Apply to NIAC
NASA is always looking to change what’s possible in space. The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program funds innovative aerospace concepts that could enable and transform future missions. Each year, NASA issues multiple NIAC solicitations and grant awards. Researchers across government, industry and academia with high impact ideas should consider submitting a proposal.
The NIAC program supports visionary research ideas through multiple progressive phases of study.
Phase I studies are efforts up to 9 months to explore the overall viability and advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Eligible recipients of Phase I awards can propose for a follow-on Phase II study.
Phase II develops concepts for up to two years. Researchers must prepare a roadmap for further development, but are not expected to fully advance the technologies to a level required for NASA or commercial transition.
Phase III continues the exploration and development for another two years. The final phase is designed to strategically transition NIAC concepts with the highest potential impact for NASA, other government agencies or commercial partners.
For complete information, guidelines and announcements regarding NIAC solicitations, visit the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) website:
CURRENT & UPCOMING SOLICITATIONS
- 2026 Phase I Solicitation
Release: June 13, 2025
Proposals Due: July 15, 2025
Selections Announced: Early-January 2026 - 2026 Phase II Solicitation
Release: Mid-January 2026
Selections Announced: Late April 2026 - 2027 Phase I Solicitation
Release: Mid-June 2026
Selections Announced: Early-January 2027
GENERAL TENTATIVE FUNDING & DATES
Phase I
- $175,000 for a nine-month study
- 12 to 18 awards per year (planned)
- Release: Early June
Step A Proposals Due: Early July
Invitations Issued: Early August 2023
Step B Proposals Due: Early September
Selections Announced: Early January
Phase II
- $600,000 for a two-year study
- Six to eight awards per year (planned)
- Release: Mid January
Proposals Due: Mid-February
Selections Announced: Early April
Phase III
- $2 million for a two-year study
- One award per year (planned)
- Release: Early February
Mandatory Preliminary Proposals Due: Early March
Invitations to Submit a Full Proposal: Early April
Proposals Due: Late May
GET STARTED
- Think up an innovative concept that will change the way NASA does business; explain why NASA needs your concept.
- Watch for the release of NIAC solicitations on NSPIRES.
- Pay extra attention to the proposal preparation instructions.
- Put your concept into a specific aerospace architecture, mission or system.
- Contact hq-niac@mail.nasa.gov with additional questions.
Envision Goddard, Modernizing for the Future
We are modernizing Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and its six sites for the future. A comprehensive Facilities Master Plan is an essential element in developing a blueprint for the future of our Center.
NIAC PlaylistEnvision Goddard, Modernizing for the Future
We are modernizing Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and its six sites for the future. A comprehensive Facilities Master Plan is an essential element in developing a blueprint for the future of our Center.
NIAC PlaylistEnvision Goddard, Modernizing for the Future
We are modernizing Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and its six sites for the future. A comprehensive Facilities Master Plan is an essential element in developing a blueprint for the future of our Center.
NIAC Playlist
