Status: OPEN

Opened: March 27, 2026
Submission Deadline: May 29, 2026

The Technology Ecosystem Fund (TEF) provides grant funding to organizations that support the creation, incubation, acceleration, relocation, and growth of technology companies in the District of Columbia. The Program also aims to support organizations and projects that have a direct or indirect effect on the District’s technology ecosystem. This includes, but is not limited to, increasing access to capital for technology companies, providing support services to companies and entrepreneurial ecosystem intermediaries, and hosting events that bring together technologists, founders, startups, and entrepreneurs.

Eligibility:
To be eligible, projects proposed by applicants must fall into one or more of the following funding streams:

1. Incubator, Accelerator, or Venture Studio Programs
   1. Projects in this funding stream consist of programs that seek to grow local technology companies through targeted programming. Eligible Projects may include programs that provide mentorship, technical assistance, office or development space, access to capital, and other forms of assistance designed to support early-stage or growth-stage companies.
2. Events, Summits, Convenings, and Sector-Related Programming
   1. Projects in this funding stream consist of events, convenings, workshops, and other technology sector focused programming. Eligible Projects in this category will consist of in-person activities and events that strengthen and amplify the local ecosystem, foster collaboration, highlight industry advancements, or build community among entrepreneurs, investors, and other aligned stakeholders.
3. Innovation Ecosystem Support
   1. Projects in this funding stream consist of activities or support mechanisms that do not fit squarely into the two categories above. This category is designed to ensure that high impact proposals are not excluded due to categorical limitations. Eligible Projects in this category may consist of workforce development programs, upskilling initiatives for Washington D.C. residents, training or technical assistance for funding institutions or angel networks, or other programs that may benefit local entrepreneurs and the technology ecosystem broadly.

Priority Technology Sectors:
Project programming, regardless of funding stream, must support entrepreneurs, founders, technologist, researchers, or companies in one or more of the following high-growth technology sectors:

• Defense and national security technologies, with a preference for technology areas that have scalable private market opportunities
• Healthcare, preferably life sciences or medical technology companies
• Deep tech verticals including but not limited to:
  • Quantum
  • Advanced Computing
  • Artificial Intelligence
• Aeronautics or space applications including launch and non-launch technologies
• Financial technology companies or technologies that are aligned with other federally regulated markets

How to Apply:
If you are an entrepreneurial support organization (ESO), private or nonprofit organization, university, or a program that seeks to grow the technology ecosystem in Washington D.C. – and you meet the eligibility requirements, please complete the following Eligibility Intake Form by Friday, April 24.

All parties interested in receiving TEF funding must submit an eligibility intake form before they will be invited to access the full application link. DMPED will screen eligibility intake forms for program fit and alignment with DMPED priorities as stated in the RFA. Eligible applicants will be invited to submit an application by Monday, April 27 at 12:00 PM, and applications for invited groups must be submitted by Friday, May 29.

Informational Sessions:
If you are interested in learning more about the Technology Ecosystem Fund, please join us on Monday, March 30 and Friday, April 17 from 1-2 PM for an informational webinar. Register for the first session here. Register for the second session here.  

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY. Hand delivered or mailed applications, incomplete applications, or applications submitted after the Submission Deadline will not be accepted.

Point of Contact:
DMPED Business Development
Phone (202) 727-6365
Email: [email protected]

Resources:
FY26 Technology Ecosystem Fund Request for Application (RFA)
FY26 Technology Ecosystem Fund Application Link
FY26 Technology Ecosystem Fund Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)