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NIST PSCR Tech to Protect Challenge

NIST PSCR Tech to Protect Challenge

Funds entrepreneurs, companies, and technologists building public safety communications technology through a NIST PSCR open innovation prize competition.

ClosedNIST PSCR DivisionUnited States

The NIST Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) Division administered the Tech to Protect Challenge 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 and is the primary federal laboratory for public safety communications R&D.

The Tech to Protect Challenge offered up to $2,2…

Secure communications, location-based services, public safety data analytics, mission-critical voice, user interface and user experience (UI/UX) for emergency responders including fire, law enforcement, and EMS.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
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.$2.2M

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