The NSF Translation to Practice (NSF TTP) program focuses on real-world applications of all areas of Science, Technology , Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Proposers can tailor their research and/or innovation activities to solve specific problems faced by consumers, industries, and/or governments. Successful outcomes of NSF TTP projects are varied and may include, but are not limited to: accelerated product, process or service maturation; open-source projects; standards setting; patents; the realization of pre-commercial or commercial products, processes or services; and startup or small business formation.

• NSF TTP-Explore (NSF TTP-E) is a pilot track that is likely to be the first step for researchers seeking to translate their basic research to practice. To be eligible for the NSF TTP-E track, proposers must have an active, eligible, NSF research award (see Eligibility Information for further details). The NSF TTP-E track provides the opportunity to obtain an extension of the initial award period of a current NSF award for up to two years in order to offer investigators an opportunity to explore adventurous, high-risk, use-inspired research and initial translational activities not covered by the original research award.
• NSF TTP-Translate (NSF TTP-T) starts with use-inspired research and initial translational activities and further matures the idea(s), iterates and improves the solution(s), and lowers the barrier(s) to effective translation of research from lab to practice.
• NSF TTP-Partner (NSF TTP-P) supports translational efforts that demand one or more partnerships for technology development and deployment. Here, strategic partnerships with stakeholders beyond U.S. institutions of higher education are essential ingredients for success and may include industry partners, government entities at all levels, philanthropies, international organizations, or other groups associated with large scale productization and distribution. Partnerships with U.S. institutions of higher education are valued, but NSF TTP strongly prioritizes NSF-Catalyzed Partnerships that are able to help bring the product, process, or service to the market, potentially through licensing agreements, startup or small business formation, incorporation into an existing open-source ecosystem, development into standards setting arrangements, etc. Such partnering organizations will assist in the translation to practice. In addition to the Principal Investigator (PI), NSF TTP-P proposals must include a co-PI or Senior/Key Personnel who is a member or employee of the NSF-Catalyzed Partner.

NSF TTP-E Track Only-Proposals accepted anytime

NSF TTP-T and TTP-P Tracks: September 16, 2025, January 20, 2026, and May 19, 2026