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ActiveUSDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) · 2026

USDA NIFA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program for AgTech Precision Agriculture and AI

Quick Facts

Agency: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
Funding: Phase I: up to $175,000 for most topic areas ($125,000 for topics 8.6 and 8.12) over 8 months (SBIR) or 12 months (STTR). Total annual SBIR/STTR program budget of $40-50 million. Phase II awards available for successful Phase I projects.
Deadline: Rolling
Status: Active
Eligibility: US small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Must be organized for profit and at least 51% owned by US citizens or permanent resident aliens. The primary researcher must be employed by the small business at the time of award.

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About This Grant

USDA's SBIR/STTR program administered by NIFA funds small businesses developing innovative agricultural technologies including AI-driven precision farming, crop and soil monitoring using machine learning and remote sensing, autonomous harvesting robots, smart sensors for pathogen detection, pest identification systems, and food supply chain analytics. Relevant SBIR topics include Plant Production and Protection (8.

2), Plant Production and Engineering (8. 13), and Management of Natural Resources (8. 4).

Proposals evaluated on scientific merit (40%), commercial potential (30%), and team qualifications (30%). Expect solicitations in the May to June 2026 window. Companies developing agricultural sensor systems, drone platforms, or AI-driven crop analytics are encouraged to prepare topic-specific proposals.

View Original RFP

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Eligibility Requirements

US small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Must be organized for profit and at least 51% owned by US citizens or permanent resident aliens. The primary researcher must be employed by the small business at the time of award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for USDA NIFA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program for AgTech Precision Agriculture and AI?

According to the current listing, eligibility includes: US small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Must be organized for profit and at least 51% owned by US citizens or permanent resident aliens. The primary researcher must be employed by the small business at the time of award. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.

How much funding does USDA NIFA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program for AgTech Precision Agriculture and AI offer?

The current listing shows phase I: up to $175,000 for most topic areas ($125,000 for topics 8.6 and 8.12) over 8 months (SBIR) or 12 months (STTR). Total annual SBIR/STTR program budget of $40-50 million. Phase II awards available for successful Phase I projects. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.

Who funds USDA NIFA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program for AgTech Precision Agriculture and AI?

USDA NIFA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program for AgTech Precision Agriculture and AI is funded by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.

How do I apply for USDA NIFA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program for AgTech Precision Agriculture and AI?

Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.

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