Department of Commerce
Grant agencyInvestment thesis
SBIR awards through Commerce components outside NIST and NOAA.
SBIR/STTR awards Β· non-dilutive funding
Federal grants and contracts to small businesses β no equity taken. Awards on record 1985β2017.
722 Phase I Β· 286 Phase II Β· most-funded states: CA, MA, MD, CO, VA
| Recent awardees | Phase | Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| USML L.L.C.Summerfield, NC | Phase II | 2017 | $399.8K |
| Catalina Sea RanchSan Pedro, CA | Phase II | 2016 | $400K |
| SHARED SPECTRUM COMPANYVienna, VA | Phase I | 2016 | $120K |
| LI-COR, Inc.Lincoln, NE | Phase I | 2016 | $120K |
| Forever Oceans CorporationWarrenton, VA | Phase I | 2016 | $119.8K |
| MANO NANOTECHNOLOGIES INCGuilderland, NY | Phase II | 2016 | $400K |
| SOUTHWEST SCIENCES INCSanta Fe, NM | Phase II | 2016 | $400K |
| INNOVATIVE IMAGING & RESEARCH CORPStennis Space Center, MS | Phase II | 2016 | $400K |
| Proteus Technologies, LLCSlidell, LA | Phase II | 2016 | $400K |
| AMETHYST RESEARCH INCArdmore, OK | Phase II | 2016 | $400K |
| Cultured Abalone Farm LLC, TheGoleta, CA | Phase II | 2016 | $400K |
| INTELLIGENT OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Torrance, CA | Phase II | 2016 | $400K |
| NORTHWEST RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.Redmond, WA | Phase II | 2016 | $400K |
| GINER INCNewton, MA | Phase II | 2016 | $399.9K |
| PRESCIENT WEATHER LTDState College, PA | Phase II | 2016 | $399.9K |
| CLIMATE FORECAST APPLICATIONS NETWORK, LLCReno, NV | Phase II | 2016 | $399.6K |
| ARETE ASSOCIATESNorthridge, CA | Phase II | 2016 | $398.7K |
| Fernandez, StevenRio Rancho, NM | Phase II | 2016 | $380.2K |
| BOULDER ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY, LLCBoulder, CO | Phase I | 2016 | $120K |
| REMOTE SENSING SOLUTIONS, INC.Barnstable, MA | Phase I | 2016 | $120K |
| ADAPTIVE DYNAMICS, INC.San Diego, CA | Phase I | 2016 | $120K |
| Mechelen, LLCStennis Space Center, MS | Phase I | 2016 | $120K |
| ENTANGLEMENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Burlingame, CA | Phase I | 2016 | $120K |
| TOYON RESEARCH CORPORATIONGoleta, CA | Phase I | 2016 | $120K |
| MAKEL ENGINEERING, INC.Chico, CA | Phase I | 2016 | $120K |
| C.A. GOUDEY & ASSOCIATESNewburyport, MA | Phase I | 2016 | $120K |
| TOYON RESEARCH CORPORATIONGoleta, CA | Phase I | 2016 | $120K |
| OPTO-KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS INCTorrance, CA | Phase I | 2016 | $120K |
| GIRD SYSTEMS INCCincinnati, OH | Phase I | 2016 | $120K |
| SUNBURST SENSORS, LLCMissoula, MT | Phase I | 2016 | $120K |
Source: SBIR.gov award data (U.S. Small Business Administration). SBIR/STTR awards are non-dilutive β the agency takes no equity.
What they invest in
from 77 of 122 portfolio companiesDeep Tech Γ57Hardware Γ49Defense Tech Γ41Advanced Manufacturing Γ18New Materials Γ16Climate Tech Γ14Enterprise Software Γ12AI & Machine Learning Γ11
HQs:United StatesΓ56
Investments Β· 122 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathBy year:2025 Β· 12023 Β· 12016 Β· 312012 Β· 740 dated
ADA Technologies manufactures energy storage products for specialized defense applications.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechDefense TechEnergyHardwareEnglewood, US
Russ Farmer(President & CEO)Nada Farmer(Vice President & Chief Financial Officer)James Dong(Vice President of Research and Development)Sayan Naha(Vice President, Business Development)
Amethyst Research designs and manufactures infrared detectors and emitters for government and commercial applications, offering custom solutions from materials growth through device prototyping.
Deep TechDefense TechHardwareSemiconductorsNot specified, US
AretΓ© develops geospatial intelligence and sensing solutions for space-based and satellite applications, with deep learning and analytics capabilities serving national security and safety missions.
Deep TechDefense TechHardwareSpace Tech
Barron Associates develops human interface technologies using motion tracking, gesture recognition, and haptics to serve people with disabilities and specialized users such as astronauts.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechDeveloper ToolsHardwareHealthtechRobotics
Boulder Environmental Sciences and Technology develops and fabricates microwave radiometers and passive microwave sensors for environmental observation, weather forecasting, and climate monitoring.
Climate TechDeep TechHardwareSpace TechBoulder, US
Brechtel manufactures specialized aerosol measurement instrumentation for scientific research, including aircraft-deployable systems and portable devices used in climate and atmospheric studies.
Advanced ManufacturingClimate TechDeep TechHardwareFremont, US
Fred P. Brechtel(President and Founder)Fred Brechtel Sr.Fred Brechtel Jr.(CEO)Fred Sr.Fred Jr.(CEO)
San Pedro, US
Phil Cruver(Executive Officer, Director)JOHN EGER(Executive Officer)
BoardDeborah Johnson(Director)Roger O'Brien(Director)
CFD Research Corporation develops engineering simulations, advanced prototypes, and innovative designs for aerospace, defense, life sciences, materials, and energy sectors using software and experimental capabilities.
AI & Machine LearningBiotechDeep TechDefense TechEnergyHuntsville, US
CFAN develops advanced weather and climate forecasting platforms using machine learning and artificial intelligence to help energy companies, insurers, and utilities manage weather and climate-related risks.
AI & Machine LearningClimate TechEnergyAtlanta, US
Judith Curry(President and Founder)Peter Webster(Chief Scientist and Founder)
CODAR provides HF radar networks for monitoring sea surface currents and supporting marine operations, with applications in oil spill response and ocean data collection.
Climate TechDeep TechHardwareIoTMountain View, US
Dr. Donald Barrick
New Castle, US
Erica Nemser(Executive Officer, Director)inBill Charlton(Executive Officer)Bennett Nemser(Director)
BoardGuido Radaelli(Director)Chris Erickson(Director)Tony Sun(Director)
Co-investorsChevron Technology VenturesPangaea Ventures
Creare is an engineering and research company with advanced laboratory and fabrication facilities for experimental work across scales and temperatures.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechDefense TechDeveloper ToolsEnterprise SoftwareHardwareNew MaterialsSpace TechHanover, US
Dr. Jay Rozzi(Vice President, Principal Engineer)Jeff Breedlove(Senior Staff)Dr. Odile Clavier(Senior Staff)Dr. Patrick Magari(President, Principal Engineer)
Droplet Measurement Technologies designs and manufactures scientific instruments and airborne probes for researchers studying atmospheric and cloud physics across global research institutions.
AgTechClimate TechDeep TechHardwareBoulder, US
Darrel Baumgardner(Founder, Chief Scientist)inRobert McAllister(CEO)Brendan Green(Vice President)Edward Benford(Manager and Vice President)Benjamin Riefe(Manager and Secretary)
Dynaflow develops computational fluid dynamics software and specialized hardware systems for hydrodynamic analysis, cavitation testing, and water-based material erosion applications.
Cloud ComputingDeep TechDefense TechDeveloper ToolsHardwareNew MaterialsSaaSAnnapolis Junction, US
Dr. Georges L. Chahine
Electro Standards Laboratories provides research and development engineering services in power electronics, communications, and control systems for industrial applications including defense and transportation sectors.
Advanced ManufacturingDefense TechEnergyEnterprise SoftwareHardwareCranston, US
AgTechWarrenton, US
Mathew Goldsborough(Executive Officer, Director)Jason Heckathorn(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardTony Baxendale(Director)
FTI Defense provides integrated software solutions combining analytics, modeling and simulation, and defensive cyber capabilities tailored for government and defense missions.
AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityDeep TechDefense TechEnterprise SoftwareSanta Barbara, US
Lavon F. JordanJoseph S. Hashem
GeoOptics develops satellite-based Earth observation instruments and GNSS weather products that provide atmospheric, surface, and subsurface data for environmental monitoring and planning.
Climate TechData & InfrastructureDeep TechSpace TechPasadena, US
Thomas P. Yunck(Executive Officer, Director)inJon Kirchner(Executive Officer)Conrad C. Lautenbacher(Executive Officer, Director)inRussell H. Packer(Executive Officer)
BoardMarco Villa(Director)Wesley K. Clark(Director)
Co-investorsStarbridge Venture Capital Llc
Harmonia provides advanced technology solutions for U.S. federal government agencies, specializing in AI/ML, cybersecurity, data science, and cloud modernization using Agile and DevSecOps methodologies.
AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityEnterprise SoftwareGovTechBlacksburg, US
Pallabi Saboo(Co-founder, Strategic Advisor)Jai Saboo(Co-founder, Strategic Advisor)Marc Abrams(Co-founder, Chief Technology Officer)
Co-investorsMadison Dearborn Partners
Develops advanced materials and electrochemical technologies, including geopolymers, electrochemical processes and sensors.
Deep TechDefense TechNew Materials
Inovati develops kinetic metallization coating systems that deposit fully dense, metallurgically bonded surface coatings for wear and corrosion protection across aerospace, defense, and industrial components.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechDefense TechHardwareNew Materials
LI-COR builds measurement and monitoring instruments β including gas analyzers, data loggers, weather stations, and software β for studying carbon flux, greenhouse gas emissions, water quality, soil conditions, and plant health across soil, water, and atmospheric ecosystems.
AgTechCleantechClimate TechHardware
Thomas Reslewicin
Co-investorsBattery Ventures
Luna Innovations develops fiber optics, nanomaterials, and precision assembly solutions across multiple technical domains.
Advanced ManufacturingData & InfrastructureDeep TechHardwareNew Materials
Kevin Ilcisin(President and Chief Executive Officer)Will Denman(Senior Vice President, General Manager, Optical Communications Testing Business Unit)
Mainstream Engineering develops and manufactures thermal management, power systems, refrigerated containers, and specialty products for government, military, commercial, and industrial applications.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechDefense TechEnergyHardwareRockledge, US
Makel Engineering designs and manufactures chemical sensing systems for applications spanning aerospace, defense, industrial energy, environmental monitoring, and space exploration.
Deep TechDefense TechHardwareSpace TechChico, US
Management Sciences, Inc. develops defense and aerospace software products for secure communications, health monitoring, and condition-based maintenance on mobile and embedded systems.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechDefense TechEnterprise SoftwareHardwareAlbuquerque, US
Kay Blemel(Founder)Marlene K. Blemel(Founder)
MATSYS provides advanced materials development, processing, and handling services for defense, energy, and pharmaceutical industries through in-house capabilities in synthesis, prototyping, and manufacturing.
Advanced ManufacturingDefense TechNew Materials
Michigan Aerospace Corporation (MAC) is an engineering and products company that develops sensing systems, intelligent systems, and software for space, air, and earth-bound applications.
Deep TechHardwareSpace Tech
Nanohmics performs collaborative and client-funded research and advanced product development in applied materials science and instrumentation, building novel sensing devices and measurement platforms for applications such as surveillance, detection, and energy conversion.
CleantechDeep TechDefense TechEnterprise SoftwareHardwareNew MaterialsSemiconductors
Tillamook, US
Kristen S. Lachenmeier(Executive Officer)Dennis Knapp(Director)Timothy Lachenmeier(Executive Officer, Director)Kevin L. Tucker(Executive Officer, Director)Katherine Cowan(Director)
NEOEx Systems builds liquid hydrogen energy and power systems, including the EXTEND energy/power system and LHβDirect liquid hydrogen refueling system, to extend flight duration for unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and personal air vehicles.
CleantechEnergyHardwareAmherst, US
Mark S. Haberbusch(Founder, President & CEO)
Oceanit develops a diversified portfolio of products across aerospace and defense, energy, life sciences, and sustainable engineering using fundamental science and deep technological knowledge.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechDefense TechEnergyEnterprise SoftwareHonolulu, US
Patrick K. Sullivan(Co-founder and CEO)
OKSI develops autonomous and intelligent systems using custom sensors, AI/ML, and computer vision to analyze data and provide actionable insights for defense and aerospace applications.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechDefense TechHardwareLos Angeles, US
Optra manufactures edge computing devices with GPU and CPU capabilities designed for AI/ML vision tasks and automated visual inspection in retail and manufacturing settings.
AI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingEnterprise SoftwareHardwareIoT
Co-investorsInvestcorp
Polestar Technologies develops optical sensing and monitoring systems for research, industrial, and commercial applications, serving biopharmaceutical, medical, defense, and food and beverage sectors.
BiotechDeep TechHardwareIoTMedical Devices
Prescient Weather provides weather and climate forecasting products, including the World Climate Service for sub-seasonal to seasonal forecasts and CropProphet, a statistical system forecasting U.S. crop yield and production from weather, satellite, and field survey data.
AgTechClimate TechData & Infrastructure
PRA develops technology for commercial and defense applications, specializing in RF propagation, radar systems design, state estimation, and signal processing.
Deep TechDefense TechHardwareMarietta, US
E. Jeff Holder(Co-Founder & President)Susan F. Dugas(Co-Founder & Vice President)
R3 Digital Sciences adds device intelligence to existing products across defense, security, environmental, and commercial sectors, enabling automation and monitoring without significant cost or power increases.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechDefense TechHardwareIoTBlacksburg, US
RMD develops radiation detection and imaging systems, including scintillators, detectors, and X-ray imaging devices for nuclear security, medical imaging, and defense applications.
Deep TechDefense TechHardwareMedical DevicesNew Materials
Matthew Dallimore(President)Vivek Nagarkar(Vice President, Research & Development)Michael Squillante(Vice President, Research & Development)Martin Waters(Vice President, Program Management)Patricia McLaughlin(Vice President, Finance)Dr. Gerald Entine
RTI is the world's largest DDS (Data Distribution Service) supplier providing Connext, a real-time data streaming platform for intelligent physical systems including autonomous vehicles, medical devices, robotics, and industrial automation.
Data & InfrastructureDeep TechDefense TechEnterprise SoftwareIoTRoboticsSunnyvale, US
Stan Schneider(CEO)Gerardo Pardo(CTO)
Renaissance Services is a systems engineering firm serving the aerospace and defense industry, providing rapid delivery of low-volume, hard-to-get replacement parts and integrating digital technologies for engineering and manufacturing.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechDefense Tech
Resodyn Corporation is a research and development company that engineers and manufactures technology products and provides engineering and manufacturing services, developing solutions through public grants (such as SBIR) and private R&D contracts.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardware
SC Solutions provides custom process control, physics-based modeling, and structural engineering services for the semiconductor, advanced materials, energy, aerospace, and defense industries.
Construction TechDeep TechSemiconductorsSunnyvale, US
Gregory Loy(Co-founder & former CEO/President, Chairman of the Board)Chris Larsen(Chief Executive Officer & President)
Shared Spectrum Company (SSC) develops Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) radio technology and spectrum sharing solutions for wireless communications, including work for programs such as DARPA's XG Program.
Deep TechDefense TechGovTechHardwareSan Diego, US
Dr. Mark McHenry(CEO and Founder)
Co-investorsBlue Delta Capital
Softronics designs and manufactures advanced radio communications and electronic systems for military and commercial applications, including power amplifiers, radio transceivers, and sensor components.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechDefense TechHardware
Stottler Henke develops AI-based software solutions for complex problem-solving, scheduling, training simulations, intrusion detection, and data visualization, serving defense, aerospace, and government agencies.
AI & Machine LearningDefense TechDeveloper ToolsEnterprise SoftwareGovTechSan Mateo, US
Andrea Stottler(Co-Founder and Director)Dick Stottler(Co-Founder and Director)
Stratonics develops thermal process monitoring technology for additive manufacturing, with a patented dual-wavelength imaging pyrometer that measures melt pool temperatures in laser powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition systems.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardware
Sunburst Sensors manufactures industrial components including sensors, motors, gear motors, conveyor chains, and roller chain drives for industrial applications.
Advanced ManufacturingClimate TechDeep TechHardwareIoTMissoula, US
Michael DeGrandpre(Inventor / Owner)James Beck(CEO)
TRI Austin performs research, development, and materials testing in advanced materials, including specialty polymer-based coatings, adhesives, sealants, and composite resins, and offers nondestructive evaluation and analytical lab services.
Deep TechDefense TechNew MaterialsAustin, US
J. Scott Thornton(Founder)
Mercury provides security technologies and system security engineering services for mission-critical aerospace and defense applications, including cryptography, secure boot, and physical protection solutions designed to prevent reverse engineering and protect against cyber threats.
CybersecurityDefense TechHardware
Navsys provides GNSS simulation and test software, including GPS/inertial navigation solutions for positioning and sensing applications.
Deep TechDefense TechDeveloper ToolsHardwareSpace TechColorado Springs, US
Alison K. Brown(Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer)
Vcom3D develops medical simulation and immersive training solutions including mixed reality systems, virtual equipment, and integration platforms for healthcare organizations, military programs, and academic institutions to enhance clinical training and team readiness.
Defense TechEdTechHealthtechMedical Devices
Carol Wideman(Co-founder and CEO)Ed Sims(Co-founder and CTO)in
Vescent develops photonics and quantum hardware, including frequency combs, lasers, controllers, and optical atomic clocks, along with laser stabilization and cold atom science solutions.
Deep TechHardwareQuantum Computing
Scott Davis(Co-Founder & CEO)in
Co-investorsCaruso VenturesMassive
Vista Photonics designs and manufactures laser-based sensing instruments for optical trace gas detection and environmental monitoring, serving government agencies and space research organizations.
Deep TechHardwareSpace Tech
Jeffrey S. Pilgrim(President and Founder)Melissa M. Pilgrim(Chief Administrative Officer)
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companiesDroplet Measurement Technologies Β· writeinsider.com.au Β· Jul 14, 2025