NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II Programs

FUNDING PROGRAM: NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II Programs

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: NSF 24-580

FUNDING AGENCY / AGENCIES: National Science Foundation

OPPORTUNITY: The NSF SBIR/STTR programs (also known as America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF) provide non-dilutive funding for the development of a broad range of technologies based on discoveries in science and engineering with the potential for societal and economic impacts.
The NSF SBIR/STTR programs do not support clinical trials or proposals from companies whose commercialization pathway involves production, distribution, or sale by the company of chemical components, natural or synthetic variations thereof, or other derivatives related to Schedule I controlled substances.
A small business concern may apply for a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II award only if it has received an NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I award, and only for continued research towards the commercialization of the technology developed under the Phase I award.

DESCRIPTION: The NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II programs provide non-dilutive funding for the development of a broad range of technologies based on discoveries in science and engineering with potential for societal and economic impacts. Unlike fundamental or basic research activities that focus on scientific and engineering discovery itself, the NSF SBIR/STTR programs support the creation of opportunities to move use-inspired and translational discoveries out of the lab and into the market or other use at scale, through startups and small businesses. The NSF SBIR/STTR programs do not solicit specific technologies or procure goods and services.
NSF encourages input and participation from the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer which includes underrepresented and underserved communities.

NSF seeks unproven, leading-edge, technological innovations that demonstrate the following characteristics:
• The innovations still require intensive technical research and development to be fully embedded in a reliable product or service.
• The innovations have not yet been reduced to practice by anyone, and it is not guaranteed, at present, that doing so is technically possible.
• The innovations provide a strong competitive advantage that are not easily replicable by competitors (even technically proficient ones).
Once reduced to practice, the innovations are expected to result in a product or service that would either be disruptive to existing markets or create new markets/new market segments.

COST SHARING: Inclusion of voluntarily committed cost sharing is prohibited.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: Small Business Concerns

FUNDING AVAILABLE: Anticipated Funding Amount: $120,000,000: Approximately $110,000,000 for SBIR Phase II; Approximately $10,000,000 for STTR Phase II. Maximum individual award: $1,250,000.

APPLICATION DEADLINES: November 05, 2025