Grants for blockchain, Web3 & AI projects in United States
The United States distributes more non-dilutive funding for technology innovation than any other country — over $3 billion annually through federal agencies. Most of it flows through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, but NSF, DOE, NIH, DARPA, and ARPA-E each run their own substantial grant programs. For US-incorporated startups, this is the single largest source of equity-free capital available.
Funding landscape in USA
US grants are administered through 11 federal agencies, each with its own focus areas. SBIR Phase I provides up to $295K for 6-12 month feasibility studies, with Phase II unlocking up to $2M for full development. NSF Standard Grants ($200K-$1.2M over 2-3 years) fund research-grade work. DOE and ARPA-E focus on clean energy and grid technology, including blockchain applications for energy markets. DARPA funds defense-relevant deep tech with grants exceeding $10M for breakthrough projects. Crucially, the US system rewards iteration — failed applications return with detailed evaluator feedback, and most agencies allow unlimited reapplications.
Best for
- ✓US-incorporated startups (under 500 employees, >50% US-owned)
- ✓Foreign founders willing to incorporate a Delaware C-Corp
- ✓Deep tech projects with clear commercialization paths
- ✓Blockchain infrastructure, AI safety, climate tech, and HealthTech
- ✓Teams that have completed at least one prototype or proof-of-concept
Key programs
- ★SBIR Phase I — Up to $295K from any of 11 federal agencies
- ★SBIR Phase II — Up to $2M after successful Phase I
- ★NSF CISE Core — $200K-$1.2M for blockchain & distributed systems
- ★DOE / ARPA-E — $1M-$10M for clean energy innovation
- ★DARPA — Variable funding for defense-adjacent deep tech
Who qualifies
US-incorporated for-profit small businesses with under 500 employees, more than 50% US-owned. The principal investigator must be employed at the company at least 51% of the time. Foreign founders can incorporate a Delaware C-Corp and establish US operations to qualify.
💡 Application tip
For SBIR specifically, lead with the federal customer use case. Evaluators ask: "Why does the US government need this?" Generic commercialization stories lose. A clear path to federal procurement (DOD, DOE, GSA contracts) wins.
Browse USA grants by category
All USA grants (3)
All regions →DOE Clean Energy Innovation
US Department of Energy funding for clean energy technologies including blockchain for energy markets and grid management.
$1M – $20M+
View →SBIR Phase I — US Small Business Innovation
US federal funding for small businesses developing innovative technologies including blockchain, AI, and quantum.
Up to $295K
View →NSF Blockchain & Distributed Systems Grants
US National Science Foundation funding for blockchain research, distributed systems, and decentralized infrastructure.
$200K – $3M
View →Apply faster
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