Biological Technologies Office (BTO) solicitations

SBIR Phase I — US Small Business Innovation is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This program provides early-stage funding for highly innovative R&D projects, with active funding areas including blockchain for federal applications, decentralized identity, AI safety, and quantum computing. It is non-dilutive and open to US-based small businesses.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs (NCI) is sponsored by National Cancer Institute (NCI) - NIH. The NCI SBIR and STTR programs support small businesses in developing innovative cancer technologies with strong potential to improve health outcomes. This includes therapeutics, diagnostics, imaging technologies, and tools for cancer biology research.

Research Infrastructure Programs - Research Centers is sponsored by Department of Health And Human Services. The Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP), within the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (DPCPSI) in the NIH Office of the Director, supports extramural biomedical research by strengthening the infrastructure that enables scientific discovery. ORIP advances human health by fostering the development of critical research models, biomaterials, and technologies; expanding access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities; supporting education and training programs; and assisting small businesses in translating innovative technologies. Through its two divisions, the Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) and the Division of Construction and Instruments (DCI), ORIP plays a critical role in accelerating biomedical research nationwide. DCM develops and sustains essential research models and biological resources, manages the infrastructure required for their use and distribution, and provides training to ensure investigators have reliable access to high-quality models and facilities. DCI supports shared, cost-effective access to advanced scientific instrumentation, modernizing research facilities, and providing critical equipment that enables transformative biomedical discoveries. Together, DCM and DCI strengthen U.S. competitiveness and ensure the biomedical research community has the infrastructure necessary to address emerging health challenges, prevent disease, promote health, and advance foundational science. This listing is currently active. Program number: 93.3RC. Last updated on 2026-01-28.

Biological Technologies is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Biological Technologies Office (BTO). Supports revolutionary research leveraging biological properties/processes to advance national security and protect warfighters; excludes incremental improvements. Key focus areas include advanced machine learning and AI for biological data and systems, combat casualty care, human performance optimization, bio-inspired materials, sensors, manufacturing, agricultural, ecological, and environmental security, biosafety, biosecurity, next-generation surveillance, and biomedical and biodefense technologies. Foreign companies may be eligible as DARPA aims for international collaboration for national security.