National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Grant agencyGaithersburg · 6 people tracked
Investment thesis
MEP is a public-private partnership administered by NIST that strengthens U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. Through a network of nearly 1,400 experts and more than 450 service locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, it helps small and medium-sized manufacturers grow, improve operations, reduce risk, adopt Industry 4.0 and cybersecurity practices, and build resilient domestic supply chains. It also administers Notices of Funding Opportunity and pilot programs — such as a $40M pilot targeting additive manufacturing and critical minerals — open to non-profits, universities, and government entities or MEP Center consortia.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 16, 2026.
SBIR/STTR awards · non-dilutive funding
Federal grants and contracts to small businesses — no equity taken. Awards on record 2003–2023.
287 Phase I · 144 Phase II · most-funded states: CA, MA, MD, TX, NY
| Recent awardees | Phase | Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRITICALITY SCIENCES INCAlexandria, VA | Phase II | 2023 | $400K |
| INTERLINK ELECTRONICS, INCIrvine, CA | Phase II | 2023 | $398.6K |
| JULIA JEAN, LLCIrvine, CA | Phase II | 2023 | $400K |
| INFRATRAC INCSilver Spring, MD | Phase II | 2023 | $400K |
| TIAMI LLCElk Grove, CA | Phase II | 2023 | $400K |
| FRAMERGY INCCollege Station, TX | Phase I | 2023 | $100K |
| XMARK LABS, LLCBarrington, RI | Phase I | 2023 | $100K |
| SYGNAMAP INCSan Antonio, TX | Phase I | 2023 | $100K |
| ChemCubed, LLCStony Brook, NY | Phase I | 2023 | $100K |
| QUANTTERA LLCTempe, AZ | Phase I | 2023 | $100K |
| APPLIED RESEARCH TRANSFORMATION, PLLCDurham, NC | Phase I | 2023 | $100K |
| ACTOPROBE LLCAlbuquerque, NM | Phase I | 2023 | $99.9K |
| EXABYTE INC.Walnut Creek, CA | Phase I | 2023 | $99.9K |
| ITA INTERNATIONAL LLCNewport News, VA | Phase I | 2023 | $99.3K |
| ROWND INCRaleigh, NC | Phase I | 2023 | $96.6K |
| IRRADIANT TECHNOLOGIES INC.Cambridge, MA | Phase II | 2022 | $399.9K |
| EXUM INSTRUMENTS, INC.Lakewood, CO | Phase II | 2022 | $399.8K |
| QUALTERRA, INC.Pullman, WA | Phase I | 2022 | $100K |
| CRITICALITY SCIENCES INCAlexandria, VA | Phase I | 2022 | $100K |
| IC3D, INC.Columbus, OH | Phase I | 2022 | $800K |
| 3D ARRAY TECHNOLOGY LLCStorrs, CT | Phase I | 2022 | $800K |
| VURONYX TECHNOLOGIES LLCWoburn, MA | Phase I | 2022 | $800K |
| RATIOCINATIVE ENGINEERING SERVICES LLCBoulder, CO | Phase I | 2022 | $769K |
| MULTISCALE SYSTEMS, INC.Worcester, MA | Phase II | 2022 | $400K |
| XALLENT INC.Ithaca, NY | Phase II | 2022 | $400K |
| ZYMOSENSE INC.Ames, IA | Phase II | 2022 | $400K |
| COLLOIDAL METRICS CORPORATIONMountain View, CA | Phase II | 2022 | $400K |
| ChemCubed, LLCStony Brook, NY | Phase II | 2022 | $400K |
| REFINED IMAGING, LLCBaton Rouge, LA | Phase I | 2022 | $100K |
| SOLUTION SPRAY TECHNOLOGIES LLCStorrs, CT | Phase I | 2022 | $100K |
Source: SBIR.gov award data (U.S. Small Business Administration). SBIR/STTR awards are non-dilutive — the agency takes no equity.
Team · 6 people
from the firm's website
Founder mafia
2 people who came through National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) went on to found or lead other companies.
What they invest in
from 99 of 150 portfolio companiesDeep Tech ×64Hardware ×56Advanced Manufacturing ×21New Materials ×21Semiconductors ×17Defense Tech ×16AI & Machine Learning ×14Biotech ×10
HQs:United States×36
Investments · 150 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathBy year:2023 · 102022 · 142021 · 82020 · 92019 · 112018 · 102017 · 92016 · 112015 · 152013 · 72011 · 5109 dated
Infleqtion builds neutral-atom quantum computers, precision quantum sensors, and related software, and works on integrated photonics to scale quantum systems.
Deep TechHardwareQuantum ComputingLouisville, US
Dana Anderson(Founder)inPranav Gokhale(Chief Technology Officer)inPaul Lipman(Chief Revenue Officer)inJason D. Hall(Chief Legal Officer)inIlan Hart(Chief Financial Officer)inMatthew J. Kinsella(Chief Executive Officer)in
Co-investorsBreakthrough VictoriaCaruso VenturesForma PrimeGlynn Capital ManagementIn-Q-TelS Ventures+5 more
Interlink develops sensing technologies based on its patented Force Sensing Resistor technology, spanning position sensing, rugged pointing controls, gas sensing, printed electronics, smart textiles, membrane keypads, and graphic overlays.
Advanced ManufacturingHardwareIoTSemiconductorsIrvine, US
Steven Bronson(Executive Officer, Director)inSteven N. Bronson(Chairman, CEO, and President)Ryan Hoffman(Executive Officer)Joy Hou(Director)Declan Flannery(Executive Officer)Maria Fregosi(Director)
AAPlasma is an engineering company that researches and develops advanced oxidation processes using non-equilibrium "cold" plasma, UV, and high-voltage electronics, and partners with industry clients to integrate these systems for applications like air cleaning, water treatment, disinfection, and food safety.
CleantechDeep TechNew MaterialsPhiladelphia, US
Greg Fridman(Co-founder)Charles Bailey(Co-founder)
AdValue Photonics designs and manufactures fiber lasers, fiber amplifiers, broadband fiber sources, and fiber-based components across the 515 nm, 1 µm, 1.55 µm, and 2 µm wavelength ranges.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardware
Advanced Silicon Group works in nanotechnology, using the tagline "Nanotechnology for Life."
BiotechDeep TechMedical DevicesNew MaterialsSemiconductorsLowell, US
Marcie Black(CEO & Co-founder)inBill Rever(Chief Marketing and Sales Officer & Co-founder)William Rever(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardAlan Watson(Director)Sarah Kelly(Director)
Co-investorsTenon Ventures
Advent Diamond designs and manufactures all-diamond semiconductor components, including discrete and integrated devices, using precision-doped diamond films and proprietary low-resistance ohmic contacts.
Deep TechHardwareSemiconductors
Amethyst Research develops infrared detector and emitter technologies, offering materials growth, device prototyping, and testing for government agencies, national labs, universities, and prime contractors.
Deep TechDefense TechHardware
Applied NanoFluorescence (ANF) manufactures optical spectroscopy instruments, such as its NanoSpectralyzer, that detect, characterize, and quantify nanomaterials including single-walled carbon nanotubes and near-infrared quantum dots in bulk samples.
Deep TechHardwareNew MaterialsHouston, US
R. Bruce Weisman(Founder & President)Sergei M. Bachilo(Chief Scientific Officer)
ARtx (Applied Research transformation) develops technology for the construction, inspection, monitoring, and sustainment of heavy civil infrastructure, drawing on engineering analysis, technology development, and asset management.
Construction TechDeep TechGovTech
Areté develops technology and engineering solutions with a focus on defense applications, including counter-drone systems and missile defense.
Deep TechDefense Tech
Architecture Technology Corporation develops modeling tools for optimizing air transport efficiency and assessing the impact of incidents such as air traffic control disruptions, and offers CYRIN, a browser-based cybersecurity training platform that uses real tools against real threats.
CybersecurityDefense TechEdTech
BellBrook Labs supplies life-science research products and services to laboratories, distributed internationally through regional partners across Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
BiotechDeep TechHealthtechMadison, US
Robert G. Lowery(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Robert Lowery(CSO & Founder)Traci Pretsch(CFO)Justin Brink(President)Don Kennedy(Director)
Co-investorsWisconsin Investment Partners
Bridger Photonics develops Gas Mapping LiDAR technology and analytics to detect and measure methane emissions from oil and gas operations, helping operators reduce emissions, cut costs, and meet regulatory requirements.
Climate TechDeep TechEnergyBozeman, US
Pete Roos(Co-founder, Chief Innovation Officer)
Co-investorsNext Frontier Capital
Brimrose designs and manufactures Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter (AOTF) components, NIR spectrometers, and hyperspectral imagers, offering custom optical solutions.
Deep TechHardwareSpace Tech
Cambridge Polymer Group (CPG) is a materials science consulting firm offering contract research, analytical testing, and R&D support to help clients with material selection, product design, manufacturing optimization, and regulatory compliance.
Deep TechMedical DevicesNew Materials
ChemCubed develops jettable materials and printer systems for printed electronics and 3D printing, targeting applications such as printed circuit boards, displays, flexible hybrid electronics, passive components, RFID/sensors, photovoltaics, and wearables.
Advanced ManufacturingHardwareNew Materials
Discovery Semiconductors manufactures ultrafast, high optical power InGaAs photodetectors, RF-over-fiber and balanced optical receivers, extended-wavelength photodiodes, and coherent receiver systems for 10 to 100 Gb applications.
HardwareSemiconductorsSpace Tech
Emergent builds a mobile app for fire and rescue and EMS teams that consolidates crew locations, unit status, and vehicle telematics into a single view, and integrates trucks and compartment devices with first responders.
HealthtechIoTSaaS
Exum develops the Massbox, a laser ablation laser ionization (LALI) analytical instrument for scientific labs that improves ionization efficiency and ease of use.
Deep TechHardwareNew MaterialsDenver, US
Michael A Minyard(Executive Officer)James Thorson(Executive Officer, Director)Jeffrey Williams(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Stephen Strickland(Director)
BoardPaul Giovacchini(Director)Doug Campbell(Director)
Co-investorsBand of AngelsCaruso VenturesCortado VenturesFortySix Venture CapitalHouston Angel Network
Gener8 is a product development company offering engineering services including product design, software development, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, and commercialization.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardware
Glow Biosciences is a contract research organization offering preclinical study services—including study design, model selection, drug and medical device evaluation, pharmacokinetics, and pathology—using animal models of human disease.
BiotechHealthtechMedical DevicesColumbia, US
Graphene Waves manufactures epitaxial graphene materials and quantum Hall effect devices, and provides related consultancy for a range of applications.
Deep TechHardwareNew MaterialsGaithersburg, US
InfoBeyond develops cybersecurity, AI, computer vision, and communications technologies for national defense and civilian organizations.
AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityDefense Tech
Intact Solutions develops physics-based simulation software that runs finite element analysis and topology optimization directly on implicit, BREP, mesh, G-code, and CT scan models without meshing or pre-processing, integrating CAD, process, and material data into a single model.
Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningDeep Tech
Irradiant operates a 3D nano-optics and photonics foundry, using flexible 3D nano-fabrication and lithography to manufacture optical and photonic components such as metalenses, optical interconnects, and integrated free-space optical microsystems.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardware
Co-investorsGeometryMana Ventures
Co-investorsKairos Venture Investments, LlcThe Colorado Impact Fund
Luna develops fiber optic sensing, measurement and non-destructive testing systems for physical, mechanical and temperature measurement, along with photonic testing solutions for designing and testing optical components and networks.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardware
Foley Media is an AI revenue advisory and consulting firm that optimizes existing sales infrastructure (CRM, data, outbound workflows) and builds AI-driven go-to-market systems, revenue operations, and outbound pipeline for clients.
AI & Machine LearningSaaSSales Tech
Douglas J. Foley(Founder)
MetroSage provides inspection analysis and simulation software and services for factory and manufacturing applications, including its PUNDITCMM product that simulates manufacturing measurements without affecting production line processes.
Advanced ManufacturingSaaS
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
Multiscale is an advanced manufacturing and engineering company offering hybrid metal additive manufacturing, precision machining, polymer forming, composites, tooling, and inspection services.
Advanced ManufacturingHardwareNew Materials
Nano Electronic Imaging (NEI) develops STEM EBIC imaging systems and services that measure electronic and thermal signals in electronic devices and materials, including semiconductors and next-generation memory.
Deep TechHardwareSemiconductors
Nikira Labs develops compact, sensitive gas analyzers and scientific instruments used for environmental applications such as air quality measurement, greenhouse gas monitoring, and industrial fence line emissions monitoring.
CleantechClimate TechHardware
Nimbis provides technology-transition services and collaborative tools (the Nimbis Trusted Stratus) to move mission-critical microelectronics technologies from R&D to acquisition, maintenance, and sustainment.
Deep TechDefense TechSemiconductors
Nuvotronics designs and manufactures RF filters (lowpass, bandpass, and highpass) for satellite, aerospace, defense, and advanced wireless systems using advanced microfabrication technology.
Advanced ManufacturingDefense TechHardwareSemiconductorsDurham, US
Scott Meller(Executive Officer)Noel A. Heiks(Executive Officer, Director)David W. Sherrer(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardJerry M. Gladstone(Director)Mike Farley(Director)Ronald G. Flanary, Jr.(Director)
ObjectSecurity provides automated vulnerability analysis tools for binary software (including without source code) and AI/ML model internals, serving red teams, testers, DevSecOps, and MLOps in defense, industrial, and mission-critical environments.
AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityDefense Tech
Optical Physics Company (OPC) designs and manufactures advanced optical systems for tracking, imaging, filtering, and beam control, including adaptive optics, deformable mirrors, high-energy laser beam control, and free-space optical (lasercom) communication.
Deep TechDefense TechHardware
Philadelphia, US
Bernardo Cordovez(Executive Officer)Robert Wicke(Executive Officer, Director)Robert Hart(Executive Officer)
PaneraTech provides sensors and AI-driven software for refractory campaign life management, helping glass manufacturers monitor furnace health and make data-driven asset management decisions.
Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningIoT
Co-investorsInvestcorp
Poseidon Systems develops and manufactures real-time condition monitoring sensors and solutions, with core expertise in oil condition monitoring and metallic wear debris detection, to help operators lower operations and maintenance costs and improve asset reliability.
Advanced ManufacturingHardwareIoT
QATCH Technologies is a life-science instrumentation startup commercializing a sensor technology from Duke University to measure viscosity using small samples (about 5 microliters).
BiotechDeep TechHardwareDurham, US
Qualterra provides molecular plant testing services for horticultural and agricultural operations, including virus screening, variety verification, and genomic analysis.
AgTechBiotechPullman, US
Mike Werner(Executive Officer, Director)Amit Dhingra(Director)
BoardSteve Rector(Director)inBob McCambridge(Director)Kirk Washington(Director)
Co-investorsCowles Ventures
RadiaBeam designs and manufactures particle accelerator components, linac systems, and complete E-beam and X-ray sources for applications including radiation therapy, cargo inspection, food sterilization, and scientific beamlines.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardware
Radiation Monitoring Devices (RMD) develops radiation detection, high-speed imaging, nuclear instrumentation, and non-destructive test equipment, including scintillator materials for gamma-ray and neutron detection.
Deep TechHardwareNew Materials
Redshred is a document AI platform that converts technical documents such as service manuals, maintenance orders, and parts catalogs into structured, queryable databases with extracted content and metadata.
AI & Machine LearningDefense TechEnterprise Software
Refined Imaging develops X-ray grating interferometry technology that embeds a cyber-physical trust anchor into additively manufactured parts, using porosity-encoded identifiers and blockchain to establish provenance and detect counterfeit components for manufacturers.
Advanced ManufacturingCybersecurityDeep Tech
SandBox Semiconductor builds physics-based AI and machine-learning models trained on a fab's own etch, deposition, and metrology data to optimize process recipes to critical-dimension targets in fewer experimental runs.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechSemiconductors
Seacoast Science develops chemical sensors and gas detection devices based on patented MEMS microsensor technology for markets including leak detection, military, homeland security, air quality monitoring, and emission gas detection.
Deep TechHardwareIoTCarlsbad, US
Senvol offers data products and services that help companies implement additive manufacturing (3D printing), enabling them to access, generate, and analyze AM data.
Advanced ManufacturingData & InfrastructureHardware
Smart Information Flow Technologies (SIFT) is a research and development consulting company working in natural language processing, automated planning, cybersecurity, supervisory control, healthcare, and human-automation interaction.
AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityDeep TechMinneapolis, US
Stealth Software Technologies develops privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) that turn cryptographic research into practical software, covering secure multiparty computation, zero-knowledge proofs, searchable encryption, secure cloud storage, and privacy-enhanced blockchain.
Crypto & Web3CybersecurityDeep Tech
Rafail Ostrovsky(Co-founder)
Steward Winter (SWinter) is a consulting firm founded in 1972 that advises on energy efficiency, decarbonization, sustainable design, and accessibility for the built environment.
CleantechConstruction TechEnergy
STF Technologies is a materials testing and consulting company specializing in rheology and soft matter, offering product development support, formulation optimization, and specialized instrumentation for industries including personal care, textile coatings, and polymers/composites.
Deep TechHardwareNew Materials
SygnaMap uses spatial omics and AI-driven computational pathology to identify molecular biomarkers that map disease pathways, guide therapeutic targets, and monitor disease activity for rare and common diseases.
AI & Machine LearningBiotechDigital HealthSan Antonio, US
Targazyme develops and commercializes enzyme biopharmaceuticals designed to improve the delivery, tissue residence, and potency of therapeutic cells for treating cancers and serious auto-immune and neurodegenerative diseases.
BiotechMedical DevicesCarlsbad, US
Lynnet Koh(Founder)
NAVSYS develops GPS/inertial navigation software and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solutions, including the InterNav GPS/inertial product for system integrators and network-assisted PNT systems that aid military GPS receivers in jammed environments.
Deep TechDefense TechHardware
Tourney Consulting Group is a consulting engineering and materials testing firm specializing in concrete durability, corrosion, and service-life solutions for new and existing structures.
Construction TechDeep TechNew MaterialsKalamazoo, US
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)
Co-investorsCaruso VenturesMassive
Virginia Diodes designs and manufactures millimeter-wave and terahertz components and systems, including diodes, transmitter and receiver modules, passive components, and test and measurement equipment.
Deep TechHardwareSemiconductors
North Besthesda, US
Irving Weinberg(Executive Officer, Director)
X-wave Innovations is a research and development firm that designs, manufactures, and sells turn-key technology solutions and provides consulting and development services for federal and commercial customers in defense, aerospace, energy, and transportation.
AI & Machine LearningDeep TechDefense Tech
XCSpec builds smart dynamic ventilation controls, including thermostats, zone controllers, pressure/CO2 sensors, and a cloud monitoring service, for managing HVAC and indoor air quality in residential and commercial buildings.
CleantechHardwareIoTCorte Madera, US
XSB provides AI and software products (including SWISS, Price Point Buyer, Warwick, and Pin Point) that convert unstructured engineering documents into structured, machine-readable data and digital twins to support supply chain management, procurement, and compliance.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEnterprise Software
Zymosense develops the Nanoassay, a label-free enzyme-measurement technology that coats single-walled carbon nanotubes with target substrate and reads catalytic activity through fluctuations in near-infrared light emissions, replacing traditional mix-and-measure assays with a Dilute-Add-Scan workflow.
BiotechDeep TechNew Materials
Nigel Reuel(Co-founder)Nathaniel Kallmyer(Co-founder)
Exits · 2
IPOs and acquisitions across the tracked portfolioInfleqtionNYSE: INFQInterlink ElectronicsNASDAQ: LINK
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companies
Exum · intelligence360.news · Jul 20, 2026
Infleqtion · kavout.com · Jul 16, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- What sectors does National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focus on?
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, Defense Tech, Energy, Mobility & Transportation.
- Where is National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) located?
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is headquartered in Gaithersburg, US.
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