National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/ Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs Phase I
OPPORTUNITY:
The NSF SBIR/STTR program supports moving scientific excellence and technological innovation from the lab to the market. By funding startups and small businesses, NSF hopes to build a strong national economy and stimulate the creation of novel products, services, and solutions in the private sector with the potential for broad impact, strengthen the role of small business in meeting federal research and development needs; increase the commercial application of federally supported research results; and develop and increase the US workforce, especially by fostering and encouraging participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses. The NSF SBIR/STTR program welcomes proposals from many topics and does not have a specific technological focus.
DESCRIPTION:
The current NSF SBIR/STTR program continues this legacy of supporting the translation of scientific discovery into products and services with commercial potential and/or societal benefit. Unlike fundamental or basic research activities that focus on scientific and engineering discovery itself, the NSF SBIR/STTR program supports the creation of opportunities to move discoveries founded from fundamental science and engineering out of the lab and into the market or other use at scale through startups and small businesses.
The NSF SBIR/STTR program provides non-dilutive research and development funding at the earliest stages of technology development.
COST SHARING:
The inclusion of voluntarily committed cost-sharing is prohibited.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Firms qualifying as small business concern can participate in the NSF SBIR/STTR program. Please note that the size limit of 500 employees includes affiliates. The firm must follow the SBIR/STTR Policy Directive(s) and the Code of Federal Regulations (13 CFR Part 121). For STTR proposals, the applicant’s small business must also include a partner research institution in the project.
FUNDING AVAILABLE AND APPLICATION WINDOW:
FUNDING AVAILABILITY:
Anticipated Funding Amount: $85,000,000 with approximately $70,000,000 for SBIR Phase I and approximately $15,000,000 for STTR Phase I. Maximum individual award amount is $275,000.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 01, 2023. However, the required Program Pitch can be submitted anytime during the year for future funding cycles that might be announced.
