ATOMS VC Core Fund Grant

About this grant

ATOMS VC is a hardtech venture firm that invests in engineering and scientific breakthroughs that improve the human condition. The firm backs founders working at the intersection of atoms and bits—where deep science meets intelligent systems. ATOMS invests in physical technologies with defensible intellectual property across healthcare, energy, materials, infrastructure, and computing sectors. The firm addresses the critical underfunding of hardtech innovation by focusing on companies solving fundamental challenges through hardware innovations rather than software alone. ATOMS invests at multiple stages with primary focus on companies at or near commercialization, evaluating each company independently based on risk, return, commercialization-monetization path, and capital requirements. The firm invests anywhere in the U.S. with special interest in the Midwest and undercapitalized regions with strong talent but limited capital. Portfolio companies combine physical innovation with data, AI, and software to generate proprietary data through hardware and build durable, defensible systems.

Eligibility

ATOMS invests in hardtech companies with engineering and science-driven innovation backed by extensive intellectual property. Eligible sectors include medical devices and equipment, diagnostics, therapeutics, energy systems, advanced materials, water, agriculture, robotics, electronics, semiconductors, and advanced computing. The firm invests at multiple stages with primary focus on companies at or near commercialization. Companies must be U.S.-based, with ATOMS especially interested in the Midwest and other undercapitalized regions. There are no geographic restrictions within the U.S., and ATOMS actively seeks innovation outside Silicon Valley.

How it's scored

ATOMS evaluates each company independently rather than using cookie-cutter industry stage labels. Evaluation criteria include risk assessment, return potential, commercialization-monetization path, and capital requirements. The firm emphasizes the strength of engineering and scientific innovation, defensibility of intellectual property, and potential for early and early-growth outcomes. Companies combining physical innovation with data, AI, and software that generate proprietary data through hardware and build durable systems are preferred.

Key requirements

• ✓Engineering and science-driven company with clear commercialization pathway
• ✓Focus on health (medical devices, diagnostics, therapeutics), sustainability (energy systems, advanced materials, water, agriculture), or automation (robotics, semiconductors, advanced computing)
• ✓Early or early-growth stage; preference for Midwest and undercapitalized US regions

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for ATOMS VC Core Fund?

Eligibility covers organisations in US; startup, sme. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Renewable energy funding covers solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and bioenergy, from early research to grid-scale deployment. Public money tends to back demonstration, grid connection and access to energy in emerging markets, while procurement notices buy installation, operation and maintenance. Calls often ask for proof of resource assessment, permitting progress and local partners.