NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I

The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I grant opportunity is issued by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), specifically through its Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) headquartered in Washington, D.C. The grant falls under the broader umbrella of the FY 2025 Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion initiative (SpaceTech REDDI 2025). The objective of the NIAC program is to fund early-stage feasibility studies of visionary aerospace concepts that could significantly advance NASA’s mission or enable entirely new missions through technological breakthroughs. The primary goal of NIAC Phase I awards is to evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of innovative aerospace concepts with a focus on disruptive ideas that are not currently under study or application. These concepts must be supported by a representative mission that contextualizes their potential application. Projects funded under Phase I are expected to be at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1–2 and must demonstrate the potential to eventually progress through further phases of development within NASA or other commercial or governmental programs. Concepts submitted should not merely refine or extend current technologies but should demonstrate a fundamentally different approach to known aerospace challenges. The NIAC Phase I program anticipates issuing 12 to 16 awards, each valued up to $175,000 for a project duration of nine months. These awards are non-renewable and not contingent on matching funds. Applicants are encouraged, though not required, to secure partnerships or supplementary support from government or industry stakeholders. No proposals may be a continuation of previously funded NIAC studies, and proposals that do not demonstrate novelty, feasibility, or sufficient innovation will not be considered. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad. All categories of U.S.-based organizations, including academic institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, and governmental entities, are eligible to apply. Non-U.S. organizations may participate but only under a no-exchange-of-funds arrangement and in accordance with NASA’s foreign participation policy. Proposers must ensure that their concept is presented within the scope of a clearly defined mission, and those lacking sufficient mission context or appearing incremental will be considered out of scope. The application process follows a two-step structure. Interested applicants must first submit a Step A proposal by July 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET. This initial submission includes a one-page overview chart and a three-page technical and management section. Following a review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a more detailed Step B proposal by October 7, 2025, also due at 5:00 PM ET. Step B includes a comprehensive project description, budget justification, biosketches, letters of commitment, and compliance documentation. All submissions must be made via NASA’s NSPIRES online system. Key evaluation criteria for both stages include the innovation and novelty of the concept, its potential impact on NASA missions or broader aerospace objectives, the technical soundness of the concept, and its contextualization within a representative mission. Concepts that merely extrapolate current technologies or are not technically credible will be rejected. Award notifications are anticipated by January 15, 2026, with awards expected to be issued on or around March 16, 2026. All awardees are required to participate in a Phase I Orientation Meeting and the annual NIAC Symposium, and they must submit a final technical report at the end of the funding period. \

Ensure the concept is innovative, representative of a mission, and aligned with NASA strategic priorities. Avoid incremental or previously funded concepts.