PHS 2024-2 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH for Small Business Technology Transfer Grant Applications (Parent STTR [R41/R42] Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The PHS 2024-2 Omnibus Solicitation of the NIH for Small Business Technology Transfer Grant Applications (Parent STTR [R41/R42]) is a federal funding opportunity issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is designed to support United States small businesses that possess research capabilities and technological expertise relevant to the missions of NIH's participating institutes and centers. This solicitation reissues PA-23-232 and reflects updated agency priorities as of March 31, 2025. The opportunity supports the development of innovative technologies with commercial potential and encourages collaboration with research institutions, aligning with the objectives of the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. Clinical trials are not permitted under this funding opportunity. The main purpose of this program is to fund early-stage research and development by small businesses in partnership with nonprofit research institutions, aiming to foster the transfer of technology. Phase I is intended to establish the technical merit and feasibility of the proposed innovation. Phase II continues development toward commercialization, while Fast-Track applications combine both phases for streamlined review. Some NIH components may also support Phase IIB applications, which provide additional funding for projects needing more time or resources to reach commercialization. Each phase includes detailed expectations, particularly around demonstrating commercial potential and securing third-party investment for Phase IIB. Eligible applicants include United States-based small business concerns organized for profit, with fewer than 500 employees. Applicants must be at least 50% owned by U.S. individuals or qualifying entities. Venture capital-backed applicants are ineligible for STTR, though some exceptions apply for SBIR programs. Foreign organizations and foreign components are not eligible. Applications must also adhere to performance benchmarks regarding transitions between funding phases and commercialization outcomes. Funding for Phase I awards may not exceed $306,872, and Phase II awards may not exceed $2,045,816, though higher budgets may be approved for specific topics listed in NIH’s budget waiver list. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact program officers for guidance if proposing budgets above these limits. Phase I project periods typically last up to one year, and Phase II can extend up to two years. The total number of awards is contingent on the NIH’s appropriations and the number of meritorious applications submitted. The application must be submitted through the NIH ASSIST system, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system portals. Required registrations include SAM, eRA Commons, Grants.gov, and the SBA Company Registry. Submissions must strictly adhere to the instructions in the NIH SBIR/STTR Application Guide. Applications are accepted on a recurring basis using standard NIH due dates: September 5, January 5, and April 5 each year. The solicitation is set to expire on September 6, 2025. Review criteria include the project’s significance, innovation, approach, investigator qualifications, and the research and business environment. For later phases and Fast-Track applications, a robust commercialization plan is critical. Applications are evaluated by scientific review groups and funding decisions are made based on merit, fund availability, and program priorities. NIH also enforces foreign relationship disclosure requirements, particularly with countries of concern, as part of its award risk assessment and national security policies.