Startup grants and accelerators: Science & Research

NLnet Foundation offers grants of €5,000 to €50,000 for a first grant to support technical development of open-source software, hardware, or content under open licenses and standards. Applicants can apply to several theme funds (e.g., Restack, CodeSupply, or an open call) with a short proposal describing the project, budget breakdown, and team background.

EIC Accelerator provides funding and support to startups and SMEs developing high-risk, game-changing innovations (TRL 6-8) with potential to create or disrupt markets. It offers a blended finance package combining grants and equity investments, plus business acceleration services like coaching, mentoring, and access to networks and global partners.

Innovate UK will fund UK SMEs to experimentally validate prototype AI systems built on novel reusable mechanisms for efficient, structured and controllable learning systems. The competition is aimed mainly at research-intensive AI startups, deep tech SMEs, university spinouts and pre-commercial companies with proprietary AI technology. Funding is a grant covering a share of eligible project costs of between £50,000 and £150,000.

Sydney-based deep tech incubator with 25 years of track record - alumni have collectively raised over $280 million. Offers Deep Tech Programs at no cost or reduced rates through partner-funded support, plus the annual Tech23 startup showcase.

The R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) is an Australian Government program that helps companies innovate and grow by offsetting some of the costs of eligible research and development activities. Businesses can self-assess their eligibility, apply for advance or overseas findings, and engage research service providers to conduct R&D on their behalf.

Global, virtual-first fellowship backing early-stage founders, run by a group of unicorn entrepreneurs. Two tracks: Ideation for founders without revenue traction, Traction for founders already generating revenue, users, pilots or patents. Roughly 35-40 startups accepted a year.

Dollar-matched non-dilutive funding voucher ($10,000-$50,000) to access CSIRO's research expertise for pre-revenue or pre-profit Australian startups and small businesses - nothing repaid, no equity taken, rolling applications.

State grants up to $75,000 (covering up to 75% of costs) for Illinois small businesses running R&D projects in partnership with an Illinois university or research institution.

Non-dilutive, reimbursable matching grant for Kentucky companies that have already won a federal SBIR or STTR award - up to $100,000 for a Phase I project, up to $150,000 for Phase II, helping bridge the gap to commercialization.

Co-invests up to $150,000 alongside industry partners in research projects with University of Central Florida or University of South Florida faculty, for companies in the 23-county Corridor region.

Government incentive programme helping entrepreneurs and new Israeli startups reach proof of concept and business feasibility. Funds prototype building, IP protection and business development, including materials, components, subcontractors and consultants. Founders are not required to quit their job, incorporate a company, or give up rights to the project.

Innovate UK's Innovation Funding Service lists multiple ongoing and upcoming competitions offering grants to UK-registered businesses and other organisations for R&D and innovation projects across sectors such as AI, batteries, energy, health, and more. Each competition has its own eligibility criteria, funding amount, and deadline, with awards ranging from tens of thousands to tens of millions of pounds.

Grand Challenges is a family of initiatives funded by the Gates Foundation that awards grants to innovators tackling global health and development problems. The program has made 4,163 awarded grants across 124 countries since 2003, covering a range of health and development topics. New grant opportunities are posted periodically for specific initiatives under the Grand Challenges umbrella.

Open Technology Fund offers multiple funding tracks for internet freedom technology, including the Rapid Response Fund for emergency digital security support, the Internet Freedom Fund for research and innovative anti-censorship tools, the FOSS Sustainability Fund for maintaining open source projects, and the Surge and Sustain Fund for large-scale anti-censorship tools. The program supports technical research, development, and operational costs for projects combating censorship and surveillance in repressive contexts.

Smart&Start Italia is an Invitalia incentive supporting the launch and growth of high-tech innovative startups across all Italian regions. It provides a zero-interest loan covering a large share of eligible expenses, with additional non-repayable grants available for startups based in Central-Southern Italy.

The federal non-dilutive funding program behind most of the state SBIR/STTR matching grants in this catalog - Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 for proof of concept, Phase II awards $750,000-$1,800,000 for technology development. Open to for-profit US companies with fewer than 500 employees, in all 50 states and territories.

Innosuisse funds science-based innovation projects of Swiss start-ups preparing for first market entry, covering up to 70% of direct project costs with the start-up contributing at least 30% itself. Only the start-up (not a research partner) is supported, and applications are evaluated by independent experts and the Innovation Council before a funding decision.

NVIDIA's free programme for AI and accelerated-computing startups. It gives training credits, preferred pricing on enterprise GPUs and software, free cloud credits from NVIDIA and its partners, and introductions to investors through Inception Capital Connect. No cohorts and no fixed intake.

State-affiliated seed fund investing in Virginia-headquartered technology, life science, and cleantech startups, with initial checks up to $125,000 via a common Gust application.

Non-dilutive grants ($100,000-$500,000) for Massachusetts-based startups that have won a federal SBIR/STTR Phase II award, funding commercialization activities like market validation and IP strategy.

Vinnova provides government funding to organisations for research and innovation projects in Sweden through various 'calls for proposals', covering areas such as climate-smart solutions and robotics for elderly care. It also offers support specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), though it typically does not fund all project costs and requires applicants to secure additional funding sources.

Small non-dilutive microgrant ($5,000) for New Hampshire startups with a strong SBIR/STTR concept, covering direct proposal-development support - requires completing FOSTER pre-proposal training first.

An annual international awards programme for women impact entrepreneurs, run by Cartier. Awards come with a grant, a fellowship year and peer coaching. Separate regional awards and a Science & Technology Pioneer award.

The SFC Angel Fund raises money for early-stage businesses by investing in SEIS and EIS eligible ventures. The page says SFC invests in 15-20 companies per fund and works with universities, spin-outs, accelerators, incubators and angel investors. It also has a 'Start Raising' section for startups seeking capital.

State-run non-dilutive grants (Proof of Concept, Early-Stage Capital & Retention, Collaborative Infrastructure, Export) for Colorado startups in seven advanced industries: manufacturing, aerospace, bioscience, electronics, energy, infrastructure engineering, and technology.

State-backed seed investor operating four regional offices across Pennsylvania, funding early-stage tech and manufacturing companies with $100,000-$500,000 plus business support services.

State grants for Minnesota startups: Innovation Grants reimbursing R&D and business expenses, plus SBIR/STTR Matching Grants (up to $35,000 for Phase 1, $50,000 for Phase 2 federal awardees).

Poland's state agency for enterprise development runs the national and EU-funded support schemes for small and medium companies - grants for innovation, internationalisation, digital adoption and staff training. Individual calls open and close through the year, each with its own budget and rules.

For Hawaii-based companies that win a federal Phase I SBIR award - HTDC matches up to 50% of the award amount, non-dilutive. A smaller $3,000 Phase 0 grant is also available to help first-time applicants prepare a competitive SBIR proposal.

Non-dilutive state grant of up to $125,000 for Alaska small businesses with an active or recently completed federal SBIR or STTR award, funding business development, market testing, and patent filing.

Non-dilutive matching grant (up to $50,000) for Vermont-based companies that have already received a federal SBIR or STTR Phase I or II award.

Supplementary non-dilutive state funding (up to $100,000) for research-focused startups that have already won a federal SBIR or STTR grant, aimed at keeping the company rooted in Louisiana.

Non-dilutive grant of up to $5,000 for South Dakota startups to prepare a competitive federal SBIR/STTR Phase I proposal.

Non-dilutive Concept Awards ($200,000) and Prototype Awards ($500,000) for early-stage California clean energy startups, administered by New Energy Nexus for the California Energy Commission.

IAN Group invests in innovative companies that solve real-world problems, driven by technology and targeting large markets. Its investment strategy draws on the Group's mentor and expert pool and global networks. Investment is made through funds including the IAN Alpha Fund and the IAN Angel Fund.

Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd is Malaysia's focal point agency for early-stage technology startups, offering the Cradle Investment Programme (CIP) which includes CIP Spark and CIP Sprint grant schemes. Beyond monetary aid, Cradle provides commercialisation support and value-added services to help technology entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

State-run grants and SBIR/STTR matching funds (SEED Fund) for Washington technology startups, plus periodic Small Business Innovation Fund awards for R&D-driven small businesses.

State matching fund for Tennessee companies that have received federal SBIR/STTR awards, plus a separate TTAC Proof of Concept Program with a rolling application for early-stage innovators.

Grants up to $75,000 for Rhode Island businesses (500 employees or fewer) to fund R&D conducted with a local Knowledge Provider (college, university, hospital or research institution) or in-house for manufacturers. Over 150 projects funded to date.

Non-dilutive grant of up to $5,000 for Oregon-based companies to secure professional proposal-development services for a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I, Phase II, or Fast-Track application.

Canada's largest source of non-repayable R&D funding for small and medium businesses — up to $10,000,000 per project, covering up to 80% of R&D labour costs. No equity taken, nothing repaid.

New York state energy agency deploying $1.2 billion over 15 years in R&D grants, commercialization support, and an Entrepreneur-in-Residence program for clean energy startups.

Non-dilutive matching funds for Kansas-based small businesses: Phase 0 covers proposal development (up to $3,000), Phase 1 matches a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I award (up to $25,000). Requires 51% of operations to stay in Kansas.

Non-dilutive funding for Maryland technology-based startups in two phases - Technology Assessment (up to $130,000 over 9 months) and Technology Validation - up to $430,000 total. Applications reviewed quarterly.

Non-dilutive matching grants for West Virginia companies with a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I or II award, plus up to $10,000 in technical assistance funding for accelerator participants, with top graduates eligible to pitch for up to $100,000 in additional pre-seed funding.

Indiana's non-profit venture development partner matches $0.50 for every federal SBIR/STTR dollar awarded, up to $50,000 per award and a $150,000 lifetime cap per company - non-dilutive.

Non-dilutive matching grants (up to $30,000 per phase, per year) for Montana companies working on a federal SBIR or STTR project, covering both Phase I feasibility research and Phase II commercialization.

J-Startup is a startup development support program run by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) that identifies and promotes promising Japanese startups capable of competing globally. Companies are selected through a strict examination process involving recommendations from venture capitalists, accelerators, and corporate innovation leaders, plus approval by an external review committee. Selected companies are designated 'J-Startup Company' and featured/promoted by the program. The programme page does not specify what designated companies receive beyond the designation itself.

EIC Pathfinder is a Horizon Europe funding programme that supports research teams taking forward breakthrough deep tech projects at the earliest stages (TRL 1-4). It offers grants of up to EUR 4 million, booster grants, coaching, mentoring and networking. It is open to research teams, including consortia or, for Pathfinder Challenges only, single applicants.

XPRIZE Foundation runs a series of global 'Grand Challenges' that award large cash prizes to teams or innovators who develop breakthrough solutions in areas like quantum computing, water scarcity, healthspan, wildfire response, carbon removal, and rainforest conservation. Prizes range from $5 million to $119 million and are sponsored by various foundations and corporate partners such as Google Quantum AI, Musk Foundation, and HEVOLUTION.

Non-dilutive grant for knowledge- or technology-based startups spinning out of a German university or research institution - up to EUR 30,000 in material costs, EUR 5,000 coaching budget, plus a monthly founder stipend (EUR 1,000-3,000) for up to 12 months. Applied for through the university, not directly.

SPRIND is Germany's Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation, which runs open 'Challenges' inviting teams with radical ideas to apply for funding on specific breakthrough technology themes. Current open challenges include AI-Native Chip Design, Next Frontier Robotics, and Recoding Medicine, each with its own application deadline. The agency finances groundbreaking technologies intended to generate economic benefit for Germany and Europe.

Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge is a global deep tech startup competition offering a €200K equity prize from DeepBright Ventures, access to 350+ VCs and CVCs at Investor Day, and year-round connections with investors, corporates, and industry leaders. Selected 'Deep Tech Pioneers' get global recognition, exhibition opportunities at the Hello Tomorrow Summit in Amsterdam, and finalists pitch on the Pioneers Stage in front of top investors and media.

BIRAC's Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) Scheme provides early-stage grant-in-aid funding of up to INR 50 lakh to help innovators and young biotech startups convert ideas into a Proof of Concept over an 18-month period. The scheme is delivered through a network of 8 BIG Partners who provide mentoring, monitoring, networking and business development support to grantees.

Non-dilutive reimbursement of up to $4,500 for Wisconsin-based technology companies preparing a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I application, plus a separate matching grant for companies that already won a Phase I or II award.

Columbus, Ohio venture studio and accelerator combining seed capital, a physical innovation hub, and help securing non-dilutive SBIR/STTR and state grants for Ohio-based (or relocating) startups.

Non-dilutive grant of $25,000-$50,000 for business development expenses to early-stage New Mexico companies commercializing new technology, plus a separate SBIR/STTR Matching Grant ($50,000-$100,000) for federal award recipients.

Non-dilutive grants (3:1 state-to-business match) for Delaware small businesses with 10 or fewer employees - up to $100,000 for science and technology companies, or up to $50,000 for other sectors. Rolling applications, decisions within 45 days.

State-run accelerator helping Texas research-driven startups secure non-dilutive federal SBIR/STTR funding, plus access to the state's FAST Partnership matching program.

Non-dilutive grants for early-stage New Jersey startups - no application fees collected. Includes Clean Tech R&D Seed Grants (up to $75,000) for very early-stage clean tech companies and SBIR/STTR follow-on support ($50,000) for companies that completed Phase I and submitted a Phase II application.

Free, equity-free seven-month pre-acceleration programme for early-stage innovators across 22+ European countries, offering training, mentorship, and up to EUR 10,000 in prizes with no equity taken.