National Science Foundation Translation to Practice

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Translation to Practice (NSF TTP) program is a federal funding initiative administered by the National Science Foundation. The program is rooted in the mission of the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), which seeks to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into practical solutions that address real-world problems. This program focuses on ensuring that research outcomes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are not only intellectually significant but also have tangible economic and societal impacts. By supporting use-inspired research and translational activities, the NSF TTP program fosters innovations that can lead to commercialization, standard-setting, or the development of public-benefit solutions. NSF TTP is structured into three distinct tracks to reflect the different stages of technology readiness and research maturity: TTP-Explore (TTP-E), TTP-Translate (TTP-T), and TTP-Partner (TTP-P). TTP-E is a pilot track aimed at current NSF awardees looking to extend their existing research awards by up to two years to explore high-risk, use-inspired research avenues not covered under their original awards. TTP-T is intended for researchers who have already initiated translational activities and wish to further refine their innovation for practical application. TTP-P supports advanced translational projects that require strategic partnerships with entities outside of academia—such as industry, nonprofits, and international organizations—to bring products or services to market or scale. The program encourages a broad range of translational activities, including prototype development, standards implementation, commercialization pathways, and formation of startups or non-profit organizations. Eligible activities under each track differ in scope and complexity. For example, TTP-E focuses on foundational research extensions and may include open-source collaboration or student internships. TTP-T and TTP-P require more robust development and validation of technologies, with TTP-P mandating collaboration with an NSF-Catalyzed Partner. These partners must bring value beyond academic collaboration and may assist with market readiness, licensing, or integration into existing systems. All proposals are submitted either via Research.gov or Grants.gov and must comply with NSF's Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Proposal components vary by track but typically include a project summary, narrative describing the societal need and technological innovation, a plan for development and validation, team qualifications, and—in the case of TTP-P—a detailed partnership strategy. Letters of Collaboration are mandatory for TTP-P and encouraged for other tracks. Specific budgetary requirements apply, including allocations for I-Corps training (unless previously completed) and optional patent protection expenses. Each proposal must clearly articulate its broader impacts and anticipated societal or commercial outcomes. The program operates on a recurring deadline model. For the TTP-E track, proposals may be submitted any time between April 1, 2025, and April 1, 2026, with subsequent annual cycles. For TTP-T and TTP-P, there are three annual deadlines: the third Tuesdays in January, May, and September. Based on this schedule, the next due date is May 19, 2026. All deadlines are due by 5:00 p.m. local time of the submitting organization. The proposal review process includes merit-based evaluation of intellectual merit and broader impacts, with additional criteria tailored to each track. Anticipated award sizes vary by track—up to $600,000 for TTP-E, $1.2 million for TTP-T, and $2 million for TTP-P—with an estimated total program funding of $30 million and around 29 awards. Program-related inquiries should be directed to the NSF TTP Program team at [email protected] or by calling (703) 292-4800. Official details, including program announcements and Dear Colleague Letters (DCLs) related to NSF-Direct Partnerships, are posted on the NSF TTP website. The NSF TTP program emphasizes inclusive eligibility, requiring PIs to be in full-time research or teaching positions at eligible institutions. Specific tracks have additional requirements, such as an active NSF award for TTP-E and formal non-academic partnerships for TTP-P. The program also aligns with NSF’s broader mission to promote diversity, innovation, and workforce development across all regions of the United States.

Match the track to technology maturity; emphasize societal impact and real-world utilization; include required letters for TTP-P