Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program is sponsored by Various Federal Agencies (e.g., NIH, NSF, DOD, DOE, NASA, USDA, DHS, DOT, EPA, DOC - NOAA/NIST). The STTR program is similar to SBIR but requires formal collaboration between the small business and a non-profit research institution in Phase I and Phase II.

It funds early-stage small businesses for proof-of-concept or feasibility studies to support commercialization efforts across almost all areas of technology and market sectors, including cybersecurity, energy security, and defense technologies.

Technology Licensing Office at the University of Utah - Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR/STTR) Programs Available Technologies Site Search Available Technologies Site Search Guide to Commercialization Small Business Innovation Research Programs Unlock innovation with America's Seed Fund.

SBIR/STTR Programs offer vital grants for small businesses, fueling high-risk research to transform lab breakthroughs into impactful commercial products. Technological development enriches our culture. Imagine the impact you could make on society by translating laboratory discoveries into commercial products or services.

To inquire about available support, reach out to Kyrsten Woolstenhulme at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. What are SBIR/STTR programs?

Commercialization is an essential process of translating scientific discoveries into products that benefit the community. Early-stage small businesses need initial funding for proof-of-concept or feasibility studies to support commercialization efforts.

Eleven federal agencies support small business R&D with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) programs, also known as America’s Seed Fund. These programs fund in two phases to promote research into innovative technologies that have high commercialization potential.

Feasibility or proof of concept Bridge grant, contracts, Commercialization Readiness Pilot grant Which federal agencies fund SBIR/STTR programs, and what research topics do they fund? Currently, 11 federal agencies participate in SBIR/STTR programs to fund small businesses’ commercialization research. While the programs are managed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), each agency has its own mission.

Funding opportunity announcements, due dates and funds vary, and it is important to follow the agency specific instructions. Please visit the links below to understand the agency specific program details. DHHS: NIH , FDA , ARPA-H , CDC (SBIR/STTR, Grants) Health, life science and biomedical discoveries that could impact the lives of patients and their families.

Almost all areas of technology and market sectors (with the exception of clinical trials). Advanced scientific computing research, environmental management, fossil energy, biological and environmental research, fusion energy science, cybersecurity, energy security, renewable energy and more.

DOD (SBIR/STTR, Contracts) 5G, AI/autonomy, biotechnology, control and communications, cybersecurity, directed energy, hypersonic, microelectronics, network command, nuclear, quantum sciences, space and more. Clean and safe water, air quality and climate, land revitalization, homeland security, sustainable materials management, safer chemicals and risk assessment.

NASA (SBIR/STTR, Contracts) Propulsion systems, flight computing and avionics, aerospace power and energy storage, robotic systems, communications, navigation, and orbital debris tracking/characterization systems. D. Commerce: NOAA , NIST (SBIR) Technologies in support of the missions of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA – LOI needed in Jan) and the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST).

D. Homeland Sec (SBIR, Contracts) Borders and maritime security, chemical and biological defense, critical infrastructure and resilience, cybersecurity, explosives detection and aviation screening, first responders and more. New education technology products for use by students, educators, infants, toddlers, students with or at risk for disabilities, or teachers in early intervention or special education settings (PI @SB at least 51%).

Technologies in support of DOT Operating Administration: federal highway administration, federal railroad administration, federal transit administration, and pipeline and hazardous materials safety administration. Forest resources, plant/animal production and protection, conservation of natural resources, food science and nutrition, rural and community development, aquaculture, biofuels and bio-based products, small and mid-size farms.

What is the typical workflow for a SBIR/STTR grant application? It takes at least a few months to prepare a competitive grant proposal. Please start early and reach out for support as needed.

Check agencies for funding topics and due dates Start you company or partner with a small business concern (SBC) Register your company ASAP (Takes a few months) Talk to the Technology Licensing Office Organize your research aims Arrange a call with a program official Inform the Pre-Award Office or OSP Request a letter of support/biosketch/etc Begin drafting and revising your application Application is submitted by the SBC Tracking/JIT/NOA through the SBC Frequently asked questions What are the eligibility requirements for the SBIR/STTR programs?

Be primarily U.S. owned (51% minimum). Employ 500 or fewer employees (including part-time/leased employees). be a U.S. based company (fund cannot pay foreign entities or collaborators).

The Principal investigator (PI) must be employed by the SBC (when the proposal is submitted), work full time for the SBC (once an award is made), or research institution (PI for certain STTR or co-PI for SBIR/STTR). Make sure to confirm with agency specific requirements. What are the registration requirements for companies?

All small business concerns (SBCs) need to complete the common requirements as well as agency specific requirements. Please note: DoD has a mandatory foreign disclosure requirements and other changes by the “SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022 (Pub. L.

117-183)” and the revised SBA Policy Directive. What are the differences between SBIR and STTR? While both programs fund commercialization research projects, there are some administrative differences between the programs.

Participating Agency Budget: 3. 2% Research partnerships are allowed Small businesses may outsource: Principal Investigator (PI): Primary employment (> 50%) must be with the small business Participating Agency Budget: 0.

45% Partnerships with a nonprofit research institution (RI) is required Minimum work requirements: 30% by research institution partner The remaining work may be done by either or outsourced Principal Investigator (PI) : Employed by either the partnering RI or SB (*NSF: SB) Does the U provide grant application related support or guidance?

The Utah Venture Hub supports our campus investigators' translational research and commercialization efforts. They offer support your SBIR/STTR grant development and give you guidance. In addition, certain agencies provide SBIR Phase 0 programs that provide your grant preparation.

Other resources available: The Nucleus Institute supports SBIR/STTR grant development through their Nucleus Grow program. Do you have examples of successfully funded SBIR or STTR grant applications? NIH disclosed some examples of successfully funded grant applications.

Please note that other agencies do not provide example applications. NIH SBIR/STTR funded application examples: SBIR Phase I application checklist NIH Phase I Application Checklist DOE Phase I Application Checklist Small Business Company Registration Requirements NIH Registration Requirements NSF Registration Requirements We support you and your innovation.

Wherever you are on your innovation journey, the Technology Licensing Office is your go-to source to connect you with the U’s innovation ecosystem. Call 801. 581.

7792 or send us a message Technology Licensing Office 303 Chipeta Way, #14. SLC, UT 84108 Technology Licensing Office Nondiscrimination & Accessibility LinkedIn Instagram Twitter/X Newsletter Guide to Commercialization Access Restricted to University Faculty Thank you for your interest in submitting a disclosure. Our disclosure portal is currently accessible only to university faculty members.

If you are not a faculty member, please reach out to us directly. If your invention involves collaboration with a University of Utah employee, we encourage them to submit the disclosure on behalf of your team. For further assistance, feel free to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots.

You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 801-581-3209