The National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program awarded Harvest Thermal Inc. a Phase II grant for $1 million to help scale its award-winning, ultra-efficient building decarbonization solution that creates a new product category in the home heating and hot water space.

This is the second SBIR grant awarded to Harvest Thermal by the NSF. Only 4% of companies that apply for an SBIR Phase I grant go on to receive a Phase II award.

The Harvest Thermal Pod platform uses cloud-enabled analytics, electronic controls, and machine learning to slash carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and improve home comfort. In pilots supported by the SBIR Phase I grant, the IoT smart Pod demonstrated emissions reductions of more than 90% compared with gas, 50% compared to standard heat pump solutions, and bill savings up to 40%.

“We are deeply grateful to the NSF for recognizing our successful pilot and awarding this Phase II grant. The work funded by this grant will prepare our company for the scale we need to fight climate change while delivering clean, comfortable, and affordable home heating and hot water,” said CEO Dr. Jane Melia. “Clean home energy is absolutely critical for our health and in meeting the 2030 global goal when experts agree new buildings must be net-zero emissions.”

The Harvest Thermal system runs a single heat pump and operates the water tank as a thermal battery, shifting electric load to the cleanest, cheapest times of the day while discharging steady, comfortable heating and hot water whenever needed. Customers experience a new kind of steady, comfortable heat with continuous variable output.

NSF funding will be used to prepare the Harvest system for commercial scale: reducing costs, augmenting cloud infrastructure and remote diagnostic, and enhancing security protections.

Applications to the NSF SBIR program undergo a rigorous merit-based review process. The program, also known as America’s Seed Fund, targets startups and small businesses with innovative science and technology solutions, and commercial potential.