STEM K-12 (NSF)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

NSF’s STEM K-12 program is accepting proposals anytime (due by 5 p.m. submitting organization’s local time) to fund fundamental, applied, and translational research that advances STEM teaching and learning across formal (preK–12) and informal learning settings. NSF anticipates ~40 awards totaling ~$30,000,000, with most individual awards typically ranging from $25,000 to $750,000 and lasting 1–3 years.

How much funding is available?

NSF anticipates that most awards will range between $25,000 and $750,000 (typical duration 1–3 years). Suggested request ranges include:

• Research and/or Development proposals: $350,000 to $750,000 for 2–3 years

• Conference proposals: $25,000 to $99,000 for up to 2 years (investigators must contact a STEM K-12 Program Director prior to submission)

What could I use the funding for?

I. Introduction

The NSF STEM K-12 program encourages innovative, multidisciplinary, and potentially transformative projects that build theory, generate new knowledge, and inform education practices in a rapidly evolving technological landscape with advances in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence (AI). It supports fundamental, applied, and translational research that enhances STEM teaching and learning and across the human lifespan and in a range of formal and informal learning settings. In addition to building theory and informing practice, the program seeks projects that produce new tools and frameworks; harness exemplary formal and informal learning; and unlock new avenues of scientific inquiry and discovery in STEM education to strengthen the Nation's standing as a global leader in STEM innovation.

Proposals submitted to the STEM K-12 program may focus on learning or instruction in any field(s) of STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) and may involve a variety of contexts in which teaching and learning take place, including formal education (pre-K to 12) and informal learning environments. The program also supports projects that identify and address salient issues involved in translating research into educational practice for any STEM field, as well as projects that leverage insights from educational practice to drive fundamental research.

Additionally, the program seeks proposals that explore how AI and other emerging technologies can be effectively leveraged to study and enhance STEM teaching and learning. The U.S. must prepare its citizens to thrive in a digital society by providing early learning and exposure to AI (Executive Order 14277 Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth, April 23, 2025). Integrating AI into education systems and institutions will help prepare both youth and adults to contribute to an AI-driven society and sustain the Nation's leadership in technological innovation.

II. Program Description

The NSF STEM K-12 program encourages multidisciplinary collaborations that bring together expertise and methodological approaches from various fields, including education research, social and behavioral sciences, implementation sciences, computer science, and all STEM disciplines. In addition, the program encourages partnerships that integrate perspectives from education research, education practice, and industry, as well as perspectives of learners and other critical stakeholders who would benefit from the work.

The program also welcomes quantitative, qualitative, mixed method approaches, and a range of research and/or development efforts across broad areas of scientific inquiry, including but not limited to:

• foundational studies that advance theory or build new conceptual frameworks related to STEM learning and teaching;

• design-based research that iteratively develops and refines learning environments, instructional models, systems, or approaches;

• projects aimed at cultivating the skills, dispositions, and knowledge needed to succeed in computer science, AI pathways, and technology careers, and more generally build capacity in the STEM workforce;

• development and study of innovations for teaching and learning (e.g., curricula, assessments, professional learning resources, technologies, media, etc.) for any STEM field;

• investigations of teaching and learning processes, including cognitive, motivational, or social aspects of learning;

• development and use of advanced research methods and analytical frameworks and tools, such as data science methods and machine learning, to study learning at scale or in complex learning environments; and

• the study of deeper learning and more effective teaching to create opportunities for all Americans everywhere.

Proposals submitted to the program should, as appropriate:

• be grounded in relevant theories and frameworks that inform the project's research focus and design;

• exhibit coherence across research questions, design, analysis, and interpretation;

• employ rigorous methodologies that align strategies for data collection and analysis to the study's context, aims, and guiding research questions;

• describe how the chosen research method(s) will yield trustworthy findings and recommendations that may advance future research and/or contribute to practices in STEM learning and teaching; and

• consider a translational process that includes plans for dissemination to benefit both science and society, with possible extensions to other settings or demographic groups.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the award funding itself, NSF awards can provide meaningful indirect value because they:

• Signal external validation through NSF’s competitive merit review process (often helpful for partnerships and credibility).

• Support dissemination of findings and products (a built-in emphasis of the program), which can increase visibility across education and research communities.

• Enable development of reusable tools, frameworks, curricula, assessments, and methods that can strengthen follow-on funding competitiveness (the program explicitly supports work that produces “new tools and frameworks” and plans for dissemination).

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Submission timing: Proposals are accepted anytime, due by 5 p.m. submitting organization’s local time.
Review timing: NSF states it “strives to be able to tell proposers whether their proposals have been declined or recommended for funding within six months.” The interval begins on the “deadline or target date, or receipt date, whichever is later.”
Award timing: If recommended, proposals undergo business/financial/policy review; awards are issued by an NSF Grants and Agreements Officer

Where does this funding come from?

This is a federal assistance program from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), under CFDA 47.076 — STEM Education, within NSF’s Directorate for STEM Education (EDU).

Who is eligible to apply?

Proposals may be submitted by:

• Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the U.S.

• Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar U.S.-located organizations directly associated with educational or research activities

• For-profit organizations: U.S.-based commercial organizations (including small businesses) with strong capabilities in scientific/engineering research or education and a passion for innovation

• State and Local Governments

• Tribal Nations (as defined in the solicitation)

What companies and projects are likely to win?

NSF uses the two National Science Board merit review criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Reviewers will consider (summarized from the solicitation):

• Clear articulation of what you want to do, why, how, how you’ll measure success, and potential benefits if successful.

• Evidence the project is creative/original and potentially transformative, with a well-reasoned and well-organized plan.

• Strong team/organizational capability and adequate resources to execute.

• Credible potential for broader impacts (societal outcomes) alongside scientific contribution, consistent with NSF’s mission.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and compliance notes stated in the solicitation include:

• Human subjects / IRB: The Human Subjects box “must be checked” and NSF notes that “No awards will be made without” required IRB approvals/exemptions as applicable.

• Supplementary documents: Letters of collaboration are allowed (from project partners), but “Letters of support… are not allowed.” Including other disallowed supplementary material can result in the proposal being “returned without review.”

• Build America, Buy America: NSF notes domestic sourcing requirements for “infrastructure projects” under an award.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation’s public burden statement estimates an average of 120 hours per response (including time for reviewing instructions). This is without BW&CO’s assistance.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

For Full Support, $9,000 Initial Fee for the Research Proposal.

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

See the solicitation here.

National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research Program (NSF SBIR/STTR)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I program, also known as America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF, provides up to $305,000 in non-dilutive funding to U.S.-based startups to conduct high-risk, high-reward R&D based on novel science or engineering. The goal is to help companies build a proof-of-concept or prototype with strong commercial and societal impact. Companies must first submit a Project Pitch and receive an invitation before applying. Multiple submission deadlines occur each year.

How much funding would I receive?

Phase I awards provide up to $305,000 in total non-dilutive funding for a 6–18 month project. This amount is inclusive of all direct and indirect costs, the small business fee, and recommended commercialization support such as NSF I-Corps training and Technical and Business Assistance (TABA).

Companies that successfully complete Phase I are eligible to apply for Phase II funding of up to $1,250,000 over 24 months, with the opportunity to apply for additional supplemental funding that may exceed $500,000, bringing total potential NSF support to $2 million or more across phases.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may be used to develop technologies in almost any area below - See a full expanded list here:

• Advanced Manufacturing (M)

• Advanced Materials (AM)

• Advanced Systems for Scalable Analytics (AA)

• Agricultural Technologies (AG)

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Augmented Virtual and Mixed Reality (AV/VR/MR)

• Biological Technologies (BT)

• Biomedical Technologies (BM)

• Chemical Technologies (CT)

• Cloud and High-Performance Computing (CH)

• Cybersecurity and Authentication (CA)

• Digital Health (DH)

• Distributed Ledger (DL)

• Energy Technologies (EN)

• Environmental Technologies (ET)

• Human-Computer Interaction (HC)

• Instrumentation and Hardware Systems (IH)

• Internet of Things (I)

• Learning and Cognition Technologies (LC)

• Medical Devices (MD)

• Mobility (MO)

• Nanotechnology (N)

• Other Topics (OT)

• Pharmaceutical Technologies (PT)

• Photonics (PH)

• Power Management (PM)

• Quantum Information Technologies (QT)

• Robotics (R)

• Semiconductors (S)

• Space (SP)

• Wireless Technologies (W)

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the direct funding, NSF SBIR/STTR awards provide several significant indirect benefits:

Government Validation and Credibility:
Being selected through NSF’s highly competitive merit review process signals strong technical innovation and commercial potential, which can materially increase credibility with investors, partners, and customers.

Founder-Friendly, Non-Dilutive Capital:
Awards are grants with 0% equity taken, allowing founders to advance core technology without dilution or repayment obligations.

Expert Feedback and Coaching:
All applicants receive detailed feedback from technical and commercial reviewers, and awardees work closely with experienced NSF Program Directors.

Enhanced Market Visibility:
Awardees are publicly recognized through NSF communications and often gain increased visibility within the deep tech and innovation ecosystem.

Stronger Follow-On Funding and Exit Potential:
Companies that de-risk technology with NSF funding are often better positioned for Phase II funding, venture capital, strategic partnerships, and higher-value exits.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• Project Pitch: Can be submitted on a rolling basis starting mid-February (estimated)

• Full Proposal Deadlines: Multiple deadlines each year. Estimated deadline March 2026.

• Review Process: Typically 5–7 months from proposal submission to award decision.

• Funding Release: Most funds become available 1-2 months after award notification.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) through its congressionally mandated SBIR and STTR programs, administered by the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a U.S.-based small business with 500 or fewer employees

• Be majority U.S.-owned

• Perform R&D primarily in the United States

• Not be majority-owned by venture capital, hedge funds, or private equity firms

• Have a Principal Investigator primarily employed by the company (≥51%)

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Successful applicants typically demonstrate:

• A novel scientific or engineering breakthrough with strong differentiation

• High technical risk that requires R&D to resolve

• Clear commercial market pull and scalable business potential

• A defensible competitive advantage difficult to replicate

• A technically strong, committed founding team focused on commercialization

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• No funding for clinical trials, marketing, or incremental product development

• No foreign R&D or foreign travel

• Letters of support from customers are not allowed in Phase I

• Equipment purchases over $5,000 are not allowed

• Only one proposal per company per submission deadline

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Most first-time applicants should expect 80–120 hours of effort over 8–12 weeks, including technical writing, budget preparation, registrations (SAM, SBA, Research.gov), and internal reviews.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Our full service support is available for a flat fee of $9,000 + 5% Success Fee.

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier grant consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

Learn more about the program here.