Federal Grants for Robotics Companies in Tennessee
There are currently 20 federal grant programs available to robotics companies in Tennessee. Key funding agencies include NSF, DoD, SBIR. Tennessee businesses benefit from the state's strengths in music & entertainment, automotive, and agribusiness. Typical grant awards range from $100,000–$10,000,000.
Active programs
20
Typical award range
$100,000–$10,000,000
Primary agencies
NSF, DoD
Active Federal Grant Programs
Zambia Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026
Amount varies
Closes today
FY25 Center of Excellence-University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Supplemental)
Amount varies
Closes today
Foundations for Digital Twins as Catalyzers of Biomedical Technological Innovation
Amount varies
Closes in 3 days
U.S. Embassy Bratislava PAS, AEIF 2026
Amount varies
Closes in 3 days
2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026)
Amount varies
Closes in 3 days
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026 - Mauritius
Amount varies
Closes in 3 days
Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program FY 2026
Amount varies
Closes in 4 days
Protean
Amount varies
Closes in 6 days
Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Hawaii-Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
Amount varies
Closes in 7 days
Collaboration for Innovative Research on Aircraft Structure (CIRAS)
Amount varies
May 11, 2026
Ocean and Coastal Mapping Center 2026
Amount varies
May 11, 2026
Fueling AI Innovation and Adoption
Amount varies
May 11, 2026
NSF's Eddie Bernice Johnson Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES) Initiative
Amount varies
May 12, 2026
ROSES25: A.3 NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Mission Data, Applications, Research, and Technology Team
Amount varies
May 14, 2026
National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure
Amount varies
May 14, 2026
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026
Amount varies
May 14, 2026
Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
Amount varies
May 15, 2026
Cooperative Institute in the Northern Gulf of America (CINGA)
Amount varies
May 18, 2026
National Science Foundation Translation to Practice
Amount varies
May 19, 2026
NIJ FY25 Research on the Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Older Adults
Amount varies
May 19, 2026
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Eligibility Requirements for Robotics Companies in Tennessee
- Must be a for-profit small business (under SBA size standards for robotics companys)
- Principal place of business in the United States
- At least 51% U.S. citizen or permanent resident ownership
- Registered and active on SAM.gov
- No delinquent federal taxes or outstanding federal debt
- Operates as a industrial robotics manufacturers, automation system integrators, and service robot developers
- R&D-focused programs (SBIR/STTR) require documented research activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there federal grants available for robotics companies in Tennessee?
Yes. Robotics Companies in Tennessee can apply for federal grants through multiple programs. Key agencies include NSF, DoD, SBIR. Currently there are 20 active programs with typical awards ranging from $100,000–$10,000,000. Tennessee's focus on music & entertainment, automotive, and agribusiness creates additional opportunities for qualified businesses.
How do I apply for a NSF grant as a robotics company in Tennessee?
To apply for a NSF grant as a robotics company in Tennessee: (1) Register your business on SAM.gov (required for all federal grants), (2) Search for open NSF opportunities on Grants.gov filtered to your NAICS code, (3) Review eligibility requirements — most programs require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident operating a for-profit small business, (4) Prepare your application package including a business plan, financial statements, and project narrative, (5) Submit before the deadline. GetGrantFund's search tool can help you identify the best-fit programs.
What is the typical grant amount for robotics companies in Tennessee?
Federal grants for robotics companies typically range from $100,000–$10,000,000. The exact amount depends on the program: NSF programs often fund $100,000 to $10,000,000 per award. Tennessee businesses may also qualify for state-specific supplements.
Do robotics companies in Tennessee need to repay federal grants?
No. Federal grants are not loans — you do not repay them as long as you meet the grant's reporting and compliance requirements. However, unlike loans, grants are competitive and require a detailed application. Some programs do require matching funds (you contribute a percentage of the project cost). Always read the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) carefully for any cost-sharing requirements.
What agencies offer grants to robotics companies?
The primary federal agencies offering grants to robotics companies are: NSF, DoD, SBIR. The Small Business Administration (SBA) runs the SBIR/STTR program for R&D-focused businesses. USDA Rural Development supports businesses in rural areas. The Economic Development Administration (EDA) funds projects that create jobs and grow regional economies. In Tennessee, programs related to music & entertainment, automotive, and agribusiness are particularly active.
Can a robotics company in Tennessee apply for an SBIR grant?
Yes — SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) grants are well-suited for robotics companies that develop new technology or conduct R&D. Tennessee businesses have received significant SBIR funding through agencies like NSF and NSF. Awards are typically $50,000–$2M in two phases.
How competitive are federal grants for robotics companies in Tennessee?
Federal grants are competitive — acceptance rates vary by program but are typically 10–30%. DoD programs tend to have higher competition from across the country, while NSF programs targeting Tennessee's music & entertainment, automotive, and agribusiness may have less competition. Tips to improve your odds: apply early, match your narrative precisely to the program's stated goals, include measurable outcomes, and consider working with a grant writer for your first application.
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