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Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Programs is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). America's Seed Fund, powered by NSF, provides non-dilutive funding to U.S.-based startups and small businesses engaged in high-risk, use-inspired research and development (R&D) on unproven, leading-edge technologies with significant societal and economic benefits.
The NSF does not take equity.
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Or search similar grants →Key questions and narrative sections extracted from the solicitation.
Project description (10–15 pages addressing innovation, technical approach, and R&D plan)
Commercialization strategy
Scoring criteria used to review proposals for this grant.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: U.S.-based startups and small businesses (fewer than 500 employees) developing deep technologies. At least 50% of the company's equity must be owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows up to $305,000 per award for 6–18 months for Phase I; up to $1,250,000 over 24 months for Phase II, with potential for supplements adding over $500,000. Total program ~$85M. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Programs is funded by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Yes — this listing is flagged as national in scope, so applicants across the U.S. may apply, subject to the sponsor's other eligibility criteria.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
The solicitation lists 5 required documents: Project description (10–15 pages), Budget details, Biographical sketches, Commercialization strategy, and Intellectual property agreements (required for STTR; recommended for SBIR with subawards). Check the official notice for formatting and page-limit rules.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
NSF's restarted SBIR/STTR program carries two transition rules almost nobody has calendared. Project Pitch invitations issued on or after July 3, 2025 must be converted to a full proposal by November 4, 2026. Phase I awardees whose awards started on or after November 6, 2023 must submit Phase II by the same date. Both cohorts were created by the program lapse, and both cliffs are hard.
Read articleAI4OPT got $20 million through 2031. IAIFI got roughly $24.9 million. AI2ES got a no-cost extension and a shutdown. The NSF AI Institutes solicitation shows no due dates and reads 'waiting for new publication' — which makes the year-four renewal conversation the highest-stakes meeting in the program.
Read articleFuture CoRe (NSF 25-543) advertises $280 million and 400 to 600 awards across 11 programs, with a September 10, 2026 target date. The directorate behind it is running 43 percent below its own four-year average, $1 billion of NSF's budget is locked in a central account, and the two-proposal cap is enforced with no exceptions. Here is how to read the gap between what the solicitation promises and what the directorate is actually paying for.
Read article