About this programme
The Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF) is a Texas state grant fund that supports the space, aeronautics, and aviation sectors. It is run by the Texas Space Commission and was set up with a $150 million appropriation from the 88th Texas Legislature in 2023.
SEARF funds five categories of work: emerging technology, research and development, workforce training, materials curation, and infrastructure. Eligible applicants include businesses, nonprofits, and governmental entities, including institutions of higher education, working in space exploration, research, or aeronautics.
The Texas Space Commission approved SEARF grants in a series of rounds through 2025 and into 2026, including approvals of roughly $21.5 million (January 2025), $47.7 million (February 2025), $26 million (April 2025), $20.7 million (May 2025), $9.7 million (July 2025), $9.3 million (December 2025), and $14.1 million (February 2026). Recipients across these rounds include Blue Origin, Firefly Aerospace, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), Axiom Space, CesiumAstro, Venus Aerospace, Intuitive Machines, Starlab Space, ILC Astrospace, SylLab Systems, Rice University, the University of Texas at Austin, and several regional councils of governments.
As of February 17, 2026, the Texas Space Commission reports that all $150 million from the 2023 appropriation has been committed, across 24 funded projects.
How it works
SEARF makes awards through two models. The Standard Model is a competitive application process. The Direct Award Model is reserved for extraordinary cases, requires approval by the Texas Space Commission Board of Directors under 10 T.A.C. Section 321.16, and may include matching fund opportunities for eligible entities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are businesses, nonprofits, and governmental entities, including institutions of higher education, involved in space exploration, research, or aeronautics.
Frequently asked
Is SEARF still accepting applications?
As of the Texas Space Commission's February 17, 2026 update, all $150 million appropriated to SEARF in 2023 has already been committed across 24 projects, so no funds are shown as currently available for new Standard Model awards.
What is the difference between the Standard Model and the Direct Award Model?
The Standard Model is a competitive application process open to eligible applicants. The Direct Award Model is used only in extraordinary cases and requires approval from the Texas Space Commission's Board of Directors under state administrative rule 10 T.A.C. Section 321.16, and can involve matching funds.
Who has received SEARF grants so far?
Recipients across the 2025 and 2026 award rounds include large aerospace companies such as Blue Origin, Firefly Aerospace, SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies), Axiom Space, and CesiumAstro, along with Venus Aerospace, Intuitive Machines, Starlab Space, ILC Astrospace, SylLab Systems, universities including Rice University and the University of Texas at Austin, and regional councils of governments, across 24 projects funded to date.
How big have the award rounds been?
Approvals have ranged from about $9.3 million to $47.7 million per round, with the Commission approving new tranches roughly every one to three months through 2025 and into 2026.
More funding in Texas
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Central Texas Angel Network (CTAN)
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Austin-based angel network running six funding cycles a year for startups with a working product and early customer validation.
DivInc Accelerator Programs
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Harris County Opportunity Fund
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Low-interest micro and growth loans of $5,000 to $250,000 for small businesses located in Harris County, administered by PeopleFund.
LiftFund Small Business Loans
LiftFund · Texas
A San Antonio-based nonprofit CDFI lending up to $250,000 to Texas small businesses that may not qualify for a traditional bank loan.
OwlSpark Accelerator
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A summer accelerator for Rice-affiliated founders covering both tech startups and small businesses, offering mentorship rather than a fixed cash award.
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.