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 assist in establishing NSF Tech Accelerators. This initiative aims to transform basic research outputs into scalable, market-ready deep technologies to strengthen the U.S. economy and national security. The program focuses on deep-tech areas under-invested at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, utilizing novel organizational structures and partnerships between researchers, investors, industry experts, and government funders. NSF intends to utilize a competitive, multi-step Other Transaction (OT) contract process to select four domestic organizations, with one accelerator dedicated to each of the initial identified topics: agricultural technology (AgTech), materials technology (MaterialsTech), ocean technology (OceanTech), and scientific instrumentation (SciTech).
This RFI, identified by solicitation number NSF-RFI-FY26-TechAccelerators, is categorized under NAICS code 541715 for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) and PSC AJ13 for General Science and Technology R&D Services; General Science and Technology; Experimental Development. There is no set-aside designated for this notice. The primary place of performance is Alexandria, Virginia, and the deadline for responses is July 14, 2026. The RFI seeks specific input on the program model, organizational structures, and suitable deep-tech areas where NSF investment would be uniquely catalytic. Potential applicants must submit a response to this RFI to be eligible for future proposal invitations.
The government has provided two attachments: a PDF detailing the Request for Information and an XLSX response form, both posted on May 27, 2026. Prospective NSF Tech Accelerator organizations must demonstrate technical domain expertise, an understanding of the investment landscape, and the operational agility to support teams moving from lab to market. Successful accelerators will eventually require significant cost-sharing, particularly during the later stages of technology development. An informational webinar is scheduled for June 5, 2026, to discuss the program model and submission requirements.
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