Request for Information for U.S. National Science Foundation to establish NSF Tech Accelerators
Contact and place of performance
Tech-Accelerators
Alexandria, VA 22314
USA
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) introduces the NSF Tech Accelerators initiative to enhance the process of transforming research outputs emanating from basic research into scalable, market-ready technologies that strengthen the U.S. economy and enhance American national security. NSF Tech Accelerators are new or existing organizations comprising a...
View moreThe novel organizational structures that can bring together a wide range of stakeholders in new partnerships, patiently invest in early-stage deep-tech teams and accomplish the lab-to-market outcomes described above are key foci for the NSF Tech Accelerator initiative. Consequently, this RFI seeks input from potential NSF Tech Accelerator applicants as well as the teams that would benefit from the NSF Tech Accelerators on the following topics:
This RFI contemplates a competitive, multi-step Other Transaction (OT) contract formation process for the first set of NSF Tech Accelerators. NSF intends to select four organizations, one for each NSF Tech Accelerator topic. A prospective NSF Tech Accelerator organization must be a domestic entity and can only respond to one of the initial topics. Organizations interested in the NSF Tech Accelerator role are encouraged to fill out the RFI response form in its entirety. Organizations that do not submit a response to the RFI will not be eligible to be invited to submit a proposal.
Individuals and organizations interested in providing feedback on the NSF Tech Accelerators initiative are encouraged to respond to the Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 of the RFI response form.
To learn more about the NSF Tech Accelerators program model, initial topics, and role of an NSF Tech Accelerator, including qualifications, capabilities and expertise, refer to the RFI.
Informational Webinar for the NSF Tech Accelerators RFI
June 5, 2026 | 1 - 2:30 p.m. ET
Join the NSF Tech Accelerators for a webinar to learn about the NSF Tech Accelerators initiative and RFI. The webinar will include a 60-minute presentation covering the initiative’s program model, details about the RFI opportunity and essential submission information and deadlines and the role of an NSF Tech Accelerator. A 30-minute Q&A will follow the presentation.
Webinar registration: https://nsf.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_jx8Kl1zFREyZOSMiNJ9DmQ#/registration
The National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) issued this request for information (RFI) to inform the establishment of NSF Tech Accelerators. This initiative aims to transform basic research outputs into scalable, market-ready deep technologies to strengthen national security and the U.S. economy. The program seeks to create or leverage organizations comprising researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to support teams in deep-tech areas currently under-invested at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages. The agency expects these accelerators to demonstrate viability by eventually attracting private venture capital and will require significant cost-sharing from proposing teams during later stages of development.
This RFI, identified under solicitation number NSF-RFI-FY26-TechAccelerators, contemplates a competitive, multi-step Other Transaction (OT) contract formation process. The NSF intends to select four domestic organizations to serve as accelerators, with each focusing on one of four initial topics: agricultural technology (AgTech), materials technology (MaterialsTech), ocean technology (OceanTech), and scientific instrumentation (SciTech). Interested organizations must submit a response to be eligible for a future proposal invitation. Responses are due by July 14, 2026, and the primary point of contact is Tech-Accelerators. Two attachments are associated with this notice: a PDF containing the full RFI details and an Excel response form.
The place of performance is Alexandria, Virginia, and the work is classified under NAICS 541715, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), and PSC AJ13, General Science & Technology R&D Services; General Science & Technology; Experimental Development. There is no set-aside designated for this requirement. Submissions should provide input on program models, organizational structures, and additional deep-tech areas where NSF investment would be catalytic. An informational webinar is scheduled for June 5, 2026, to discuss the initiative's program model and the role of the accelerators.
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