National Science Foundation Translation to Practice
The NSF Translation to Practice program funds research teams to move scientific discoveries toward real-world impact through technology development, partnerships, and workforce training in STEM, offering support across three translational tracks.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: April 1, 2026 (Supplemental, TTP-E) | May 19, 2026 (Full, TTP-T & TTP-P) | September 15, 2026 (Full, TTP-T & TTP-P) | January 19, 2027 (Full, TTP-T & TTP-P)
Funding Amounts: Up to $600,000 (TTP-E, 24 months) | Up to $1,200,000 (TTP-T, 36 months) | Up to $2,000,000 (TTP-P, 48 months); total program funding ~$30M
Summary: Supports translation of STEM research to real-world practice through three tracks: exploratory, translational, and partnership-driven projects.
Key Information: TTP-T and TTP-P require I-Corps training; TTP-E is only for active NSF awardees.
Description
The NSF Translation to Practice (TTP) program aims to accelerate the translation of research discoveries in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) into real-world applications that benefit society, promote economic growth, and foster innovation. The program supports projects across three tracks:
- TTP-Explore (TTP-E): For current NSF awardees to extend their basic research into high-risk, use-inspired translational activities.
- TTP-Translate (TTP-T): For maturing and iterating on use-inspired research to bring innovations closer to practical use.
- TTP-Partner (TTP-P): For projects requiring partnerships with non-academic organizations to move technologies toward deployment, commercialization, or broader societal impact.
The program encourages partnerships with industry, government, non-profits, and other stakeholders, and requires I-Corps training for TTP-T and TTP-P awardees to enhance entrepreneurial and translational skills.
