NASA is offering a grant called Early Stage Innovations (ESI26) for U.S. colleges and universities to conduct early-stage research in space technology. The research should focus on specific topics important to NASA's civil-space missions, such as advanced computational techniques, autonomous technologies for the Moon and Mars, and innovative materials for aerospace applications.
Who it's for: This grant is for U.S. institutions of higher education (IHEs). The lead researcher, known as the Principal Investigator (PI), must be a faculty member, either tenured or on the tenure track. The research team can collaborate with others, but must follow specific rules outlined in the grant details.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Proposals not from U.S. institutions of higher education
- Principal Investigator not a faculty member
- Research not focused on specified space technology topics
- Proposals focused on non-civil-space applications
- Failure to submit a preliminary proposal
What You May Need
- Registration in NSPIRES
- Preliminary proposal submission
- Full proposal submission (if invited)
- Authorized organizational representative for submission
- Detailed research proposal
- Budget plan
- Team member details
- Compliance with NASA's guidelines
- Understanding of Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)
Cautions
- Proposals must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES
- Mandatory preliminary proposals are required
- Only invited proposals can submit a full proposal
- Strict adherence to deadlines is crucial
- Funding is contingent on proposal quality and availability
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants are U.S. institutions of higher education (IHEs). The Principal Investigator must be a faculty member, either tenured or on the tenure track, from the proposing institution. Proposals must focus on specified space technology topics and be primarily responsive to civil-space needs. Teaming and collaboration are allowed but must adhere to the solicitation's restrictions.
Overview
This grant is for U.S. institutions of higher education (IHEs). The lead researcher, known as the Principal Investigator (PI), must be a faculty member, either tenured or on the tenure track. The research team can collaborate with others, but must follow specific rules outlined in the grant details.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Proposals not from U.S. institutions of higher education
- Principal Investigator not a faculty member
- Research not focused on specified space technology topics
- Proposals focused on non-civil-space applications
- Failure to submit a preliminary proposal
Use of Funds
The funds can be used for conducting early-stage research in space technology that aligns with NASA's civil-space needs. This includes developing innovative technologies, conducting experiments, and collaborating with other researchers within the specified topics.
Expected Awards
24
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Jul 6, 2026
- Deadline
- Aug 13, 2026(37 days)
- Archive Date
- Sep 12, 2026
- Est. Award Date (AI estimate)
- June 2027
Application Checklist
- Register your institution in NSPIRES
- Prepare and submit a preliminary proposal by August 13, 2026
- If invited, prepare and submit a full proposal by December 16, 2026
- Ensure the PI is a tenured or tenure-track faculty member
- Focus your proposal on one of the eight specified topics
- Include a detailed budget and research plan
- Collaborate with other researchers as needed, following guidelines
- Address any technical questions to the provided email