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Top 20 Grants for Deep Tech Startups in North America in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

Top 20 Grants for Deep Tech Startups in North America in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

Top 20 Grants for Deep Tech Startups in North America in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

As deep tech continues to emerge as a pivotal sector within the startup ecosystem, access to funding will remain a crucial factor for innovation and growth. In 2025, a variety of grant programs are anticipated to support deep tech startups, providing essential resources and mentorship. Here is a curated list of the Top 20 Grants for Deep Tech Startups in North America for 2025, complete with details on eligibility, funding, key data points, and links to their official websites.
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1. NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs

Description: The National Science Foundation (NSF) provides grants to support small businesses in R&D of new technologies.
Funding: Up to $2 million per startup.
Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses with fewer than 500 employees.
Data Points:
  • Focuses on both research and commercialization of technology.
  • Open to nearly all areas of technology.
  • Provides access to mentorship and resources.
  • Multiple phases of funding starting from feasibility studies to R&D.
  • Aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and commercialization.
  • Learn more about NSF SBIR/STTR Programs and NSF

2. NSF "America's Seed Fund"

Description: A rebranded NSF program supporting R&D for startups.
Funding: Up to $2 million per startup.
Eligibility: U.S.-based startups developing innovative technologies.
Data Points:
  • Focuses on high-risk, high-reward projects.
  • Funds startups across various sectors.
  • Supports translational research and development.
  • Designed to help startups navigate early stages.
  • Invests approximately $200 million annually in about 400 startups.
  • Explore America's Seed Fund and seed funding

3. Activate Anywhere Program

Description: This NSF-supported program cultivates deep tech founders in underserved regions.
Funding: Not specified but includes resources and mentorship.
Eligibility: Deep tech founders in historically overlooked regions.
Data Points:
  • Focuses on areas outside of traditional tech hubs.
  • Provides access to mentorship and investment networks.
  • Supports founders across 25 states.
  • Connects first-time technical founders with mentors and investors.
  • Has shown a 44X return on investment, creating American jobs.
  • Discover the Activate Anywhere Program
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4. EIT Health Deep Tech Venture Builder Program (Potentially Open to North American Participants)

Description: A 10-month program to help academic and research teams commercialize deep tech solutions.
Funding: Up to €150,000 in grant funding.
Eligibility: Academic and research teams with deep tech solutions.
Data Points:
  • Support for pre-maturation and maturation stages of innovation.
  • Training in entrepreneurship and product development.
  • Assigned EIT Health staff support.
  • Includes a demo day for presenting to investors.
  • Designed to overcome hurdles like bureaucratic issues and funding uncertainties.
  • Learn more about EIT Health

5. Lenovo Evolve Small Initiative Grants

Description: Lenovo offers grants, technology, and mentorship to small businesses.
Funding: $25,000 cash grant and an AI tech package valued at $10,000.
Eligibility: Businesses in North America (excluding Quebec) with annual revenues under $7.5 million.
Data Points:
  • Focus on business development and AI implementation.
  • Includes both capital and resources for scaling.
  • Aims to support smaller businesses innovation and growth.
  • Access to a large network of mentors and other resources.
  • Explore Lenovo Evolve Small Initiative

6. Public-Private Grant Initiatives (Future)

Description: Growing initiatives are expected to emerge for the deep tech community, akin to DARPA's programs.
Funding: Likely varies based on the initiative.
Eligibility: Early-stage deep tech startups.
Data Points:
  • Focus on clearly defined challenges and milestones.
  • Managed directly by government entities without VC involvement.
  • Advancing cutting-edge technologies is a primary aim.
  • Bridging the funding gap for deep tech companies is crucial.
  • Stay tuned for updates from government agencies

7. The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)

Description: Offers indirect access to funding through investments in AIFs that back startups, including deep tech.
Funding: Varies based on specific AIF investments.
Eligibility: Depends on the criteria of specific funds.
Data Points:
  • A government scheme supporting venture capital investments.
  • Specific funds for deep tech startups requested by AIFs.
  • Focus on boosting domestic capital for startups.
  • Set to run across the 14th and 15th Finance Commission cycles.
  • Follow for updates on FFS

8. NASA SBIR/STTR Program

Description: NASA offers grants to small businesses developing innovative technologies relevant to its mission.
Funding: Up to $2 million for Phase II awards.
Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses eligible in specific technology areas.
Data Points:
  • Supports cutting-edge aerospace and deep tech innovations.
  • Collaborative opportunities with NASA centers.
  • Multiple phases of funding including feasibility and development stages.
  • A strong focus on commercialization efforts.
  • Learn more about NASA SBIR/STTR
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9. Department of Defense (DoD) SBIR Program

Description: Offers non-dilutive funding to small businesses for R&D in defense and dual-use technologies.
Funding: Phase I funding of $50,000 and Phase II can exceed $1 million.
Eligibility: Must be a U.S.-owned business.
Data Points:
  • Focus on innovations with military applications.
  • Promotes transition of technologies from R&D to actionable products.
  • Encourages partnerships with DoD entities.
  • Diverse areas of technology eligible for funding.
  • Explore DoD SBIR Program

10. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Programs

Description: NIH provides grants to support small businesses in health-related research and development.
Funding: Up to $2 million for selected projects.
Eligibility: Small businesses meeting specific health-related criteria.
Data Points:
  • Focus on biomedical and healthcare innovations.
  • Includes collaborative research opportunities.
  • Multiple funding phases available.
  • Encourages technological advancements in health solutions.
  • Learn more about NIH Small Business Programs

11. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) SBIR Program

Description: Supports innovative agricultural solutions through funding and resources for small businesses.
Funding: Phase I grants up to $100,000 and Phase II grants up to $500,000.
Eligibility: Small businesses focused on agriculture and related technologies.
Data Points:
  • Aims to advance agricultural innovation and technology.
  • Encourages partnerships with farming communities.
  • Prioritizes projects addressing major agricultural challenges.
  • Multiple funding phases available for scaling and development.
  • Visit USDA SBIR Program

12. Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) Grants

Description: ARPA-E funds transformative energy research projects to enhance U.S. energy security.
Funding: Varies based on project scope, typically exceeding $1 million.
Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses focusing on energy innovations.
Data Points:
  • Focus on innovative technologies in the energy sector.
  • High-risk proposals with significant potential impact are favored.
  • Supports a diverse range of energy-related projects.
  • Encourages collaboration with universities and research institutions.
  • Learn more about ARPA-E Grants

13. CIRI Technology Development Grant

Description: Provides funding specifically for research and technology development projects.
Funding: Up to $250,000 for eligible applicants.
Eligibility: High-tech companies and startups in North America.
Data Points:
  • Prioritizes projects with potential commercial impact.
  • Encourages collaboration across industries.
  • Focus on technology development and practical applications.
  • A competitive application process enhances project selection.
  • Stay updated on CIRI grants
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14. Corporate Innovation Lab Grants

Description: Various corporations offer grants to foster innovation through partnerships with startups.
Funding: Varies significantly, often in the range of $50,000 to $500,000.
Eligibility: Startups aligned with the corporate focus areas.
Data Points:
  • Corporate mentorship and network access included.
  • Aims to align startup solutions with corporate needs.
  • Often comes with opportunities for pilot programs.
  • Focus on scalable and innovative solutions beneficial to the corporation.
  • Check for corporate innovation grants

15. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) SBIR Grants

Description: NOAA supports small businesses developing technologies related to environmental and ocean research.
Funding: Up to $150,000 for Phase I and $750,000 for Phase II.
Eligibility: Small businesses with aquatic and atmospheric interests.
Data Points:
  • Focuses on innovations impacting environmental science.
  • Encourages partnerships with NOAA research communities.
  • Up to two funding phases for progressive development.
  • Supports technology that benefits ocean and atmospheric research.
  • Learn more about NOAA SBIR Grants

16. National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-Corps)

Description: Provides funding and resources for startups to develop and commercialize their innovations.
Funding: Up to $50,000 for each team participating in the program.
Eligibility: Teams from small businesses, universities, or nonprofits.
Data Points:
  • Focuses on real-world applications of research findings.
  • Teams receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.
  • Encourages rapid customer feedback and market validation.
  • Designed to foster commercialization of innovative technologies.
  • Explore NSF I-Corps

17. Creative Economy Fund

Description: Grants aimed at enhancing artistic and technological innovations bridging creativity and technology.
Funding: Varies widely based on project needs.
Eligibility: Startups at the intersection of technology and creative arts.
Data Points:
  • Promotes cross-disciplinary collaborations.
  • Supports projects that drive engagement in the creative economy.
  • Focus on scalable creative technological innovations.
  • Engages broader community outreach through funding projects.
  • Stay tuned for updates on Creative Economy Fund

18. Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program

Description: Offers funding to small businesses through licensed investment companies.
Funding: Varies, typically from hundreds of thousands to millions.
Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses.
Data Points:
  • Supports innovative ventures with growth potential.
  • Uses government-backed funds to induce private investments.
  • Encourages partnerships with existing SBICs for funding opportunities.
  • Focus on strengthening the overall investment ecosystem for small businesses.
  • Learn more about SBIC Program

19. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Research Grants

Description: Offers grants for innovative agricultural research and development.
Funding: Varies based on the nature of the project.
Eligibility: Must focus on agricultural enhancements and sustainability.
Data Points:
  • Aims at promoting advancements in agricultural science and technology.
  • Prioritizes projects that provide public benefit and utility.
  • Competitive grant proposals enhance chances of funding.
  • Supports innovations that improve agricultural practices.
  • Visit NASDA Grants

20. Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) Program

Description: Offered by EDA, this program provides grants to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems.
Funding: Up to $1 million per project.
Eligibility: Nonprofits, academic institutions, and public entities that focus on innovation.
Data Points:
  • Encourages collaboration among startups, research entities, and local governments.
  • Focuses on supporting innovative entrepreneurs across regions.
  • Grants are intended to promote regional economic development.
  • A competitive program aiming to deliver tangible community impacts.
  • Learn more about RIS Program
Important Considerations:
  • Timing: Each grant has distinct deadlines and application periods, critical to track on their respective websites.
  • Specific Focus: Ensure your startup aligns with each program’s focus area to meet eligibility requirements.
  • Competition: Prepare to submit strong applications as grant programs are highly competitive.
Disclaimer: This information is based on available data as of October 2023 and is subject to change. Check each grant’s official website for the most current details.
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FAQ

Q: What is the NSF SBIR/STTR program?
A: The NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs provide funding to U.S.-based small businesses for developing new technologies. Grants can reach up to $2 million. Learn more about NSF SBIR/STTR programs.
Q: How much funding does the "America's Seed Fund" offer?
A: The "America's Seed Fund" offers up to $2 million to U.S.-based startups focusing on innovative technologies. This program supports high-risk projects and funds approximately 400 startups annually. Discover more about America's Seed Fund.
Q: What is the Activate Anywhere Program?
A: The Activate Anywhere Program, supported by the NSF, aims to assist deep tech founders in underserved regions by providing resources, mentorship, and potential seed funding. It focuses on connecting first-time technical founders with investors. Find out about Activate Anywhere Program.
Q: What is the EIT Health Deep Tech Venture Builder Program?
A: This program helps academic and research teams commercialize their deep tech innovations over a 10-month period. It provides up to €150,000 in funding, alongside training and support from EIT Health staff. Learn about the EIT Health program.
Q: What does the Lenovo Evolve Small Initiative Grants offer?
A: Lenovo provides $25,000 cash grants along with an AI technology package and mentorship to small businesses with annual revenues under $7.5 million and 75 or fewer employees in North America. Explore Lenovo Evolve Small Initiative.
Q: What is the focus of future public-private grant initiatives?
A: Future public-private initiatives are anticipated to support the deep tech community by addressing specific challenges and increasing government R&D support for early-stage startups. These details will be better defined as 2025 approaches.
Q: What is the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) scheme?
A: The FFS scheme supports venture capital investments in startups, providing indirect access to funding for deep tech startups through Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). The exact funding varies based on specific fund criteria.
Q: Are there any specific eligibility requirements for deep tech startup grants?
A: Yes, eligibility for grants often includes being a U.S.-based small business (typically with fewer than 500 employees), focusing on innovation and technology sectors, and sometimes having specific revenue or employee count limits.
Q: How competitive are these grant programs?
A: Grant programs for deep tech startups are typically highly competitive, requiring strong applications that effectively showcase the startup's innovation and potential impact.
Q: Why is it important to stay updated on grant program details?
A: Grant details, including eligibility criteria and application deadlines, can frequently change. It’s vital to check official program websites regularly for the latest information, especially concerning future funding opportunities.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
2025-05-27 07:41 Top 20