The U.S. National Science Foundation engages with industry in various ways. NSF provides funding for large, medium and small companies to conduct research and workforce development. The foundation also enters into cross-sector partnerships that help inform research and workforce directions.
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Funding programs for industry
Explore NSF programs that support industry research, training and capacity building. For-profit organizations are eligible to apply to any of these programs.
America's Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR)
Startups can receive up to $2 million from NSF for early-stage research and development; NSF takes no equity in the companies it funds. Submit a project pitch at any time to get started.
Convergence Accelerator
Transdisciplinary teams can receive up to $5.75 million to co-design and co-create technological advances that will benefit society and the economy.
NSF Regional Innovation Engines
Receive up to $160 million from NSF to create regional "innovation ecosystems" — coalitions of organizations that galvanize use-inspired research, technology translation and workforce development.
Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies
Organizations can receive up to $1 million to offer hands-on learning experiences for diverse groups, preparing them with essential skills for careers in emerging technology fields.
Pathways to Enable Open-Source Ecosystems
Secure up to $1.5 million in funding to support the facilitation, creation and growth of open-source ecosystems for the creation of new technology solutions.
Partnership programs
NSF offers many programs that cultivate partnerships between industry, academia and other sectors so they can pursue transformative research, solve societal problems, fuel economic progress, and build a future-ready workforce.
Some of these programs allow for-profit organizations to apply, while others require industry to partner with a lead organization, typically a college or university.
Contracting opportunities
Each year, the U.S. National Science Foundation spends a large proportion of its budget acquiring goods and services from the private sector, such as:
- Research, including applied and educational research.
- Audit services.
- Facilities maintenance.
- IT hardware, software, maintenance and integration; telecommunications and other technical support.
- Logistics, operations and maintenance support for ocean drilling and operations in polar regions.
Additional resources
Applying for NSF funding
Learn about NSF funding, including tips for finding the right opportunity, how to prepare and submit a proposal, and how NSF makes funding decisions.
Partnering with NSF
NSF partners with other organizations to amplify its investments in research and education — increasing the foundation's economic and societal benefits to the United States.
Technology, Innovation and Partnerships
NSF's newest directorate focuses on advancing U.S. competitiveness by investing in the development of key technologies and addressing pressing societal and economic challenges.