NSF launches $20M pilot to accelerate commercialization of promising deep technologies from small businesses
The pilot aims to address a persistent gap separating federally-funded deep technology research from commercial success and ensures that the U.S. continues to spearhead global innovation
NSF is to invest in small businesses bringing cutting edge technologies to the market
The U.S. National Science Foundation has announced a $20 million investment to launch a two-year pilot supporting small businesses in commercializing their deep-technology ventures.
The pilot aims to address a persistent gap separating federally funded deep technology research from commercial success. The investment ensures that the U.S. remains at the forefront of global innovation.
"NSF invests in small businesses that bring the most innovative, cutting-edge technologies to the market," said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships.
"By helping these companies go further in bridging the so-called 'valley of death,' we can build on NSF's R&D investments and help more breakthrough innovations reach the market, strengthening U.S. competitiveness and economic growth."
Alexander N. Cartwright, University of Central Florida (UCF) President, said: "We are grateful to NSF for its continued confidence in UCF and for the opportunity to help shape the future of research translation and commercialization.
"Discovery reaches its greatest potential when it moves beyond the laboratory and improves lives, strengthens industries and creates opportunities.”
National leadership
UCF's National Commercialization and Translation Institute (NCTI) builds on UCF's growing national leadership in helping promising technologies become products, companies and economic growth.
“With Central Florida's extraordinary concentration of talent, industry, and innovation, UCF is well positioned to build a model that can deliver impact for Florida and across the nation."
Led by UCF's NCTI, the pilot will provide and test the administration of commercialization funding, expert mentorship, and investor connections, while also evaluating which factors, conditions, and approaches most effectively help deep technology companies reach the marketplace.
The results of this pilot will be used to establish and implement best practices in translating deep-tech into nationally impactful technologies.
The pilot was authorized under the NSF Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (NSF SBIR/STTR) Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program. To find out more, visit the program page.
