NIH Small Business Technology Transfer Grant (Parent STTR [R41/R42] Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is preparing to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the NIH Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grant, under the parent opportunity number FOR-OD-26-003. This opportunity is issued as a forecast and is not yet accepting applications. It is intended for United States-based small business concerns (SBCs), as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA), with the technological and research capabilities to advance the research and development missions of various NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs). These ICs include, but are not limited to, NEI, NHLBI, NHGRI, NIA, NIAAA, NIAID, NIAMS, NIBIB, NICHD, NIDCD, NIDCR, NIDDK, NIDA, NIEHS, NIGMS, NIMH, NINDS, NINR, NIMHD, NLM, NCCIH, NCATS, ORIP, NCI, and ORWH. This grant opportunity is categorized as a discretionary funding mechanism and uses the R41/R42 activity code, indicating its alignment with STTR Phase I and Phase II grant programs. Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed under this specific NOFO. The program is designed to support small businesses in initiating collaborative research partnerships with nonprofit research institutions. Its objective is to stimulate scientific and technological innovation through the cooperative efforts of small businesses and research institutions. This collaboration is central to the STTR program, which requires the small business to perform at least 40% of the work and the research institution to conduct a minimum of 30%. The eligible funding activities span a broad range of research areas under numerous NIH Assistance Listings. These include research domains such as environmental health, human genome research, mental health, drug use and addiction, cancer research, cardiovascular and lung diseases, infectious diseases, child health, aging, vision, and biomedical technology, among many others. While detailed award ceilings, floors, and total funding amounts have not yet been specified, the wide spectrum of NIH funding categories suggests substantial investment in diverse health-related research fields. Eligibility is strictly limited to U.S.-based small business concerns that comply with SBA definitions and guidelines, available at sbir.gov/apply. Additional entities may be eligible where applicable, but the core requirement centers on small business compliance and partnership capability with nonprofit research entities. Matching contributions are not required for this opportunity, making it accessible to a wider pool of small businesses without substantial upfront capital. The application process is expected to open on October 1, 2025, with the final due date for submissions set for January 5, 2026. Awards will be made approximately five months later, on June 1, 2026, and projects are anticipated to begin on July 1, 2026. Since this is a forecasted opportunity, applicants are encouraged to begin developing partnerships and proposal strategies in advance. Interested parties should monitor the NIH Grants and SEED websites for official publication and further details. For questions and early engagement, applicants are directed to contact NIH SEED (Small business Education and Entrepreneurial Development), housed within the NIH Office of Extramural Research. The primary point of contact is available via email at SEEDinfo@nih.gov or by phone at 301-827-8595. This proactive outreach and early notification are intended to give eligible small businesses sufficient time to prepare meaningful proposals and collaborations ahead of the program’s official launch.