NIST PSCR Division logo
NIST PSCR Tech to Protect Challenge

NIST PSCR First Responder UAS Challenge

Funds teams and companies building unmanned aircraft system technology for first responders through NIST PSCR open innovation prize competitions.

ClosedNIST PSCR DivisionUnited States

The NIST Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) Division administers the First Responder UAS Challenge series as part of its Open Innovation Prize Challenges program. PSCR is a division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology within the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The most recent edition — the 2024 UAS Wireless Data Gatherer Challenge (UAS 6.0) — offered up to $760,000 in tot…

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/drones) for public safety: autonomous flight, radio communications, wireless data gathering, 3D mapping, indoor navigation, AI, IoT sensor integration, cybersecurity, endurance, and situational awareness for first responders.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Prize
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$760K

Sign up free to see the funding breakdown

Sign up free to see the industries in scope

Sign up free to see the full eligibility

Sign up free to see how to apply

Sign up free to see what you submit

Sign up free to see how they score you

Sign up free to see the timeline

Sign up free to see where teams trip up

Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: www.nist.gov