NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Programs

The National Science Foundation (NSF) administers the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Programs through the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships. These programs, collectively branded as America's Seed Fund powered by NSF, aim to foster innovation and support the commercialization of transformative, high-risk technologies developed by small businesses. The foundation was established under the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 and supports a wide array of scientific and engineering disciplines to advance technologies with strong potential societal and economic impact. The SBIR and STTR Phase I programs provide non-dilutive funding of up to $305,000 for research and development (R&D) projects that require 6 to 18 months to complete. The programs seek unproven, leading-edge technology innovations that demonstrate technical risk and the potential for significant competitive advantages. NSF does not fund projects involving clinical trials or technologies involving Schedule I controlled substances. A unique feature is the inclusion of Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) and NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) training, budgeted at $6,500 and $25,000 respectively within the Phase I award. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based small business concerns with fewer than 500 employees, including affiliates. Companies must be majority U.S.-owned and operate independently from venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms. To submit a proposal, potential applicants must first submit a Project Pitch and receive an invitation from NSF. Each invitation is valid for the next two submission deadlines. Proposals without an invitation will be returned without review. Each organization and individual PI is limited to one proposal per cycle. STTR proposals additionally require a research institution partner, and specific budget ratios must be met between the business and the partner institution. Proposals must be submitted through Research.gov and must adhere to stringent formatting and submission guidelines. Required documents include a cover sheet, project summary, project description, biographical sketches, budget and justifications, and various supplementary documents such as letters of commitment and a data management plan. Special documents are needed for STTR applications, including a draft or signed Intellectual Property Rights Agreement with the partner institution. Applications will be reviewed based on NSF's merit review criteria: Intellectual Merit, Broader Impacts, and Commercialization Potential. Successful proposals should present innovative technological concepts, a capable team, and a solid commercialization strategy. Specific review criteria assess technical risk, technological innovation, societal benefits, business model, market potential, and competitive landscape. Proposals that pass panel review undergo a due diligence process to confirm eligibility and clarify proposal details. Key upcoming deadlines are September 18, 2024, November 6, 2024, March 5, 2025, July 2, 2025, and November 5, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals well before the deadline to avoid disqualification due to technical issues. All questions and communications should be directed to NSF via sbir@nsf.gov or phone (703) 292-5111.