Augmented Virtual and Mixed Reality

SBIR/STTR topic (National Science Foundation), Phase I and II. Open to U.S. small businesses; STTR projects partner with a U.S. research institution. Opens: May 22, 2026. Closes: July 7, 2027. The Augmented Virtual and Mixed Reality (AR/VR/MR) topic focuses on advancing immersive technological experiences for humans grounded in research. Based on the transformative progress made in crafting, perceiving, and interacting with AR/VR/MR across sectors, priority is placed on innovations enhancing shared realities to foster community and collective experiences. Efforts also target advancing hardware and software critical for AR/VR/MR's future, enabling tailored experiences for individuals based in research or lived experience. The initiative encourages exploratory projects aiming for revolutionary AR/VR/MR applications, emphasizing inclusivity, data security and privacy, user safety, accessibility, affordability, adaptability, and environmental consideration. Innovations should be grounded in rigorous research to deliver novel and transformative AR/VR/MR experiences. Proposals are welcomed that redefine AR/VR/MR through innovative approaches with potential societal breakthroughs, regardless of their specific focus within the AR/VR/MR domain. Official solicitation: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/small-business-innovation-research-small-business-technology/nsf26-510/solicitation