NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II
About
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.
The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II program is designed for innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs who have successfully completed Phase I research and are ready to advance visionary, high-risk concepts with significant potential impact on NASA's future missions. This program funds the further development of the most promising early-stage concepts through Phase II awards lasting up to two years. Phase II is ideal for teams that have demonstrated feasibility during Phase I and now need resources to deepen technical development, explore practical applications, and investigate infusion opportunities both within NASA and in commercial markets. The NIAC program specifically targets transformative ideas that could reshape space exploration, technology development, and scientific discovery. Entrepreneurs and research teams should apply if they have an innovative concept that has proven viable in Phase I and requires sustained funding to reach the next level of maturity. This is an excellent opportunity for organizations seeking to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world implementation, with access to NASA's expertise and potential pathways to commercialization or operational integration within the agency.
Funding Facts
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by cycle - See solicitation for details
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual - Solicitation expected May 2026
Best For
Researchers, innovators, and organizations with Phase I NIAC awards seeking to advance visionary space technology concepts
Eligibility
See the solicitation for full eligibility criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II?
Eligibility criteria are detailed in the official Phase II solicitation document. Generally, Phase II applicants must have completed a Phase I award and be advancing promising concepts. For complete eligibility requirements, access the solicitation through NSPIRES at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/ and navigate to the Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion – 2026 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2026) announcement, then select the NIAC Phase II program element.
How much funding does NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II provide?
Specific funding amounts are provided in the official solicitation document. Phase II awards are designed to support up to two years of concept development. For precise funding ranges and award details, consult the Phase II solicitation document available through the NSPIRES homepage.
How do I apply for NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II?
Applications are submitted through the NSPIRES system (https://nspires.nasaprs.com/). To apply: (1) Open NSPIRES, (2) Select 'Solicitations' then 'Open', (3) Select 'Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion – 2026 (SpaceTech-REDDI-2026)', (4) Select 'List of Open Program Elements', (5) Select the NIAC Phase II program element. Review the complete solicitation document for application requirements, deadlines, and submission procedures.
What can NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase II funding be used for?
Phase II funding supports further development of visionary concepts that have completed Phase I research. Funding can be used to advance technical feasibility, explore potential applications within and beyond NASA, develop prototypes or detailed designs, and investigate pathways for infusion into NASA missions or commercial markets. Detailed guidance on allowable uses is provided in the official Phase II solicitation document.
Last updated: July 5, 2026