Opportunity Information: Apply for 25 548
Apply for 25 548
- The U.S. National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Accelerating Research Translation" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.041, 47.049, 47.050, 47.070, 47.074, 47.075, 47.076, 47.079, 47.083, 47.084.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2025-09-26.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-01-15. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $8,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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Opportunity Summary:
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program is a national effort to help universities and other eligible non-profit research organizations turn academic discoveries into real-world solutions that benefit the public. The core idea is to increase both the speed and the scale of research translation so that innovations emerging from U.S. higher education more consistently lead to practical outcomes such as new products and services, stronger regional economies, improved public-sector practices, and broader societal benefits. ART is led by NSF's Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), working with other NSF directorates, and it is intentionally designed to build translational strength across the full geography of the United States, based on the premise that high-impact innovation can come from any region.
A central concept in ART is that institutions sit at different starting points when it comes to their ability to translate research. NSF refers to this as "research translation readiness level" (RTRL). There is no single score for RTRL, but NSF points to practical indicators such as research expenditures, invention disclosures, patents, licenses, royalties, industry and nonprofit partnerships, the number of startups, the availability of entrepreneurship education and training, and whether the institution has a dedicated technology transfer office (or an equivalent function). In general, institutions with low RTRL tend to have limited patenting, licensing, and startup activity, while institutions with high RTRL typically have established tech transfer operations, a track record of moving research into practice, and strong training and networking infrastructure for entrepreneurship and commercialization.
ART proposals are expected to combine three kinds of work. First, projects should build or strengthen institutional infrastructure that makes research translation sustainable over time (not just for one project, but as a durable capability). Second, projects should provide education and training, including engaged scholarship and hands-on experiences for students, postdocs, and faculty, so more people can become entrepreneurial leads or pursue use-inspired and translation-oriented careers in industry, government, or the nonprofit sector. Third, projects should include near-term translation and technology transfer activities that create immediate opportunities to move innovations into practice and generate sustained economic and collective impact.
NSF also makes clear that it is using a broad definition of research translation and technology transfer. While startup creation and lab-to-market commercialization remain important, ART explicitly welcomes other translational pathways as well, such as civic entrepreneurship, contributions to standards-setting organizations, informing policy and regulatory bodies, and scaling effective educational curricula and instructional materials. In other words, ART is not limited to forming companies; it is about building ecosystems that can reliably move research-driven ideas into the world through multiple channels.
The solicitation is organized into five interconnected Tracks, each aligned to different institutional levels of translation readiness and different roles in the overall national ecosystem. Track 1, called Accelerating Technology Transfer (ACT), is for institutions of higher education (IHEs) with low to medium overall research translation readiness that can show promise for building innovation translation capacity. These awards can be up to $3 million over 3 years, are focused on outcomes at a single IHE, and NSF expects to make up to 20 awards. High-performing Track 1 teams may be eligible for a renewal of up to 2 additional years and up to $1 million more, depending on funds and performance.
Track 2, called Growing Capacity for Research Translation (GROW), targets IHEs that already have high research activity and some translation infrastructure, but where actual translation outcomes are still relatively low. The goal is to help these research-intensive institutions significantly increase translation performance and unlock larger sustained economic and societal impacts. Track 2 proposals must be led by one IHE and must include a partnership with a mentoring IHE that has high RTRL. Awards can be up to $6 million over 4 years, and NSF anticipates up to 10 awards.
Track 3 establishes regional Technology Transfer Resource Centers (RESOURCE). This track is designed for IHEs or non-profits with strong research translation capacity (or equivalent experience) that can serve as hubs providing guidance, services, training, education, and support to multiple lower-RTRL institutions in a region, especially those with little or no dedicated technology transfer resources. Track 3 awards can be up to $8 million over 4 years, with up to 5 awards anticipated. Strong performers that show progress toward self-sustainability may be eligible for renewal support for up to 4 additional years and up to $2 million more.
Track 4 focuses on Education and Training (ET) at a national scale. It invites proposals from IHEs or non-profits that either have strong, established translation ecosystems or have demonstrated experience developing and delivering entrepreneurship and technology transfer education. The purpose is to create, evaluate, and deploy training resources that can be used by lower-RTRL institutions anywhere in the U.S., including (but not limited to) Track 1 and Track 2 awardees. Track 4 awards can be up to $3 million over 3 years, with up to 4 awards expected. Renewals of up to 2 additional years and up to $2 million may be available for strong projects to scale adoption nationally, subject to funds and results.
Track 5, called Coordinating Accelerating Research Translation (CART), supports a unifying coordinating center. This center would build an integrated platform to coordinate, evaluate, and monitor progress across teams funded under Tracks 1 and 2, and it would also coordinate activities carried out under Tracks 3 and 4. Track 5 is structured as a cooperative agreement and can be funded up to $3 million over 5 years, with up to 2 awards anticipated. Strong performers may be eligible for renewal for up to 5 more years and up to $3 million additional funding. Track 5 proposals must be led by an IHE with high RTRL and substantial expertise in tech transfer, IP management, entrepreneurship, and programs designed to generate sustained economic and collective impacts.
Eligibility to submit proposals includes U.S.-based institutions of higher education (two-year and four-year, including community colleges) accredited and located in the U.S., as well as certain U.S.-based non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research labs, and professional societies that are directly tied to education or research. Universities that are part of larger systems may submit separately if they have their own leadership team, sponsored research office (or equivalent), and governing structure. The PI and any co-PIs or other senior/key personnel must hold appointments at eligible submitting organizations. NSF strongly encourages including a representative from the institution's technology transfer office (or the equivalent IP management unit) as a PI or at least a co-PI. Researchers based at overseas branch campuses of U.S. IHEs are not eligible, and foreign academic collaborators may participate in key roles if essential but cannot receive NSF funding.
Key administrative details in the opportunity information include an original closing date of January 15, 2026, and an award ceiling of $8 million (which aligns with the maximum Track 3 RESOURCE awards). The opportunity is listed as NSF Funding Opportunity Number 25-548, and it spans multiple NSF CFDA areas tied to science and engineering research and development. Overall, ART is positioned as a capacity-building program: it aims to create more institutions that can consistently translate research into public benefit, strengthen regional innovation economies, and expand access to translation infrastructure and know-how beyond the handful of places that already have mature commercialization ecosystems.
FAQs: NSF Accelerating Research Translation (ART) Program (NSF 25-548)
What is the NSF Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program?
The NSF Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program is a national effort to help universities and other eligible U.S. non-profit research organizations translate academic discoveries into real-world solutions that benefit the public. The program emphasizes increasing both the speed and the scale of translation so innovations more consistently lead to outcomes like new products and services, improved public-sector practices, stronger regional economies, and broader societal benefits.
Which NSF organization leads ART?
ART is led by NSF's Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), working with other NSF directorates.
What does NSF mean by "research translation" in ART?
ART uses a broad definition of research translation and technology transfer. In addition to startup creation and lab-to-market commercialization, NSF explicitly welcomes other pathways such as civic entrepreneurship, contributions to standards-setting organizations, informing policy and regulatory bodies, and scaling effective educational curricula and instructional materials.
What is "research translation readiness level" (RTRL)?
RTRL is NSF's way of describing that institutions start from different levels of readiness to translate research into practice. NSF does not describe RTRL as a single score; instead, it points to practical indicators that suggest lower or higher readiness.
What indicators does NSF use to gauge RTRL?
NSF cites indicators such as research expenditures, invention disclosures, patents, licenses, royalties, industry and nonprofit partnerships, the number of startups, the availability of entrepreneurship education and training, and whether the institution has a dedicated technology transfer office (or an equivalent function).
How does ART describe low versus high RTRL institutions?
In general, low-RTRL institutions tend to have limited patenting, licensing, and startup activity. High-RTRL institutions typically have established technology transfer operations, a track record of moving research into practice, and strong training and networking infrastructure for entrepreneurship and commercialization.
What kinds of activities are ART proposals expected to include?
ART proposals are expected to combine three kinds of work: (1) building or strengthening durable institutional infrastructure for research translation, (2) education and training with engaged scholarship and hands-on experiences for students, postdocs, and faculty, and (3) near-term translation and technology transfer activities that create immediate opportunities to move innovations into practice and generate sustained impact.
Is ART only about creating startups and commercializing technologies?
No. While startups and commercialization are important, ART is designed to support multiple translational pathways, including civic entrepreneurship, standards work, policy and regulatory engagement, and scaling educational materials and curricula.
How is the ART solicitation organized?
The solicitation is organized into five interconnected Tracks. Each Track aligns to different institutional levels of translation readiness and different roles in the national translation ecosystem.
What is Track 1 (ACT) and who is it for?
Track 1 is called Accelerating Technology Transfer (ACT). It is for institutions of higher education (IHEs) with low to medium overall research translation readiness that can show promise for building innovation translation capacity. It focuses on outcomes at a single IHE.
What is the funding level and duration for Track 1 (ACT)?
Track 1 awards can be up to $3 million over 3 years. NSF expects to make up to 20 awards.
Are Track 1 renewals possible?
Yes. High-performing Track 1 teams may be eligible for a renewal of up to 2 additional years and up to $1 million more, depending on available funds and performance.
What is Track 2 (GROW) and who is it for?
Track 2 is called Growing Capacity for Research Translation (GROW). It targets IHEs that already have high research activity and some translation infrastructure, but where translation outcomes are still relatively low. The goal is to significantly increase translation performance and unlock larger sustained economic and societal impacts.
Does Track 2 require a partnership?
Yes. Track 2 proposals must be led by one IHE and must include a partnership with a mentoring IHE that has high RTRL.
What is the funding level and duration for Track 2 (GROW)?
Track 2 awards can be up to $6 million over 4 years. NSF anticipates up to 10 awards.
What is Track 3 (RESOURCE) and what does it fund?
Track 3 establishes regional Technology Transfer Resource Centers (RESOURCE). This Track is for IHEs or non-profits with strong research translation capacity (or equivalent experience) that can serve as hubs providing guidance, services, training, education, and support to multiple lower-RTRL institutions in a region, especially those with little or no dedicated technology transfer resources.
What is the funding level and duration for Track 3 (RESOURCE)?
Track 3 awards can be up to $8 million over 4 years. NSF anticipates up to 5 awards.
Are Track 3 renewals possible?
Yes. Strong Track 3 performers that show progress toward self-sustainability may be eligible for renewal support for up to 4 additional years and up to $2 million more.
What is Track 4 (ET) and who is it for?
Track 4 focuses on Education and Training (ET) at a national scale. It invites proposals from IHEs or non-profits that either have strong, established translation ecosystems or have demonstrated experience developing and delivering entrepreneurship and technology transfer education.
What is the goal of Track 4 (ET)?
The goal is to create, evaluate, and deploy training resources that can be used by lower-RTRL institutions anywhere in the U.S., including (but not limited to) Track 1 and Track 2 awardees.
What is the funding level and duration for Track 4 (ET)?
Track 4 awards can be up to $3 million over 3 years. NSF expects up to 4 awards.
Are Track 4 renewals possible?
Yes. Renewals of up to 2 additional years and up to $2 million may be available for strong projects to scale adoption nationally, subject to available funds and results.
What is Track 5 (CART) and what does it do?
Track 5 is called Coordinating Accelerating Research Translation (CART). It supports a unifying coordinating center that would build an integrated platform to coordinate, evaluate, and monitor progress across teams funded under Tracks 1 and 2, and also coordinate activities carried out under Tracks 3 and 4.
Is Track 5 a standard grant?
No. Track 5 is structured as a cooperative agreement.
What is the funding level and duration for Track 5 (CART)?
Track 5 can be funded up to $3 million over 5 years. NSF anticipates up to 2 awards.
Are Track 5 renewals possible?
Yes. Strong Track 5 performers may be eligible for renewal for up to 5 more years and up to $3 million additional funding.
Are there specific eligibility expectations for Track 5 leadership?
Yes. Track 5 proposals must be led by an IHE with high RTRL and substantial expertise in technology transfer, IP management, entrepreneurship, and programs designed to generate sustained economic and collective impacts.
Who is eligible to submit proposals to ART?
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions of higher education (two-year and four-year, including community colleges) that are accredited and located in the U.S., as well as certain U.S.-based non-profit, non-academic organizations (such as independent museums, observatories, research labs, and professional societies) that are directly tied to education or research.
Can campuses in a university system submit separate proposals?
Yes. Universities that are part of larger systems may submit separately if they have their own leadership team, sponsored research office (or equivalent), and governing structure.
Who can serve as PI, co-PI, or senior/key personnel?
The PI and any co-PIs or other senior/key personnel must hold appointments at eligible submitting organizations.
Does NSF recommend including a technology transfer office representative on the project?
Yes. NSF strongly encourages including a representative from the institution's technology transfer office (or the equivalent IP management unit) as a PI or at least a co-PI.
Are researchers at overseas branch campuses eligible?
No. Researchers based at overseas branch campuses of U.S. IHEs are not eligible.
Can foreign academic collaborators participate?
Foreign academic collaborators may participate in key roles if essential, but they cannot receive NSF funding under this opportunity.
What is the funding opportunity number for ART?
The opportunity is listed as NSF Funding Opportunity Number 25-548.
What is the closing date listed for this opportunity?
The original closing date provided is January 15, 2026.
What is the maximum award amount mentioned in the opportunity information?
The award ceiling referenced is $8 million, which aligns with the maximum Track 3 (RESOURCE) award amount.
How many awards does NSF expect to make across the Tracks?
Based on the information provided, NSF expects up to 20 awards for Track 1, up to 10 for Track 2, up to 5 for Track 3, up to 4 for Track 4, and up to 2 for Track 5.
Is ART intended to support only a few established innovation hubs?
No. ART is intentionally designed to build translational strength across the full geography of the United States, based on the premise that high-impact innovation can come from any region.
What is the overall purpose of ART as a capacity-building program?
ART aims to create more institutions that can consistently translate research into public benefit, strengthen regional innovation economies, and expand access to translation infrastructure and know-how beyond the relatively small number of places that already have mature commercialization ecosystems.
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