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Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) - Artificial Intelligence (AI) is sponsored by U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This program supports startups and small businesses to translate AI research into products and services, including AI systems and AI-based hardware, for the public good.
It emphasizes next-generation AI technologies that are safe, reliable, fair, robust, privacy-preserving, and efficient. The program also includes cutting-edge hardware technologies for sustainable AI and intelligent edge devices. While not specific to hospitality, innovation in AI can be applied to the sector.
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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: Small businesses (fewer than 500 employees) located in the United States, with at least 50% equity owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows up to $275,000 for Phase I, up to $1,250,000 for Phase II. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) - Artificial Intelligence (AI) 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 obligated $6.4 billion across 6,218 awards in FY2026, down from $8.3 billion and 8,647. An August OMB apportionment carried $1.7 billion into FY2027, roughly $1 billion of it reserved for the White House Grand Research Challenges initiative. NIH, by contrast, spent its full $34 billion. Here is what the carryover mechanism actually means for your FY2027 proposal — and why the directorate you submit to now matters more than the score you get.
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