NSF SBIR/STTR (America's Seed Fund powered by NSF) vs Start-Up Chile (2026): Which Is Better for Startups?
Both are startup grants. Here is how NSF SBIR/STTR (America's Seed Fund powered by NSF) and Start-Up Chile compare on what a startup gets, who qualifies and how to apply, and which one we would pick.
NSF SBIR/STTR (America's Seed Fund powered by NSF)
Up to $2 million of zero-equity seed funding from NSF for deep-tech startups, starting with a short Project Pitch.
8.5 /10
Pricing: Up to $2M in credits & perks
Pros
- Zero equity, up to $2 million
- Short Project Pitch before any heavy paperwork
- Programme staff give feedback
Cons
- Excludes companies majority-owned by VC or PE firms
- Needs genuine technical risk, not just a product build
Start-Up Chile
Corfo public accelerator with equity-free funds of CLP 15-75 million (up to about $100,000) for startups from anywhere.
7.5 /10
Pricing: Up to $100k in credits & perks
Pros
- Equity-free money from CLP 15 to 75 million
- Open to founders from any country
- Extra support for women-led startups
Cons
- Closed between calls; next date not announced
- Requires being in Chile during the programme
NSF SBIR/STTR (America's Seed Fund powered by NSF) vs Start-Up Chile at a glance
| NSF SBIR/STTR (America's Seed Fund powered by NSF) | Start-Up Chile | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 8.5 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| What you get | Up to $2M in credits & perks | Up to $100k in credits & perks |
| Who qualifies | US small business under 500 employees, 51%+ owned by US citizens or permanent residents, PI majority-employed by the company, R&D in the US; no majority VC/PE ownership; invitation via Project Pitch required. | Founders from any country; team leader over 18 (10%+ shareholding for Ignite and Growth); full-time commitment and presence in Chile as set out in each call. |
| Partner code needed | No | No |
| Steps it helps with | raise funding, claim startup credits | raise funding, claim startup credits, join an accelerator |
| Who it is for | Pre-seed, Seed stage, AI startups, Climate & energy, Health & bio | Pre-seed, Seed stage, Women founders, Any stage |
| Reader upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Best for | nsf, sbir, deep tech | chile, corfo, accelerator |
Our pick
NSF SBIR/STTR (America's Seed Fund powered by NSF) edges it with a score of 8.5 versus 7.5. NSF SBIR/STTR (America's Seed Fund powered by NSF) is the better fit if you value: zero equity, up to $2 million, short project pitch before any heavy paperwork. Choose Start-Up Chile instead if you need: equity-free money from clp 15 to 75 million, open to founders from any country. Many startups can claim both: see credits by value.
Other startup grants to consider
Full ranking →America's Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR) 🎁 ProgramFree
Equity-free US federal R&D awards from 11 agencies, from proof of concept (Phase I) to prototype (Phase II).
EIC Accelerator 🎁 ProgramFree
Grant of up to EUR 2.5 million (about $2.9 million) for deep-tech startups and SMEs, with optional EIC equity.
SR&ED Tax Incentive (Canada) 🎁 ProgramFree
Refundable 35% R&D tax credit for Canadian-controlled private corporations on up to C$6 million of R&D a year.
R&D Tax Incentive (Australia) 🎁 ProgramFree
Refundable R&D tax offset of your company tax rate plus 18.5% for Australian companies with turnover under A$20 million.