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PFI AIR Technology Translation (TT) - FAQs

1) What is the NSF Partnerships for Innovation Accelerating Innovation Research (PFI AIR) program?

Partnerships for Innovation Accelerating Innovation Research (PFI AIR), NSF Publication 13-575, is a discretionary grant program administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships (IIP). It sits within NSF's broader Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) umbrella, which includes two related tracks: Accelerating Innovation Research (AIR) and Building Innovation Capacity (BIC).

2) Is this solicitation for PFI AIR broadly, or for a specific component?

This solicitation is focused specifically on the PFI AIR Technology Translation (TT) component. It does not cover the full PFI portfolio and is not presented here as a solicitation for the separate PFI BIC track.

3) What stage of the innovation pipeline does PFI AIR TT support?

PFI AIR TT targets a point where a research result is scientifically credible but still needs additional development to realistically move toward the market. The program is meant to address the common funding gap between a validated academic discovery and a practical, de-risked technology package that industry partners, investors, or other commercialization pathways typically expect.

4) What is the main purpose of PFI AIR TT?

The purpose is to bridge the gap between academic research validation and commercialization readiness by supporting translation work that moves an existing research outcome beyond foundational validation and toward applied feasibility and market plausibility.

5) What kinds of activities does PFI AIR TT fund?

The program supports technology translation activities such as proof-of-concept development, early prototyping, and scale-up steps that demonstrate feasibility in more applied settings. The focus is on pushing a credible research outcome toward a tangible technology package suitable for commercialization pathways.

6) Does the program emphasize entrepreneurship or commercialization training?

Yes. NSF explicitly emphasizes engaging faculty and students in entrepreneurial and innovative thinking. Alongside technical translation outcomes, the solicitation highlights building commercialization readiness and providing practical innovation experience within academic environments.

7) How many awards does NSF expect to make, and what is the total estimated funding?

The opportunity anticipates making around 40 awards, with an estimated total program funding level of $8,000,000.

8) What is the maximum award size?

Individual awards can be as high as $800,000.

9) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The solicitation states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

10) What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The funding activity category is science and technology and other research and development.

11) What CFDA listing is associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA listing includes 47.041 (Engineering Grants), reflecting a strong connection to engineering-driven translation and applied technology maturation.

12) Who is eligible to submit a proposal?

Proposals may be submitted only by U.S. accredited universities and colleges, including both two-year and four-year institutions, with a campus located in the United States. The lead submitting organization must be an academic institution acting on behalf of its faculty members.

13) Does eligibility include non-academic organizations as the submitting entity?

No. Based on the provided information, the submitting organization must be an academic institution. The program is structured to remain anchored in academia.

14) How many co-principal investigators (co-PIs) are allowed?

The proposal leadership must include at least one and no more than four co-principal investigators.

15) Is a business-experienced leader required on the project team?

Yes. One of the co-PIs must bring explicit business experience. Examples given include individuals from a university technology transfer office, a business school, or a local or regional economic development organization.

16) What role must the business-experienced co-PI play?

NSF requires that the business-experienced co-PI play an active role that is clearly described in the proposal, including a defined time commitment. This is meant to ensure translation is guided by real commercialization input rather than treated as an add-on.

17) What is the application process timeline described in the solicitation?

The solicitation used a two-step process with required letters of intent (LOIs) followed by full proposals. Both LOIs and full proposals were due by 5 p.m. the proposer's local time.

18) What LOI deadlines are listed?

The LOI deadlines listed were October 7, 2013 and March 13, 2014.

19) What full proposal deadlines are listed?

The full proposal deadlines listed were November 13, 2013 and May 1, 2014, with a later note indicating November 20, 2013 as an updated deadline for the earlier cycle.

20) What was the closing date shown for this opportunity, and is it still open?

The closing date shown in the listing is May 1, 2014. The opportunity was archived on June 1, 2014, indicating this posting reflects a historical solicitation cycle rather than an open call.

21) What does it mean that the opportunity is archived?

Based on the provided information, "archived" indicates the solicitation cycle has ended and the posting is not presented as an active, currently open competition.

22) When were submissions due (time of day and time zone)?

Both the LOIs and full proposals were due by 5 p.m. the proposer's local time.

23) Did NSF plan any informational webinar for applicants?

Yes. NSF planned a webinar within six weeks of the solicitation release date to walk potential applicants through requirements and answer questions, with details to be posted on the IIP website.

24) What outcomes is NSF aiming for with PFI AIR TT projects?

The opportunity is designed to produce concrete technology translation outcomes such as prototypes, proof-of-concept validation, or scale-up demonstrations. These outcomes are intended to position a technology for commercialization pathways such as licensing, startup formation, or industry partnership.

25) What kind of project team is this opportunity designed for?

It is designed for academic teams that combine strong technical leadership with real business and technology transfer expertise, reflecting the program's emphasis on credible research results progressing toward market-relevant translation.