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Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program (NCATS) is sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH) / National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). The SBIR program provides funding to U. S.
-owned and operated small businesses for research and development with commercialization potential. This includes health-related technologies and research innovations, such as AI diagnostics.
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About Small Business Programs | National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences U.S. Department of Health & Human Services National Institutes of Health The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are government set-aside programs for U.S. small businesses and research organizations to engage in research and development that has the potential for commercialization and public benefit.
Small Business Programs Overview Learn More About the Small Business Program Download the SBIR & STTR fact sheet (PDF - 473KB) Download the SBIR & STTR Research Priorities fact sheet (PDF - 116KB) Find eligibility criteria on NIH's SEED website The SBIR and STTR programs support NCATS’ mission to transform the translational science process so that new treatments and cures for disease can be delivered to patients more efficiently.
These programs serve as an engine of innovation, offering grants, contracts and technical assistance to small businesses and research organizations focused on advancing translational research and technologies that will improve disease prevention, detection and treatment. Learn about the SBIR & STTR program structure . The SBIR and STTR programs are one of the largest sources of funding for early-stage companies in the United States.
There are many benefits to securing SBIR or STTR funding, including: Funding is stable, predictable and not a loan. Small businesses retain intellectual property rights. NIH’s rigorous peer-review provides recognition, validation and visibility to early-stage companies.
Prestige associated with the award can help attract more funding or support (e.g., venture capital, strategic partner). SBIR & STTR Program Structure The objective of Phase I is to establish the technical merit and feasibility of the proposed research and development efforts and to determine the quality of performance of the small business prior to providing further federal support in Phase II.
Phase I support is normally $314,995 provided over a period of six months for both SBIR and STTR programs. However, with proper justification, applicants may propose longer periods of time and greater funding amounts necessary to establish the technical merit and feasibility of the proposed project. Support for Phase I waiver topics may not exceed $350,000 over a period of 6 months.
The objective of Phase II is to continue the research and development efforts initiated in Phase I. Phase II awards are normally $2,095,748 in total costs over two years for SBIR and STTR. However, with proper justification, applicants may propose longer periods of time and greater funding amounts necessary for completion of the project.
Support for Phase II waiver topics may not exceed $2,150,000 over a period of 24 months.
Occasionally, NCATS may accept Phase IIB SBIR Competing Renewal grant applications of NCATS supported Phase II awards to continue research and development of products that have a potential to address bottlenecks in the translational process, and where additional time and effort is needed to reach a stage where interest and investment by third parties would be likely.
Such products are expected to have broad applicability and be consistent with the mission of NCATS. Applicants are strongly encouraged to speak to NCATS Program staff prior to submitting their Phase IIB application. Budgets for Phase IIB grant applications must be approved by NCATS program staff prior to submission.
The SBIR and STTR programs have the same goal: to help entrepreneurial researchers launch small businesses, engage in research and development, and commercialize new products that will benefit the public. The programs have two key differences. SBIR requires the project’s principal investigator to be employed primarily (more than half-time) by the small business during the award period, unless NIH grants a waiver of this requirement.
STTR does not define employment criteria for the project’s principal investigator. STTR requires the small business to have a formal collaboration agreement with a nonprofit research institution during Phases I and II. The research institution is responsible for at least 30% of the total effort for the project, and the small business is responsible for at least 40%.
SBIR encourages but does not require nonprofit research institution partnership. A research institution can complete up to 33% of the total effort for a Phase I project and up to 50% of the total effort for a Phase II project, as applicable. See more details on NIH's SEED site .
Last updated on May 16, 2025
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: U. S. -owned and operated small businesses. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program (NCATS) is funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH) / National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
Limited Competition: Small Grant Program for the NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program (Clinical Trial Optional) is sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH) / National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). This limited competition grant aims to enhance the research capabilities of NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program KL2 scholars as they transition to independent academic translational scientists.
NIH Small Research Grant Program (Parent R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH) / National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). This program supports small research projects that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources. It is a 'parent' announcement, meaning it covers a broad range of research areas relevant to NIH's mission.
Smart Health and Biomedical Research in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Data Science (SCH) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF) & National Institutes of Health (NIH). This interagency program supports high-risk, high-reward advances in AI and data science for biomedical and public health research. Projects must cross disciplinary boundaries.
Innovation Grant is a grant from the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation that funds nonprofit organizations pursuing unique, high-impact projects that improve health and wellness in Arizona communities. This two-year award supports original initiatives with measurable real-world impact, including programs serving underserved and uninsured populations through oral health education, disease prevention, and nutritional access. Projects must demonstrate the potential to make a meaningful difference in the community and stand apart from conventional approaches. Eligible applicants are Arizona-based nonprofit organizations. Awards total $100,000 per recipient over two years. The 2026 application cycle closed October 16, 2025, with recipients notified in late 2025 and funding made available shortly after.
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