Active 🚀 Startup Programs

NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I — AI & Deep Tech 2026

NSF's SBIR/STTR programme funds high-risk, high-impact deep tech and AI startups. Project Pitch submissions opened June 2, 2026. Phase I awards up to $305K; strong performers advance to Phase II at $1.25M+.

SBIRSTTRNSFUSAdeep-techAIstartupnon-dilutiveseed

Why it matters

NSF SBIR is one of the largest non-dilutive funding sources in the US — worth the application overhead for founders building deep-tech AI products.

Provider 🏛 National Science Foundation (NSF)

Deadline 📅 July 27, 2026 (47d left)

Value 💵 Up to $305,000 (Phase I) · Up to $1,250,000 (Phase II)

Region 🌍 United States

Eligibility US-based small businesses (fewer than 500 employees). Principal Investigator must be primarily employed by the applicant company.

Best For 👤 Founders

Effort Level 🔴 High

Published Jun 3, 2026

Category 🚀 Startup Programs

Last Verified ✓ Jun 7, 2026

Source ✦ Official Source ↗

Application Deadline

July 27, 2026

47 days remaining

Apply Now ↗

NSF SBIR/STTR is the premier non-dilutive funding programme for US deep tech startups. Funds are awarded as grants — no equity taken.

2026 Timeline:

Project Pitch submissions opened: June 2, 2026
Full proposal deadline: July 27, 2026

Funding stages:

Phase I: Up to $305,000 (6–12 months, proof of concept)
Phase II: Up to $1,250,000 (24 months, prototype to product)

AI-relevant topic areas: Machine learning systems, NLP, computer vision, robotics, AI for scientific discovery, AI safety and reliability.

Note: A Project Pitch (short pre-proposal) is required before a full application. Submit the pitch first via the NSF Seedfund portal.

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