WHAT IS THE NSF SBIR/STTR PROGRAM?

• Who We Are• What We Do• Grants That Go

Beyond Funding

Photo Credit: Graphene Frontiers, LLC

Contact Us: sbir@nsf.gov703.292.8050www.nsf.gov/eng/iip/sbir@NSFInnovateSBIR

The National Science Foundation is:• A federal agency that supports fundamental research and

education across all fields of science and engineering, currently with a $7 billion budget.

NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer is:• An approximately $170 million program that catalyzes the

commercialization of high-risk technological innovations via research and development (R&D) grants to startups and other small businesses.

• The NSF SBIR/STTR program funds roughly 400 companies each year.

Who We Are

• Must be a technologically advanced or innovative product that isn’t an already existing product or process

• Must satisfy a significant, validated market need• Proposals in all areas of engineering and science and

related education are welcome

NSF SBIR/STTR assists startups and small businesses with technologies that

require additional R&D towards successful commercialization.

• Grants are given in phases: a short proof-of-concept / feasibility grant (up to $225k) can potentially be followed by a longer development grant (up to $750k).

• Recipients receive training in key business areas and mentorship from seasoned Program Directors

• Connection to other small companies performing innovative R&D

• Winning an SBIR/STTR award signals success to investors, partners and customers

Submission deadlines in June and December!

Grants That Go Beyond Funding