NASA NIAC Phase I funds nine-month feasibility studies for visionary, early-stage space technology concepts, awarding up to $225,000 to roughly 16 applicants. It is for U.S. organizations of any type pursuing advanced space research and development, not for businesses seeking working capital or operating in unrelated industries. If your business has nothing to do with space technology or advanced R&D, this program is not worth your time.
| Industry | Estimated fit |
|---|---|
| Technology & SoftwareMatches your industry (technology, tech) | 55 |
| Energy & Clean TechLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 43 |
| Healthcare & BiotechLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 43 |
| Environment & ConservationLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 41 |
| Arts & CultureLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 36 |
| Housing & Real EstateLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 34 |
| Industry | Estimated fit |
|---|---|
| Education & TrainingCurrently accepting applications | 33 |
| ManufacturingLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 33 |
| Social Services & NonprofitLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 33 |
| Finance & BankingCurrently accepting applications | 32 |
| Food & BeverageLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 31 |
| Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 31 |
| Transportation & LogisticsLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 31 |
| Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 29 |
| Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 28 |
These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.
NASA NIAC Phase I funds nine-month feasibility studies of visionary, early-stage space technology concepts. All categories of U.S. organizations may apply, including small businesses, universities, nonprofits, and other entities; awards up to $225,000 with about 16 expected.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters anticipates release of a solicitation, titled “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC), Phase I,” as an Appendix to the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) NASA Research Announcement (NRA), titled “Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion - 2026 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2026),” on or about September 28, 2026 . Once the Appendix is posted, complete details (to include due dates) can be accessed via the following steps:
1. Open the NSPIRES homepage at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/
2. Select "Solicitations"
3. Select "Open”
4. Select "Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion - 2026 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2026) NNH26ZTR001N”
5. Select “List of Open Program Elements”
6. Select “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC), Phase I- NNH26ZTR001N-27NIAC_A1"
7. Select “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I Solicitation Document" under Announcement Documents.
The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program supports innovative research through multiple Phases of awards. Phase I awards are typically a nine-month effort to explore the overall feasibility and viability of visionary concepts. There are two steps to the Phase I proposal process; a brief Step A proposal open to all eligible applicants, and an expanded Step B for those who are invited.
All categories of U.S organizations may apply to Appendix NNH26ZTR001N-27NIAC_A1. NIAC Principal Investigators (PIs), also known as NIAC Fellows, and team members may be affiliated with any type of U.S organization. Non-U.S. organizations may partner in, or lead, NIAC studies on a no-exchange of funds basis, and subject to NASA’s policy on foreign participation (see Section B.3 of SpaceTech-REDDI-2026).
All proposals must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES by an authorized organizational representative (AOR). Detailed submission instructions are provided in the SpaceTech-REDDI-2026 NRA, as well as the NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual available here: https://www.nasa.gov/grants-operations-management/ .
Potential proposers and their proposing organizations are urged to familiarize themselves with the submission system, ensure they are registered in NSPIRES, and submit the required proposal materials well in advance of the deadline.
Please note that registration in NSPIRES cannot be completed until each applicable institution obtains a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) (previously Data Universal Number (DUNS)), obtains a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, and registers in the System for Award Management (SAM). Please provide sufficient time to ensure completion of this step prior to the submission deadlines.
NIAC will host a virtual forum that will address key aspects of this Phase I Appendix. The date and time for this forum is October 7, 2026 from 1-3PM ET. The agenda for the virtual forum and other related information and material, including the link information, will be posted on the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) page for this Appendix ( https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/ ). Offerors are encouraged to regularly refer to this website for updates and other information relative to this Appendix. Proposers are encouraged to submit their questions regarding this Appendix by close of business on October 6, 2026 to https://nasa.cnf.io/sessions/dbmt or hq-niac@mail.nasa.gov .
Interested proposers should monitor the NSPIRES website or subscribe to the electronic notification system there for release of the SpaceTech-REDDI-2026 Appendices.
Technical, programmatic, and procurement comments and questions may be addressed by e-mail to hq-niac@mail.nasa.gov . Responses to inquiries will be answered by e-mail and may also be included in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document located on the NSPIRES page associated with the Appendix; anonymity of persons/institutions who submit questions will be preserved.
See the full solicitation for eligibility details.
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