For Partners
Work with a US deep-tech startup on a funded project.
If you run a lab, an institute, a manufacturing line, an incubator or a company in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan or Singapore, a US startup may be looking for you. Funded projects pair a startup with a partner that brings facilities, expertise or customers.
Your Role
What a partner contributes
Facilities and equipment
Lab access, process tools, pilot lines.
People
Engineers, scientists or program staff who work on the project.
Customers and markets
Pilots, field trials and introductions.
A letter of commitment
A short document that spells out what you will provide.
What You Get
A funded way to work with emerging US technology
Early access to US deep tech
Work with startups commercializing research from leading US labs, before they’re widely known.
The US side is funded
Each selected startup brings a $250K subaward from the NSF-funded program to the project.
New business for you
Use your facilities, gain a new product or process, or become an early customer or supplier.
A long-term relationship
Projects can lead to joint development, local manufacturing, licensing, or investment.
Who Can Partner
Any organization that brings real resources
- Companies of any size: manufacturers, suppliers, end users
- Research institutes and university labs
- Incubators, accelerators, and innovation centers
- Government agencies and public facilities
- Based in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, or Singapore
Your Letter of Commitment
- Your role in the project
- Specific resources: facilities, staff time, materials, customer access
- How your work ties to milestones over 18 months
- Signed by someone who can commit your organization
Encouraged with the startup's pre-proposal; required with its full proposal.
Timeline
What the startup does, and what you do
- Q4 2026
You, the partner
Agree on the project; provide a letter if you can.
US startup
The call opens in mid November; the startup submits a 3-page pre-proposal.
- Q1 2027
You, the partner
Sign your letter of commitment (required).
US startup
Invited startups submit a 10-page full proposal.
- Q2 2027
You, the partner
Apply for your country’s support, where available.
US startup
16 awards announced; kick-off in the Bay Area.
- Mid-2027 to 2028
You, the partner
Deliver the project together.
US startup
18-month project with you.
The Startup
What the startup brings
A technology that has shown feasibility, a team ready to run an 18-month project, and a $250K subaward, made under an NSF award to Northeastern University, to carry out the work with you.
Your Country
Matching support from your country
Agencies in some partner economies may offer support to local organizations that join funded US partnerships. If your country's agency does, you apply to that agency directly, on its own website and under its own rules. It is separate from the startup's NSF-funded subaward, and the startup's award does not depend on it.
How to Get Involved
Let's find your US partner
- 01
Register your interest
Sign up for updates, including news on country support.
- 02
Tell us what you offer
Facilities, capabilities, and the technologies you are looking for.
- 03
Prepare your letter
Once you have agreed on a project with a startup.
Interested in partnering?
Tell us about your organization and what you can offer.