Work to Zero Lockout/Tagout Pilot Grants 2026

Grants Will Help Pilot Innovative Hazardous Energy Control Solutions

The Work to Zero initiative at the National Safety Council is focused on making innovation more accessible for employers and helping to eliminate fatality risks at work through the use of safety technology. The goal of the Work to Zero Pilot Grant program is to support workplaces in their innovation journeys by matching organizations with innovative technology providers to trial emerging technologies in real-life applications. Grant proposal requests will be accepted through Oct. 30, 2026.

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Ten Work to Zero Safety Innovation Challenge Hazardous Energy Control participants presented at 2026 NSC Congress & Expo in Indianapolis.

2026 Work to Zero Energy Control Pilot Grant Program Process

grant overview

Work to Zero will award individual awards up to $20,000, subject to the availability of funds and the merit of the proposal. Grant proposals less than $20,000 are encouraged. The 2026-2027 Pilot Grant application period opened Sept. 18, 2026.

grant timeline

Grant proposal period: Sept. 18 through Oct. 30, 2026
Grant recipients announced: Dec. 1, 2026
Grant funds distributed: January 2027
Mid-term report: April 1, 2027
Final report: July 1, 2027

NanoSieve Inc. Wins 2026 Safety Innovation Challenge

This year’s grant program will involve nine solution providers who were featured at the Safety Innovation Challenge Tech Pavilion at the 2026 NSC Congress & Expo Sept. 11-17 in Indianapolis.

The NSC Safety Innovation Challenge explores cutting-edge solutions for addressing specific hazards across various industries. Solution providers showcased their solutions addressing hazardous energy control, otherwise known as lockout/tagout (LOTO).

Ten solution providers were selected as finalists and chosen to showcase their technologies, demonstrating how they identify, secure and communicate hazardous energy risks in the workplace to drive down rates of injuries and fatalities. NanoSieve was named winner of the Challenge, after showcasing their autonomous technology that detects and removes hazardous gases.

In partnership with McElhattan Foundation, Work to Zero will provide funding assistance to companies interested in piloting one of these safety technology solutions for hazardous energy control. Nine Safety Innovation Challenge solution providers are eligible to participate.

Work to Zero invites organizations interested piloting LOTO technologies to apply for the Work to Zero Pilot Grant. Any company may apply, but preference will be given to small- and medium-sized companies (under 500 employees); companies from safety-sensitive industries, like construction, mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, utilities; and women- and/or minority-owned businesses. The selected solution provider will work closely with the grantee to address hazardous energy control challenges and provide ongoing support throughout the pilot.

NanoSieve won the 2026 Work to Zero Safety Innovation Challenge. Its cutting-edge technology detects and removes hazardous gases.