NSF announces $20M to support commercialization of NSF-funded research
The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced approximately $20 million in new funding through its Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) program. The PFI program offers NSF-funded researchers at institutions of higher education opportunities to connect new knowledge to societal benefit through translational research efforts and/or partnerships that encourage, enhance, and accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship.
Two types of awards will be made:
- Technology Translation (PFI-TT) track awards — offer the opportunity to translate prior NSF-funded research results into technological innovations with promising commercial potential and societal impact.
- Research Partnerships (PFI-RP) track awards — support technology development projects that are typically beyond the scope of a single researcher or institution and require a multi-organizational collaboration.
NSF intends to make up to 65 awards to institutions of higher education (including community colleges) to move previously NSF-funded research results with promising commercial potential along the path toward commercialization. Applications are due Jan. 17, 2019.