Accelerating Research Translation

The Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program from the National Science Foundation is a major federal initiative designed to strengthen the capacity of U.S. institutions of higher education to convert academic research into tangible societal and economic outcomes. Managed by the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) in collaboration with multiple NSF directorates, ART aims to expand the number and diversity of research translation ecosystems across the nation. The program seeks to create conditions where discoveries made in university laboratories are developed into products, services, policies, or educational practices that have sustained public benefit. ART operates through five distinct but interconnected tracks, each corresponding to a level of institutional research translation readiness. Track 1 (Accelerating Technology Transfer – ACT) targets institutions with low to medium research volume and limited technology transfer infrastructure, providing up to $3 million over three years to build foundational capabilities such as intellectual property management and innovation evaluation. Track 2 (Growing Capacity for Research Translation – GROW) supports high-research-volume institutions with modest translation capacity, offering up to $6 million over four years to build institutional infrastructure, seed translational research projects, and develop partnerships with a designated mentoring institution. Track 3 (Technology Transfer Resource Centers – RESOURCE) funds institutions or nonprofits with strong translation expertise to establish regional hubs providing shared services and training for less experienced institutions, with awards up to $8 million for four years. Track 4 (Education and Training – ET) supports the creation and dissemination of national-level educational and training resources related to entrepreneurship and technology transfer, with awards up to $3 million for three years. Track 5 (Coordinating Accelerating Research Translation – CART) establishes a national coordinating center to integrate and evaluate ART activities across all tracks, with up to $3 million for five years. The program expects to make approximately 40 awards, totaling an estimated $178 million. Individual awards vary by track and duration, with potential renewal funding available for high-performing awardees. All applications must adhere to the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov. No letters of intent or preliminary proposals are required, but institutions must submit a statement from a senior research administrator verifying their current research translation readiness level. Proposals must follow strict format guidelines, including a consolidated personnel list and mentoring and data management plans. Eligible applicants include accredited U.S. institutions of higher education and non-profit, non-academic organizations such as research laboratories and professional societies. Each institution may submit only one proposal for either Track 1 or 2, and one per Track for 3, 4, or 5. Foreign entities are ineligible for direct NSF funding, although international collaborators may participate without receiving support. The solicitation prohibits voluntary cost sharing, and matching funds are not required. Indirect cost limitations do not apply, but subaward and budget caps are specified by track, including dedicated funds for patenting, coordination, and cohort meetings. Proposals will be evaluated using NSF’s two merit review criteria—Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts—alongside ART-specific factors such as track alignment, institutional commitment, and sustainability. Successful proposals will clearly describe strategies for building long-term translational capacity, measurable milestones, evaluation plans, and pathways for regional and national impact. The program has two annual deadlines: January 15, 2026 for Tracks 2 and 5, and March 12, 2026 for Tracks 1, 3, and 4. Awards are expected to begin later in 2026. Key contacts for the program include Dr. Pradeep Fulay (703-292-2445) and Dr. Hina Mehta (703-292-8084), reachable via art@nsf.gov. The solicitation was posted September 26, 2025, and supersedes NSF 23-558.

Emphasize strong institutional commitment, alignment with RTRL track, and sustainable capacity building.