US Offers Startups Up to $1.55M in Non-Dilutive NSF Funding

The US government is offering eligible startups up to $1.55 million in non-dilutive funding through NSF's America's Seed Fund, with founders retaining ownership of their companies and intellectual property.
Funding includes up to $305,000 in Phase I for feasibility work and up to $1.25 million in Phase II for development toward commercialization. Eligible companies can also pursue a Fast-Track route combining both phases for up to $1.55 million.
The program targets US-based small businesses working on high-risk R&D and defensible deep technology rather than basic apps, marketing or already-proven products. The program has a $250 million FY26 allocation and has been reauthorized through 2031.