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

The NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Programs are administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under solicitation NSF 24-579. These programs are managed by the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), focusing on translational impacts of foundational scientific discoveries. The SBIR/STTR initiatives, referred to as “America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF,” are designed to support early-stage technology innovations that have the potential to benefit society and the economy. The goal is to enable startups and small businesses to transform unproven scientific concepts into viable commercial products and services, bridging the gap between research and market. The NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I programs provide non-dilutive funding of up to $305,000 per project for research and development (R&D) over a project duration of 6 to 18 months. These funds can be used to address technical risk and demonstrate technical feasibility, particularly for innovations that are not yet proven or commercially viable. Proposals must emphasize both intellectual merit and broader societal impacts, and they must show a clear path toward commercialization. The programs do not support clinical trials or projects associated with Schedule I controlled substances. Additionally, specific budgeting for Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) and NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) training is strongly encouraged within the proposed budgets. To apply, prospective applicants must first submit a Project Pitch via the NSF program website and receive an invitation from a program officer. This invitation is valid for two proposal deadlines. Full proposals must be submitted through Research.gov, and applications are accepted according to a recurring schedule. Upcoming full proposal deadlines include September 18, 2024; November 6, 2024; March 5, 2025; July 2, 2025; and November 5, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. Project Pitches are accepted on a rolling basis, and proposal submissions are limited to one per organization or principal investigator per deadline. Eligibility is limited to small businesses with 500 or fewer employees that are majority U.S.-owned and have a significant presence in the United States. For STTR proposals, a partner research institution must be included. The principal investigator must be primarily employed by the small business at the time of the award and for its duration. Certain individuals and organizations are ineligible, including those involved in Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs or listed under various federal security statutes. The NSF also encourages applications from socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses and women-owned businesses. Proposals are evaluated based on three criteria: intellectual merit, broader impacts, and commercialization potential. Reviewers assess the level of technical risk, innovation, and societal benefit proposed. Required documents include a full project description, biographical sketches, current and pending support forms, a data management plan, and synergistic activities for key personnel. Proposals may not include letters of support from customers or marketing materials but must include letters of commitment from subawardees if applicable. Applicants should direct inquiries to the NSF SBIR/STTR team via email at sbir@nsf.gov or by calling (703) 292-5111. The solicitation and further details can be found on the NSF program website. All proposals must comply with both this solicitation and the most recent version of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).

Submit proposals well in advance of the deadline. Ensure all documents adhere to solicitation-specific instructions rather than relying solely on the standard PAPPG.