Funding and grant opportunities

CHIPS R&D

https://www.nist.gov/chips/chips-rd-funding-opportunities

President Biden signed the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act into law on August 9, 2022. The Department of Commerce is overseeing $50 billion to revitalize the U.S. semiconductor industry and strengthen the country’s economic and national security.

• The U.S. Department of Commerce issued a NOFO for activities that will use cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous experimentation (AE) technologies to support the long-term viability of next-generation semiconductor manufacturing. 

• CHIPS for America anticipates that the total Federal funds available under CARISSMA will be up to approximately $100 million with individual awards ranging from approximately $20 million to $40 million.

• Expected participants include teams of universities and other research entities with significant experience in artificial intelligence-powered autonomous experimentation (AI/AE); semiconductor industry partners; emerging research institutions; and civil society organizations focused on environmental sustainability or human health and safety 

• Concept papers are due on January 13, 2025.

Drive Capital

https://drivecapital.com/seed-program

I know the Chicago Seed GM personally - he loves hard tech and quantum. Check sizes are usually $500k.

Materials Innovation Platform (MIP)

https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/mip-materials-innovation-platforms

Materials Innovation Platforms (MIP) is a mid-scale infrastructure program in the Division of Materials Research (DMR) designed to accelerate advances in materials research.

• The proposed budget should be between $18,000,000 to $30,000,000 over a six-year period, must be commensurate with the project's scope, and thoroughly justified in the proposal. MIP funding is provided yearly. Pending the availability of funds, it is anticipated that $16,000,000 will be available in Fiscal Year 2026.

• 1 to 3 Estimated number of awards

• May 15 2025 - Deadline date