Are you interested in developing your NSF-funded research into a proof-of-concept or prototype? If you have received a National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant or participated in the NSF’s Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program you may be eligible to apply for an NSF Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) grant.

PFI grants offer researchers the opportunity to transform new knowledge into societal benefits through translational research and technology development efforts which catalyze partnerships to accelerate innovations that address significant societal needs.

The intended outcomes of a PFI project are:

• the commercialization of new intellectual property derived from NSF-funded research,
• the creation of new or broader collaborations with industry including increased corporate sponsored research,
• the licensing of NSF-funded research to third parties, the formation of start-up companies, and
• the entrepreneurship training for future leaders in innovation.

Students are an integral part of the PFI program as they do research and engage in innovation and entrepreneurially-focused activities that could impact their entire career.

The PFI program selects projects that will transition the technology out of the lab and into the market for societal benefit. Only NSF-funded research and researchers who either have received NSF funding in the last seven years or have participated in NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps™) Teams program in the last four years are eligible.

Partnerships for Innovation – NSF

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, contact The Office of Sponsored Research and Programs. Proposals are due 5 days prior to sponsor deadlines.