About the Global Frontier Fund
Pioneering international deep-tech partnerships through workshops, funding, and ecosystem building.
Our Mission
The Global Frontier Fund (GFF) is an initiative supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation's Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP). We bridge the gap between US deep-tech startups and international commercialization opportunities.
Deep technology — innovations requiring extended development periods and substantial resources for market readiness — represents the next frontier of economic growth. From semiconductors to clean energy, quantum computing to advanced materials, these technologies require international partnerships to reach their full potential.
What We Do
- Bilateral Workshops: Multi-day events connecting startups, investors, government agencies, and industry partners across borders.
- Funding Programs: NSF-backed programs supporting US deep-tech startups pursuing international commercialization partnerships.
- Ecosystem Building: Creating lasting connections between innovation hubs in the US, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan.
Our Track Record
Since our inaugural workshop in Taipei in April 2024, we have grown rapidly — expanding to Singapore in 2025 and planning workshops in Seoul and Tokyo for 2026. Each workshop brings together 80+ leaders from government, venture capital, industry, and deep-tech startups.
Leadership
The team behind the Global Frontier Fund
David Horsley
Co-Chair
Northeastern University
Professor and Co-Director of the Institute for NanoSystems Innovation (NanoSI) at Northeastern University. A leading researcher in MEMS, semiconductor devices, and systems innovation spanning sensors, wearables, 5G/6G, and IoT.
Michelle Kiang
Co-Chair
MTM Venture Partners
Founder and Managing Partner of MTM Venture Partners. A seasoned deep-tech investor and ecosystem builder connecting startups with international commercialization opportunities across semiconductors, advanced materials, and clean energy.