Summary
Federal technology grant funding in 2026 spans two broad categories: research and innovation grants for companies, universities, and labs developing new technologies, and digital equity grants for organizations expanding technology access to underserved communities. NSF, NIST, DOE, and the CHIPS and Science Act are the major innovation funders; the NTIA administers the primary digital equity and broadband programs. Understanding which agency aligns with your technology focus is the key to finding the right opportunity.
NSF: America's Premier Basic Research Funder
The National Science Foundation funds approximately $9 billion in research annually across all fields of science and engineering. For technology innovation, key NSF programs include the Convergence Accelerator, which funds use-inspired convergence research in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and future networks; the Translational Research program, which bridges the gap between fundamental research and real-world applications; and numerous division-specific programs in Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), Engineering, and Mathematical and Physical Sciences.
NSF's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs (Phase I awards of $275,000 and Phase II awards up to $1 million) are particularly important for technology startups. NSF SBIR/STTR focuses on technology areas aligned with NSF's research priorities including AI/ML, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and climate tech. The America's Seed Fund program at NSF provides a pathway for early-stage companies to access non-dilutive federal grant funding at the earliest stages of technology development. NSF also funds the National AI Research Institutes with awards up to $40 million to universities and research consortia to advance AI research and workforce development.
CHIPS and Science Act: Semiconductor and Advanced Technology Funding
The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 committed approximately $52 billion to semiconductor manufacturing, research, and workforce development over five years. The CHIPS for America program at the Department of Commerce includes grants and loans for domestic semiconductor manufacturing (administered by NIST and the Commerce Department), and a $200 million workforce and education fund. Manufacturing facilities receiving CHIPS incentives must demonstrate commitments to worker training and education partnerships.
NIST's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network connects small and medium-sized manufacturers with technical assistance, innovation services, and workforce support. MEP centers operate in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, providing consulting services at reduced cost. The Hollings Manufacturing Innovation program at NIST also funds Manufacturing USA Institutes — currently 16 public-private partnerships focused on advanced manufacturing technology areas including additive manufacturing, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, flexible hybrid electronics, and smart manufacturing. Companies and universities can partner with these institutes to access shared research facilities and collaborative R&D funding.
EDA Tech Hubs and Regional Innovation
The Economic Development Administration's Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) program, created by the CHIPS and Science Act, is one of the largest new economic development initiatives in decades. The program designated 31 Tech Hubs in 2023 across technology areas including semiconductors, clean energy, bioscience, and quantum technology. Designated hubs are eligible for implementation grants, with the first round providing awards of $40 to $75 million to selected hubs to accelerate technology commercialization and cluster development.
EDA also funds the Build to Scale program (formerly the Regional Innovation Strategies program), which includes the Capital Access Program (providing proof-of-concept and commercialization funding) and the Venture Challenge (supporting equity gap funding and other capital access activities for startups). Awards range from $250,000 to $3 million. The EDA's Good Jobs Challenge invested $500 million in sector-based workforce training tied to technology industries. Organizations in technology-intensive regions should engage their Regional Innovation Organization and local EDA Regional Office to understand the full range of available programs and how they can participate in regional economic development strategies.
Digital Equity and Technology Access Grants
The NTIA's Digital Equity Act programs, funded at $2.75 billion by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, support state digital equity planning and capacity grants and competitive grants to organizations providing digital inclusion services. The State Digital Equity Capacity Grant program provides funding to all states and territories to implement their Digital Equity Plans, which include subgrant opportunities for local libraries, community centers, housing authorities, and nonprofits providing digital skills training and device access.
The Digital Equity Competitive Grant program provides direct grants to coalitions of organizations serving populations with low rates of internet adoption including older adults, individuals with disabilities, low-income households, rural communities, and English learners. Organizations should monitor their state broadband office and the NTIA's website for subgrant opportunities flowing from state Digital Equity Capacity grants. The FCC's E-Rate program funds technology and broadband connectivity for schools and libraries at discounts of 20–90% based on poverty level, and the FCC's Emergency Connectivity Fund provided additional support for off-campus connectivity for students during recent years.
SBIR/STTR: The Best Pathway for Technology Startups
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are the primary federal mechanism for funding early-stage technology companies. All federal agencies with external research budgets over $100 million are required to set aside a percentage for SBIR (and those over $1 billion for STTR). Major SBIR/STTR funding agencies for technology companies include the Department of Defense (the largest SBIR funder, with over $2 billion annually), NIH, DOE, NASA, NSF, and DHS.
SBIR operates in three phases: Phase I awards (typically $150,000–$275,000) fund feasibility research over 6 months; Phase II awards (up to $750,000–$2 million) fund full R&D work over two years; and Phase III involves commercialization with private or government funding (no SBIR funds). STTR requires a formal partnership between the small business and a research institution. To participate, companies must be U.S.-based, for-profit small businesses with fewer than 500 employees and at least 51% U.S. ownership. The SBIR.gov portal maintains a searchable database of all open and recent SBIR solicitations across all agencies. Companies new to SBIR should identify two or three agencies whose technology priorities align with their work and begin with Phase I applications in areas where they have the strongest preliminary data and technical capability.