The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NSF was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure the national defense.
The Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) Program aims to identify and support NSF-sponsored research with potential for accelerated commercialization, support proof-of-concept work and the development of technology prototypes derived from NSF research, promote sustainable partnerships between NSF-funded institutions, industry, and other organizations, develop multi-disciplinary innovation ecosystems, and provide professional development in entrepreneurship and project management. It engages in activities mandated by Congress to enhance academia-industry partnerships in the U.S., increase participation of women and underrepresented groups in innovation, and support early-stage development work not eligible for other programs. The PFI offers two tracks: the Technology Translation (PFI-TT) track focuses on translating NSF-funded research into technological innovations, and the Research Partnerships (PFI-RP) track supports complex technology development projects requiring multi-organizational collaboration.