Best Grants for Robotics in Virginia

This grant aims to enhance safety and health in U.S. mining operations through research in automation, robotics, and intelligent systems. It addresses critical issues like emergency communication and self-escape reliability while supporting the development of field-ready solutions. By leveraging advanced technologies, the initiative seeks to improve miner safety and health, reduce hazardous exposures, and foster community engagement. Applicants must be U.S. academic institutions with accredited mining programs, linking project goals to documented health burdens.

Graduating high school seniors in Virginia pursuing further education in career and technical fields, including robotics-related areas, can receive approximately US $1,500 for tuition or educational costs. Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia supports students dedicated to professions such as engineering, robotics, CAD, construction, and related technical disciplines through the Michael Dean Guilliams Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Public middle schools with existing PLTW Gateway robotics or STEM programs in eligible Virginia districts can receive US $10,000 to expand courses, equipment, or teacher training. Virginia robotics programs can access funding through Project Lead The Way to cover PLTW participation fees, required technology, program equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs.

Public middle schools in Halifax County, Virginia can receive US $20,000 over two years to launch and grow PLTW Gateway robotics and STEM units. Focused on STEM and robotics education, Project Lead The Way supports participation fees, required computers, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training with related travel and lodging costs.

Engineering students in the U.S. studying robotics-related fields, including those in Virginia, can receive up to US $10,000 in Last Mile grants to cover final tuition and expenses toward degree completion. Applied Materials Foundation, through the Momentum Fund and Last Mile Education Fund, supports low-income, DACA, F1, and other students facing financial obstacles in eligible engineering majors.

U.S.-based junior, senior, and graduate engineering students facing financial barriers to degree completion can receive approximately US $1,100 in bridge grants to stay on track, including those in robotics-related fields. Applied Materials Foundation’s Momentum Fund, in partnership with Last Mile Education Fund, helps cover unexpected costs and supports pathways into engineering careers for diverse students, including those in Virginia.

Engineering and robotics students in Virginia facing financial emergencies can receive basic-needs support like food, housing, transportation, and connectivity through the Applied Materials Momentum Fund, administered by Last Mile Education Fund. Eligible applicants are low-income or financially needy students in U.S. engineering programs, including robotics-related majors, within four semesters of graduation or in a master’s program.

Minority-serving institutions in the U.S. with STEM doctoral programs can apply for National Science Foundation CREST-RISE awards of US $100,000 - US $2,000,000 to expand research capacity and doctoral training, including in robotics and related fields. Eligible Virginia MSIs may strengthen graduate programs, acquire equipment, and support research in NSF-supported STEM areas.

Universities and research institutions working on robotics, control systems, and intelligent networked devices in Virginia can access funding through the National Science Foundation’s Energy, Power, Control, and Networks program. NSF provides support for advanced robotics, cyber-physical systems, machine learning, and energy-related engineering projects across the U.S., which may benefit Virginia-based robotics initiatives.

Robotics and other real-time 3D projects in Virginia that are impact-driven and aligned with at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal can apply for Unity for Humanity support. Focused on social, educational, environmental, healthcare, and humanitarian impact, Unity Technologies offers funding up to US $500,000 plus technical, marketing, and community resources.

U.S. graduate students in robotics, cybersecurity, computer science, electrical engineering, and related STEM fields can receive scholarships for tuition and course-related expenses while studying at accredited institutions in the U.S. With a mission to support advanced STEM education, AFCEA provides $3,000 Shrader Graduate Scholarships to full-time students meeting GPA and enrollment requirements.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts offering robotics or technology and engineering education, including in Virginia, can apply for Motorola Solutions Foundation grants up to US $50,000 to support hands-on STEM learning and workforce pathways. With a mission to create safer cities and thriving communities, Motorola Solutions Foundation prioritizes underserved youth and programs blending engineering education with public safety and first responder awareness.

The AIAA Foundation Classroom Grant Program provides funding of up to $500 for K-12 teachers to enhance student learning in STEM subjects, particularly in Aerospace. The program encourages innovative projects that address unmet educational needs. Schools can apply for a maximum of two grants per year. Eligible projects include STEM demonstration kits and robotics supplies, while funding for items like audio-visual equipment and travel is not permitted.

Virginia K-12 public, private, and tribal schools serving a significant percentage of Native students and seeking to build STEM and robotics capacity can access funding through the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. Selected schools receive Sphero robots, tablets, educator training, and culturally relevant STEM+CS curriculum to engage Indigenous students in hands-on computer science and robotics.

Virginia research institutions and NIH-supported investigator groups seeking high-end biomedical or robotics-related instrumentation can apply for the High-End Instrumentation (HEI) Grant Program, with awards from US $750,001 - US $2,000,000. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports purchase or upgrade of advanced, commercially available systems like imaging, sequencing, and high-throughput platforms.

Individual professional artists creating bold, technology-driven visual, performing, film, or literary projects in Virginia can receive up to US $50,000 in unrestricted project support, plus multi-year professional development. Creative Capital Foundation supports innovative, risk-taking work, and robotics-related or tech-based art projects may be competitive through its national open call process.

Nonprofit organizations offering STEAM and robotics workshops for teens can receive up to US $24,999 to deliver Mini Tech Skills Workshops through Best Buy Teen Tech Centers. Best Buy Foundation supports coding, robotics, game design, and related tech programs, which may benefit Virginia groups connected to Teen Tech Center locations.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) institutions, including Virginia universities, think tanks, and nonprofits, can seek support for Japan–U.S. collaborative policy research and exchange projects using robotics and emerging technologies. Japan Foundation backs projects addressing global issues like climate resilience, public health, digital transformation, AI, and cyber security within its three thematic societal focus areas.

Researchers with doctorates studying workforce preparation, job quality, or workers’ rights in the U.S. can apply for up to US $75,000 to support labor-focused research projects. Grants from Russell Sage Foundation help Virginia robotics and technology researchers examine how emerging technologies, automation, and changing employer practices affect low- and moderately paid workers and their families.