragile objects without damaging them. The company's pneumatic system consists of polyurethane and polyurethane fingers which provide precise control over gripping force and movement, enabling non-traditional industries to automate material handling activities.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), founded in 1865, is a non-profit educational institution located in the United States. It provides a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including fields such as computer science, chemical engineering, psychology, and business administration. WPI is known for its distinguished faculty, advanced research facilities, and an active community that fosters collaboration and innovation. The institute emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, encouraging students to engage in real-world problem-solving and make meaningful contributions to society.

OYS Mobility

Grant in 2020
OYS Mobility develops prosthetic technology that allows people with limb loss or deformity to access healthcare and assistive devices. The company was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA.

Robopath

Grant in 2020
RoboPath specializes in robotics and artificial intelligence for the pathology industry. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Leawood, Kansas.

HaptX

Grant in 2020
HaptX develops advanced virtual reality gloves that simulate touch sensation with remarkable realism. By utilizing patented microfluidic technology, HaptX Gloves offer 130 points of touch feedback and provide resistive force feedback of 4 lbs. per finger while tracking hand motions with sub-millimeter precision. This innovative device creates a haptic experience that allows users to perceive the texture, shape, motion, vibration, and temperature of virtual objects, enhancing interaction within the virtual environment. Founded by Jake Rubin and Dr. Bob Crockett, HaptX operates with a team of 35 employees across offices in Seattle, Washington, and San Luis Obispo, California.
Armada Marine Robotics develops asymmetric propulsion technology for enhancing marine maneuverability. The company's headquarters are in Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Lapovations

Grant in 2020
Lapovations is a healthcare company focused on the development of innovative medical devices for laparoscopic surgery. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the company aims to redefine the field of laparoscopy by creating products that minimize invasiveness and simplify surgical procedures. Their medical devices are designed to enhance surgical outcomes, allowing medical professionals to perform surgeries with increased safety and efficiency.

Xonotiv

Grant in 2020
Xonotiv develops a prosthetic knee that will improve amputee mobility and safety while also allowing robots to walk like humans. The company's headquarters are in Auburn, Washington.

Tortuga AgTech

Grant in 2020
Tortuga AgTech focuses on enhancing agricultural practices through the development of digital horticulture systems that integrate robotics, automation, precision data analytics, and machine learning. By automating labor-intensive tasks such as picking, packing, and trimming, Tortuga AgTech aims to significantly reduce the manual labor required in farming while increasing yields through optimized growing conditions. The company's mission is to promote a healthier society and a thriving ecosystem by empowering growers to produce unique, nutritious food that is environmentally sustainable. This approach not only helps farmers compete with large-scale agriculture but also fosters the creation of local technical jobs. Ultimately, Tortuga AgTech strives to provide fresher and healthier products to communities near their grower clients.

MAIA Analytica

Grant in 2020
AI software tools for Wastewater Treatment

ThruWave

Grant in 2020
ThruWave specializes in millimeter wave imaging technology, catering to various commercial and industrial sectors such as robotics, construction, and quality control. Founded in 2017 and based in Seattle, Washington, the company offers low-cost sensors that leverage patent-pending radar signal processing and GPU-accelerated image reconstruction techniques. ThruWave's technology enhances operational efficiency by allowing construction professionals to visualize the internal structures of walls, ceilings, and floors, thereby reducing risks and expediting workflows. Additionally, its solutions support inventory verification, shipment confirmations, and detection of packaging issues, enabling clients to automate processes such as counting contents and identifying damaged or missing items.

Healing Innovations

Grant in 2020
Healing Innovations, Inc. is a medical technology company founded in 2018 and based in Nashville, Tennessee. It specializes in the development and commercialization of advanced rehabilitation equipment aimed at aiding individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries, strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy. The company's innovative robotic devices and software enhance the rehabilitation process, enabling clinicians to provide more effective treatment for patients with gait impairments through dynamic weight-bearing activities and locomotor therapy. Healing Innovations collaborates with leading regional innovation organizations to advance its mission of improving patient care and outcomes in various rehabilitation settings.

RocketML

Grant in 2020
RocketML is a Super Fast Computational engine for Machine Learning.

Onu Technology, Inc.

Grant in 2020
The latest advances in computation are awe-inspiring, from big data to machine learning to image recognition. But these techniques are difficult to understand and implement, and can require massive computational and engineering resources. Onu is advancing the frontiers of computer science in a way that makes the power of cutting-edge algorithms accessible to all. Onu was founded by leading computer scientists and accomplished entrepreneurs. They work closely with leading researchers in academia and industry. Their ambitions befit the caliber of Their supporters and contributors.

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.

SmartBot360

Grant in 2020
Developer of a health technology platform designed to provide chatbot systems. The company's platform allows healthcare companies to create, manage, and share AI chatbots through its AI-chat bot technology specifically for the healthcare vertical, enabling businesses to reduce mundane and manual tasks like answering FAQs, making appointments, collecting feedback, sending reminders, or making sales pitches.

Manus Robotics

Grant in 2020
Developer of a smart health and wellness device designed to empower independent and healthy living. The company provides a wearable robot that not only provides intelligent daily living assistance to the disabled but also collects and analyzes patient muscle data for rehabilitation purposes, enabling people with disabilities to regain their quality of life and independence.

Organic Robotics

Grant in 2020
Organic Robotics Corporation designs and develops sensors to measure touch in real time. The company provides Light Lace, a sensor, which can bend and twist with the human form for motion capture and pressure sensing and based on fiber-optic technology, it offers sensibility, elasticity and washability at a fraction of the cost. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Rochester, New York.

Box Robotics

Grant in 2020
Box Robotics is a mobile robotics startup bringing high-definition maps, three-dimensional LiDAR, and deep learning to the warehouse and manufacturing automation space.

Terran Robotics

Grant in 2020
Terran Robotics is a construction company that specializes in AI and robotics. The company's headquarters are in Bloomington, Indiana.

GrayMatter Robotics

Grant in 2020
GrayMatter Robotics creates solutions to assist humans in tedious and ergonomically challenging tasks. It develops robotic brains for industrial robots designed to allow them to transform into smart assistants for high-mix low-volume manufacturing applications. It makes AI-brains for robots to make them smart, easy to use and rapidly deployable for complex operations, enabling users to improve their quality of life by leveraging robotics and artificial intelligence. The company was founded in 2020 and is based in Los Angeles, California.

RocketML

Seed Round in 2020
RocketML is a Super Fast Computational engine for Machine Learning.

OmniVis

Grant in 2020
OmniVis operates a portable pathogen detection platform that allows for the rapid and accurate measurement of pathogens in various environments, particularly in food processing facilities. The company provides an easy-to-use hardware device in conjunction with disposable test kits that can analyze swabs or liquid samples. This streamlined process reduces the pathogen detection time to just 30 minutes, making it both efficient and cost-effective for health organizations. By focusing on user-friendly technology, OmniVis aims to enhance the accuracy of pathogen detection while ensuring affordability and simplicity in its application.

Ximpatico

Grant in 2020
Ximpatico is a robotics company focused on developing data-efficient artificial intelligence technology aimed at enhancing the autonomy of various robots. Their innovative solutions empower robots equipped with cameras and robotic arms to autonomously manipulate objects within home environments. This capability enables users, including families, to prepare for a more advanced and automated future.

Clean Earth Rovers

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Clean Earth Rovers specializes in innovative technology aimed at addressing the marine debris crisis. The company has developed a system that operates similarly to a robotic vacuum, specifically designed for marinas. This technology autonomously skims for trash, collects oil, and gathers real-time water data, streamlining the cleanup process and reducing the reliance on manual labor. Additionally, it provides predictive analytics to anticipate pollution events, enhancing operational efficiency for waterfront businesses. Clean Earth Rovers focuses on both visible and invisible pollutants, including plastics, oils, and toxins, which contribute to harmful algal blooms. By enabling proactive monitoring and cleanup, the company supports marinas and governments in safeguarding marine ecosystems and maintaining water quality.

Mente

Grant in 2020
Developer of surgical instruments tracking system designed to create a surgical experience at a low cost for the hospital, the surgical team, and the patient. The company's system uses predictive analytics for tracking surgical instruments in the operating room, creating dependable, real-time data streams that transform resource management, enabling healthcare teams to have exactly what they need during surgery.

EarthSense

Grant in 2020
EarthSense, Inc. specializes in developing agricultural robotics and artificial intelligence solutions to enhance farming practices. Based in Champaign, Illinois, the company has created TerraSentia, an ultracompact, autonomous robot equipped with various sensors and onboard computing capabilities for plant phenotyping. This innovative technology addresses critical issues in agriculture, such as labor shortages, environmental impacts, and the need for sustainable practices. EarthSense's platform focuses on three main applications: improving crop productivity and sustainability, providing actionable intelligence for growers, and tackling challenges like herbicide-resistant weeds. The modular design of their technology encourages collaboration and innovation within the agricultural sector, ultimately aiming to create a climate-smart agricultural system that enhances plant and soil health while reducing reliance on chemicals and costly inputs.

GelSight

Grant in 2020
GelSight, Inc. specializes in advanced sensor technology solutions for precise surface measurements. The company has developed the GelSight benchtop scanner, which captures the surface geometry of various rigid materials with extraordinary detail, measuring at scales that span four orders of magnitude. This technology allows for visualization and measurement of 3D topography, revealing intricate details that are not visible to the naked eye, and providing dimensional measurements down to single-digit microns. GelSight's products are utilized across diverse sectors, including aerospace, electronics, ballistics, metrology, as well as in academic and forensic applications. Established in 2011 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, GelSight continues to innovate in the field of metrology, responding to the evolving surface measurement needs of its clients.

Dentuit

Grant in 2020
Excise bias from routine elements of dental examinations by developing consensus-based automation using computer vision. Support payors by automating elements of their claims review process. Empower non-specialists with data-driven triaging to help patients efficiently navigate their provider network. Advance broader access to dental care by mobilizing remote screenings at drugstore kiosks and community health centers.

Wield

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

Onu Technology, Inc.

Grant in 2020
The latest advances in computation are awe-inspiring, from big data to machine learning to image recognition. But these techniques are difficult to understand and implement, and can require massive computational and engineering resources. Onu is advancing the frontiers of computer science in a way that makes the power of cutting-edge algorithms accessible to all. Onu was founded by leading computer scientists and accomplished entrepreneurs. They work closely with leading researchers in academia and industry. Their ambitions befit the caliber of Their supporters and contributors.

Aqueduct Fluidics

Grant in 2020
Aqueduct Fluidics, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, specializes in developing automation solutions tailored for physical and life sciences research on laboratory benchtops. The company offers a software automation tool designed to streamline workflows and enhance the integration of hardware components. Its platform enables users to write automation scripts and provides an intuitive interface for controlling and visualizing hardware status. By simplifying system integration and addressing complex elements such as communication protocols, command timing, user interfaces, and data management, Aqueduct Fluidics equips developers with the necessary tools and resources to efficiently create, test, and deploy automation programs for benchtop-scale applications.

Roadprintz

Grant in 2020
RoadPrintz, Inc. specializes in the manufacture of robotic equipment designed for road painting and pavement markings. Based in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the company focuses on providing machines that can survey, map, paint, and repaint various road markings, including signs such as turn arrows and lane separators. Founded in 2018, RoadPrintz aims to enhance road safety by making effective visual street markings more affordable and accessible for all road users.

VIMAAN

Grant in 2020
Vimaan Robotics, Inc. specializes in developing fully autonomous solutions for drone management, data acquisition, and analytics. Founded in 2016 and based in Burlingame, California, the company focuses on creating next-generation drone technology tailored for industrial indoor environments. Vimaan Robotics aims to enhance operational efficiency through safe, quiet, and intelligent automation in drone operations. As an industry pioneer, it is dedicated to advancing the capabilities of drones to meet the specific needs of various sectors.

EarthSense

Grant in 2020
EarthSense, Inc. specializes in developing agricultural robotics and artificial intelligence solutions to enhance farming practices. Based in Champaign, Illinois, the company has created TerraSentia, an ultracompact, autonomous robot equipped with various sensors and onboard computing capabilities for plant phenotyping. This innovative technology addresses critical issues in agriculture, such as labor shortages, environmental impacts, and the need for sustainable practices. EarthSense's platform focuses on three main applications: improving crop productivity and sustainability, providing actionable intelligence for growers, and tackling challenges like herbicide-resistant weeds. The modular design of their technology encourages collaboration and innovation within the agricultural sector, ultimately aiming to create a climate-smart agricultural system that enhances plant and soil health while reducing reliance on chemicals and costly inputs.

OmniVis

Grant in 2020
OmniVis operates a portable pathogen detection platform that allows for the rapid and accurate measurement of pathogens in various environments, particularly in food processing facilities. The company provides an easy-to-use hardware device in conjunction with disposable test kits that can analyze swabs or liquid samples. This streamlined process reduces the pathogen detection time to just 30 minutes, making it both efficient and cost-effective for health organizations. By focusing on user-friendly technology, OmniVis aims to enhance the accuracy of pathogen detection while ensuring affordability and simplicity in its application.

Root AI

Grant in 2020
Root AI, Inc. manufactures artificial intelligence robots for indoor farming. It offers Virgo 1, an agricultural robot to pick tomatoes without bruising them, and detect ripeness better than humans. The company’s robot is an autonomous tomato harvesting platform. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Woburn, Massachusetts.

Miga Robotics

Grant in 2020
Miga Motor Company manufactures memory actuators that are ultra-lightweight and require no maintenance. The company was founded by Mark Gummin and is based in Silverton, Oregon.
Parallel Flight Technologies is a California-based company founded in 2018 that focuses on developing advanced drone technology aimed at enhancing safety and environmental protection. The company specializes in designing heavy-lift Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) utilizing proprietary parallel hybrid technology. This innovative approach includes a system that allows drones to maintain flight even in the event of engine failures, thereby improving operational safety. Parallel Flight Technologies is committed to leveraging its technology to save lives, protect property, and benefit the environment.
Wildlife Imaging Systems is focused on providing advanced machine vision solutions to the research community. It develops a machine vision platform to help the research community conserve wildlife through video capture.
Autonomous underwater swarm robotic systems for ocean exploration, founded by Sushil Tyagi
S4 Mobile Laboratories specializes in the development of mobile soil laboratories that enable real-time mapping and analysis of underground soil conditions. These laboratories utilize automated, robotic technology to detect and analyze chemical signatures, providing three-dimensional maps of organic matter. This innovative approach allows for instantaneous on-site analysis, significantly reducing the costs and delays associated with traditional laboratory work. By aggregating data from various locations worldwide, S4 Mobile Laboratories equips the agricultural community with precise tools to measure soil organic carbon, ultimately promoting healthier soils and enhancing carbon sequestration efforts to mitigate atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

NOVI

Grant in 2020
Novi LLC is a technology company based in Arlington, Virginia, founded in 2017. It specializes in developing hardware and data analytics platforms tailored for various sectors, including infrastructure, manufacturing, and the space and defense industries. Novi's offerings include intelligent hardware designed for inspection applications, such as asphalt inspection and repair, physical damage detection, and dimensional verification. The company focuses on creating low-latency intelligence through artificial intelligence edge computing, particularly for Earth Observation services. By utilizing low-cost multi-sensor satellites, Novi aims to reduce the complexity and costs associated with space-based data, thereby democratizing access to Earth Observation capabilities for a broader range of clients in the space industry.

Akrobotix

Grant in 2019
Akrobotix is a research and product development startup that specializes in autonomous systems and robotics technology across various domains, including space, air, land, and sea. The company has developed an autopilot system tailored for fully autonomous unmanned aerial, ground, and marine vehicles. By integrating multi-modal situational awareness information, Akrobotix creates reliable and reproducible mission plans specific to various applications. This technology aims to enhance operational safety and efficiency, providing businesses with mission planning software that is focused on industry-specific needs.

ESTAT Actuation

Grant in 2019
ESTAT Actuation make robots more dynamic using breakthrough actuator technology.
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