science_technology_and_other_research_and_development · NASA-HQ

NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II

NASA Headquarters · NNH26ZTR001N-26NIAC-A2

Closed

Expected Awards

Deadline

TBD

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase funds 7 awards for revolutionary aerospace concepts that could transform future NASA missions — extremely early-stage, visionary ideas. Blue-sky thinking.

Who Should Apply

Researchers with revolutionary aerospace concepts — space elevators, solar sails, new propulsion physics, self-replicating robots. Any institution.

Who Should NOT Apply

Incremental aerospace improvements, commercial product development.

Key Requirements (Plain English)

•Must propose revolutionary aerospace concept
•7 awards
•Must be visionary/transformative

💡 GrantQuick Tip

NIAC funds ideas that sound like science fiction but have physical basis. Think 20-40 years out. Previous NIAC awards: fusion-powered spacecraft, Venus balloon habitats, interstellar probes. Your idea must be physically possible but far beyond current capability.

Competitiveness: High — 7 awards for truly revolutionary concepts.

What This Grant Funds

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters anticipates release of a solicitation, titled “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC), Phase II,” as an Appendix to the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) NASA Research Announcement (NRA), titled “Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion - 2026 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2026),” on or about May 11, 2026. Once the Appendix is posted, complete details (to include due dates) can be accessed via the following steps:

1. Open the NSPIRES homepage at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/

2. Select "Solicitations"

3. Select "Open”

4. Select "Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion – 2026 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2026) NNH26ZTR001N”

5. Select “List of Open Program Elements”

6. Select “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC), Phase II- NNH26ZTR001N-26NIAC_A2"

7. Select “NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II Solicitation Document" under Announcement Documents.

The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program supports innovative research through Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III awards. Phase I awards are typically a nine-month effort to explore the overall feasibility and viability of visionary concepts. Phase II awards are for up to two years, to further develop the most promising Phase I concepts, and to explore potential infusion options within and beyond NASA. Phase III awards are designed to strategically advance and transition the most promising NIAC Phase II concepts to other NASA programs, other government agencies, or commercial partners.

Who Can Apply

See the solicitation for full eligibility criteria

Eligible Applicant Types

Unrestricted (open to all)

Funding Details

Expected Number of Awards: 7
Cost Sharing Required?: No
Funding Instrument: grant

Key Dates

Posted: May 14, 2026

Application Deadline: TBD (0 days remaining)

Once the Appendix is posted, complete details (to include due dates) can be accessed on NSPIRES.

Agency Contact

Dr. Phillip Williams Acting NIAC Program Executive Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters

hq-niac@mail.nasa.gov

Ready to apply?

View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov

View on Grants.gov