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Technology & Science Federal Grants 2026

NSF, DARPA, and federal STEM grants for scientific research, innovation programs, broadband infrastructure, and technology development.

ACTIVE OPPORTUNITIES: 139 // TOTAL FUNDING CAPACITY: $2,618,229,836 // STATUS: LIVE

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Federal investment in technology and science underpins much of the innovation economy. The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds basic research across every scientific discipline — from mathematics and computer science to social sciences and engineering — awarding over $9 billion per year. DARPA funds high-risk, high-reward research with transformational potential, particularly in defense-adjacent technologies including AI, autonomy, biotechnology, and cyber. For small businesses, the SBIR and STTR programs run through NSF, DOD, DOE, and NASA represent some of the most accessible federal grant programs — Phase I awards of up to $300,000 require no equity dilution and are specifically designed for early-stage companies. Broadband infrastructure funding from NTIA and USDA has expanded significantly in recent years, creating new opportunities for telecommunications companies, local governments, and rural cooperatives. Whether the applicant is a university research team, an AI startup, or a state broadband office, the technology sector offers one of the widest ranges of federal funding mechanisms.

The landscape of federal technology funding has expanded dramatically in recent years, driven by bipartisan investment in semiconductor manufacturing (CHIPS Act), AI research, quantum computing, and broadband infrastructure. NIST's Manufacturing USA institutes fund applied manufacturing technology research at regional hubs. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is distributing over $42 billion in BEAD broadband grants through state broadband offices. For academic researchers, NSF's recently reorganized directorates — including the new Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) directorate — are specifically designed to bridge fundamental research and practical application. Quantum Information Science is an emerging priority with dedicated programs at NSF, DOE, NIST, and DOD. For technology companies at any stage, the key strategic insight is that multiple simultaneous federal funding streams are possible: NSF SBIR for feasibility, DOD SBIR for defense application, and NIST or DOE grants for applied development can be pursued in parallel without conflict.

Technology & Science — Frequently Asked Questions

What NSF grants are available for universities?

NSF funds research across virtually every scientific field through mechanisms including the standard research grant (awarded through disciplinary directorates), CAREER awards for early-career faculty, Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) supplements, and large-scale centers including Engineering Research Centers and Science and Technology Centers. NSF also funds STEM education programs through its Education and Human Resources directorate. The typical NSF standard award ranges from $200,000 to $600,000 per year for 3 to 5 years.

Can startups apply for technology grants?

Yes. NSF SBIR and STTR programs are specifically designed for U.S. small businesses (under 500 employees) engaged in R&D with commercial potential. Phase I awards provide up to $275,000 for 6 months of feasibility research. Phase II awards provide up to $1.8 million for 2 years of prototype development. DOD and DOE also run SBIR programs with similar structures. No equity is given up — these are non-dilutive grants with the company retaining full IP rights.

What is DARPA and how does it fund research?

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) is the research arm of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for developing breakthrough technologies for national security. DARPA funds highly focused, time-limited research programs managed by program managers with significant discretion. Unlike NSF, DARPA does not accept unsolicited proposals — applicants must respond to specific Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) or solicitations. DARPA awards are competitive and typically go to teams with demonstrated technical capability in the specific problem domain.

What federal grants are available for quantum computing research?

Quantum Information Science (QIS) is funded through NSF's Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes (multi-million dollar center grants), DOE's National Quantum Information Science Research Centers at national laboratories, NIST's quantum measurement and standards programs, and DARPA quantum programs. The National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018 coordinates QIS investment across all federal agencies. Academic researchers, national laboratories, and companies (through SBIR) can all access quantum funding depending on the research stage and focus.

How do states access federal broadband funding?

The NTIA's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program distributes $42.45 billion through state broadband offices, which then run competitive sub-grant processes for internet service providers, utilities, electric cooperatives, and municipalities. States must complete their BEAD Initial Proposal and Final Proposal approval before sub-grant competitions open. The USDA ReConnect Program offers a separate pathway with direct federal applications for rural broadband projects. Most broadband grants require that funded areas be currently unserved or underserved per FCC Fabric data.

Active Technology & Science Federal Grants (139)

SEC_ID: PD-05-1743 See Registry

National Facilities

Award Ceiling Agency Discretion

The National Facilities program supports the operation of national user facilities: National Facilities areresearch facilities with speciali...