NSF Grant: Small Business Innovation and Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Phase II for Commercializing Scientific Discoveries

An organization whose Phase I award has been terminated by NSF will not be permitted to submit a Phase II proposal predicated on the terminated award. Similarly, an organization whose Phase I award has been suspended by NSF pending a potential investigation may not submit a Phase II proposal while the suspension persists.  If the suspension lasts longer than the normal 24-month window to submit the Phase II proposal, and the Phase I award is later reinstated, NSF will provide additional time to complete the Phase I project and submit the Phase II proposal.

In compliance with the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, Section 10636 (Person or entity of concern prohibition) (42 U.S.C. 19235): No person published on the list under section 1237(b) of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (Public Law 105-261; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) or <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/07/2025-00070/notice-of-availability-of-designation-of-chinese-military-companies">entity identified under section 1260H</a> of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 10 U.S.C. 113 note; Public Law 116-283) may receive or participate in any grant, award, program, support, or other activity under the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships.

Individuals who are a current party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program are not eligible to serve as a Senior/Key Person on an NSF proposal or on any NSF award made after May 20, 2024. See current PAPPG for additional information on required certifications associated with Malign Foreign Talent Organization. The Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) must certify that all individuals identified as Senior/Key Personnel have been made aware of and have complied with their responsibility under that section to certify that the individual is not a party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program.

The startup’s or small business’ Research and Development (R&D) must be performed within the United States. Startups and small businesses funded by NSF must be majority U.S.-owned companies. 

NSF does not fund proposals from companies that are majority-owned by one or more venture capital operating companies (VCOCs), hedge funds, or private equity firms. Proposals from joint ventures and partnerships are permitted, provided the proposing entity qualifies as a small business concern (see <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/elig_size_compliance_guide.pdf">Guide to SBIR/STTR Program Eligibility</a> for more information).

“Collaborative Proposal from Multiple Organizations” (a special proposal type in Research.gov) are not allowed. 

Start-ups and small businesses that have a social mission in their charter are encouraged to apply.

Socially and economica

The NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II programs provide non-dilutive funding for thedevelopment of a broad range of technologiesbased on discoveries in science and engineeringwith potential for societal and economic impacts. Unlike fundamental or basic research activities that focus on scientific and engineering discovery itself, the NSF SBIR/STTR programs support the creation of opportunities to move use-inspired and translational discoveries out of the lab and into the market or other use at scale, through startups and small businesses.The NSF SBIR/STTR programs do not solicit specific technologies or procure goods and services. The funding provided is non-dilutive. Any invention conceived or reduced to practice with the assistance of SBIR/STTR funding is subject to the Bayh/Dole Act. For more information, refer to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), #75.

NSF encourages input and participation from the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer which includes underrepresented and underserved communities.

NSF seeks unproven, leading-edge, technology innovations that demonstrate the following characteristics:

• The innovations are underpinned and enabled by a new scientific discovery or meaningful engineering innovation.
• The innovations still require intensive technical research and development to be fully embedded in a reliable product or service.
• The innovations have not yet been reduced to practice by anyone and it is not guaranteed, at present, that doing so is technically possible.
• The innovations provide a strong competitive advantage that are not easily replicable by competitors (even technically proficient ones).
• Once reduced to practice, the innovations are expected to result in a product or service that would either be disruptive to existing markets or create new markets/new market segments.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and start-ups and small businesses by translating new scientific and engineering concepts into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits. The program provides non-dilutive funding for research and development (R&D) of use-inspired scientific and engineering activities for startups and small businesses. In Phase I, the emphasis is on de-risking those aspects preventing the innovation from reaching technical feasibility and driving the intended impact.In Phase II, R&D continues, but the emphasis starts to shift away from research and to development challenges which, if solved, would result in new sustainable competitive advantages to allow the company to differentiate itself and drive new value propositions to the market and society.

This NSF program is governed by15 USC 638and the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC §1861, et seq.).

Introduction to the Program

The SBIR and STTR programs were established in 1982 as part of the Small Business Innovation Development Act. The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and startups by translating new scientific and engineering discoveries emerging from the private sector, federal labs, and academia into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs are now part of theDirectorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), which was recently launched to accelerate innovation and enhance economic competitiveness by catalyzing partnerships and investments that strengthen the links between fundamental research and technology development, deployment, and use.

An organization whose Phase I award has been terminated by NSF will not be permitted to submit a Phase II proposal predicated on the terminated award. Similarly, an organization whose Phase I award has been suspended by NSF pending a potential investigation may not submit a Phase II proposal while the suspension persists.  If the suspension lasts longer than the normal 24-month window to submit the Phase II proposal, and the Phase I award is later reinstated, NSF will provide additional time to complete the Phase I project and submit the Phase II proposal.

In compliance with the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, Section 10636 (Person or entity of concern prohibition) (42 U.S.C. 19235): No person published on the list under section 1237(b) of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (Public Law 105-261; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) or <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/07/2025-00070/notice-of-availability-of-designation-of-chinese-military-companies">entity identified under section 1260H</a> of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 10 U.S.C. 113 note; Public Law 116-283) may receive or participate in any grant, award, program, support, or other activity under the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships.

Individuals who are a current party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program are not eligible to serve as a Senior/Key Person on an NSF proposal or on any NSF award made after May 20, 2024. See current PAPPG for additional information on required certifications associated with Malign Foreign Talent Organization. The Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) must certify that all individuals identified as Senior/Key Personnel have been made aware of and have complied with their responsibility under that section to certify that the individual is not a party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program.

The startup’s or small business’ Research and Development (R&D) must be performed within the United States. Startups and small businesses funded by NSF must be majority U.S.-owned companies. 

NSF does not fund proposals from companies that are majority-owned by one or more venture capital operating companies (VCOCs), hedge funds, or private equity firms. Proposals from joint ventures and partnerships are permitted, provided the proposing entity qualifies as a small business concern (see <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/elig_size_compliance_guide.pdf">Guide to SBIR/STTR Program Eligibility</a> for more information).

“Collaborative Proposal from Multiple Organizations” (a special proposal type in Research.gov) are not allowed. 

Start-ups and small businesses that have a social mission in their charter are encouraged to apply.

Socially and economica

The NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II programs provide non-dilutive funding for thedevelopment of a broad range of technologiesbased on discoveries in science and engineeringwith potential for societal and economic impacts. Unlike fundamental or basic research activities that focus on scientific and engineering discovery itself, the NSF SBIR/STTR programs support the creation of opportunities to move use-inspired and translational discoveries out of the lab and into the market or other use at scale, through startups and small businesses.The NSF SBIR/STTR programs do not solicit specific technologies or procure goods and services. The funding provided is non-dilutive. Any invention conceived or reduced to practice with the assistance of SBIR/STTR funding is subject to the Bayh/Dole Act. For more information, refer to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), #75.

NSF encourages input and participation from the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer which includes underrepresented and underserved communities.

NSF seeks unproven, leading-edge, technology innovations that demonstrate the following characteristics:

• The innovations are underpinned and enabled by a new scientific discovery or meaningful engineering innovation.
• The innovations still require intensive technical research and development to be fully embedded in a reliable product or service.
• The innovations have not yet been reduced to practice by anyone and it is not guaranteed, at present, that doing so is technically possible.
• The innovations provide a strong competitive advantage that are not easily replicable by competitors (even technically proficient ones).
• Once reduced to practice, the innovations are expected to result in a product or service that would either be disruptive to existing markets or create new markets/new market segments.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and start-ups and small businesses by translating new scientific and engineering concepts into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits. The program provides non-dilutive funding for research and development (R&D) of use-inspired scientific and engineering activities for startups and small businesses. In Phase I, the emphasis is on de-risking those aspects preventing the innovation from reaching technical feasibility and driving the intended impact.In Phase II, R&D continues, but the emphasis starts to shift away from research and to development challenges which, if solved, would result in new sustainable competitive advantages to allow the company to differentiate itself and drive new value propositions to the market and society.

This NSF program is governed by15 USC 638and the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC §1861, et seq.).

Introduction to the Program

The SBIR and STTR programs were established in 1982 as part of the Small Business Innovation Development Act. The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and startups by translating new scientific and engineering discoveries emerging from the private sector, federal labs, and academia into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs are now part of theDirectorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), which was recently launched to accelerate innovation and enhance economic competitiveness by catalyzing partnerships and investments that strengthen the links between fundamental research and technology development, deployment, and use.

An organization whose Phase I award has been terminated by NSF will not be permitted to submit a Phase II proposal predicated on the terminated award. Similarly, an organization whose Phase I award has been suspended by NSF pending a potential investigation may not submit a Phase II proposal while the suspension persists. If the suspension lasts longer than the normal 24-month window to submit the Phase II proposal, and the Phase I award is later reinstated, NSF will provide additional time to complete the Phase I project and submit the Phase II proposal.

In compliance with the<a href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr4346/generated/BILLS-117hr4346enr.html#toc-HDB5106E4976A48BC8DCFD1DA6D26E29A">CHIPS and Science Act of 2022</a>, Section 10636 (Person or entity of concern prohibition; 42 U.S.C. 19235): No person published on the list under section 1237(b) of the<a href="https://www.congress.gov/105/plaws/publ261/PLAW-105publ261.pdf">Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999</a>(Public Law 105-261; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) orentity identified under section 1260hof the<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/06/28/2021-13753/notice-of-designation-of-chinese-military-companies-under-the-william-m-mac-thornberry-ndaa-for-fy21">William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021</a>(<a href="https://policy.defense.gov/portals/11/Documents/hdasa/references/10%20USC%20113%20(Note).pdf#:~:text=10%20U.S.C.%20%C2%A7113%20%28Note%29%20Sec.%20113%20%28Note%29%20Database,of%20emergency%20response%20capabilities%20that%20includes%20the%20following%3A">10 U.S.C. 113 note</a>;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ283/PLAW-116publ283.pdf">Public Law 116-283</a>) may receive or participate in any grant, award, program, support, or other activity under the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.

Individuals who are a current party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program are not eligible to serve as a Senior/Key Person on an NSF proposal or on any NSF award made after May 20, 2024. See current PAPPG for additional information on required certifications associated with Malign Foreign Talent Organization. The Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) must certify that all individuals identified as Senior/Key Personnel have been made aware of and have complied with their responsibility under that section to certify that the individual is not a party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program.

The startup&rsquo;s or small business&rsquo; Research and Development (R&amp;D) must be performed within the United States. Startups and small businesses funded by NSF must be majority U.S.-owned companies.

NSF does not fund proposals from companies that are majority-owned by one or more venture capital operating comp

The NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II programs provide non-dilutive funding for thedevelopment of a broad range of technologiesbased on discoveries in science and engineeringwith potential for societal and economic impacts. Unlike fundamental or basic research activities that focus on scientific and engineering discovery itself, the NSF SBIR/STTR programs support the creation of opportunities to move use-inspired and translational discoveries out of the lab and into the market or other use at scale, through startups and small businesses.The NSF SBIR/STTR programs do not solicit specific technologies or procure goods and services. The funding provided is non-dilutive. Any invention conceived or reduced to practice with the assistance of SBIR/STTR funding is subject to the Bayh/Dole Act. For more information, refer to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), #75.

NSF encourages input and participation from the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer which includes underrepresented and underserved communities.

NSF seeks unproven, leading-edge, technology innovations that demonstrate the following characteristics:

• The innovations are underpinned and enabled by a new scientific discovery or meaningful engineering innovation.
• The innovations still require intensive technical research and development to be fully embedded in a reliable product or service.
• The innovations have not yet been reduced to practice by anyone and it is not guaranteed, at present, that doing so is technically possible.
• The innovations provide a strong competitive advantage that are not easily replicable by competitors (even technically proficient ones).
• Once reduced to practice, the innovations are expected to result in a product or service that would either be disruptive to existing markets or create new markets/new market segments.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and start-ups and small businesses by translating new scientific and engineering concepts into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits. The program provides non-dilutive funding for research and development (R&D) of use-inspired scientific and engineering activities for startups and small businesses. In Phase I, the emphasis is on de-risking those aspects preventing the innovation from reaching technical feasibility and driving the intended impact.In Phase II, R&D continues, but the emphasis starts to shift away from research and to development challenges which, if solved, would result in new sustainable competitive advantages to allow the company to differentiate itself and drive new value propositions to the market and society.

This NSF program is governed by15 USC 638and the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC §1861, et seq.).

Introduction to the Program

The SBIR and STTR programs were established in 1982 as part of the Small Business Innovation Development Act. The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and startups by translating new scientific and engineering discoveries emerging from the private sector, federal labs, and academia into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs are now part of theDirectorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), which was recently launched to accelerate innovation and enhance economic competitiveness by catalyzing partnerships and investments that strengthen the links between fundamental research and technology development, deployment, and use.

An organization whose Phase I award has been terminated by NSF will not be permitted to submit a Phase II proposal predicated on the terminated award. Similarly, an organization whose Phase I award has been suspended by NSF pending a potential investigation may not submit a Phase II proposal while the suspension persists. If the suspension lasts longer than the normal 24-month window to submit the Phase II proposal, and the Phase I award is later reinstated, NSF will provide additional time to complete the Phase I project and submit the Phase II proposal.

In compliance with the<a href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr4346/generated/BILLS-117hr4346enr.html#toc-HDB5106E4976A48BC8DCFD1DA6D26E29A">CHIPS and Science Act of 2022</a>, Section 10636 (Person or entity of concern prohibition; 42 U.S.C. 19235): No person published on the list under section 1237(b) of the<a href="https://www.congress.gov/105/plaws/publ261/PLAW-105publ261.pdf">Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999</a>(Public Law 105-261; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) orentity identified under section 1260hof the<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/06/28/2021-13753/notice-of-designation-of-chinese-military-companies-under-the-william-m-mac-thornberry-ndaa-for-fy21">William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021</a>(<a href="https://policy.defense.gov/portals/11/Documents/hdasa/references/10%20USC%20113%20(Note).pdf#:~:text=10%20U.S.C.%20%C2%A7113%20%28Note%29%20Sec.%20113%20%28Note%29%20Database,of%20emergency%20response%20capabilities%20that%20includes%20the%20following%3A">10 U.S.C. 113 note</a>;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ283/PLAW-116publ283.pdf">Public Law 116-283</a>) may receive or participate in any grant, award, program, support, or other activity under the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.

Individuals who are a current party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program are not eligible to serve as a Senior/Key Person on an NSF proposal or on any NSF award made after May 20, 2024. See current PAPPG for additional information on required certifications associated with Malign Foreign Talent Organization. The Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) must certify that all individuals identified as Senior/Key Personnel have been made aware of and have complied with their responsibility under that section to certify that the individual is not a party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program.

The startup&rsquo;s or small business&rsquo; Research and Development (R&amp;D) must be performed within the United States. Startups and small businesses funded by NSF must be majority U.S.-owned companies.

NSF does not fund proposals from companies that are majority-owned by one or more venture capital operating comp

The NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II programs provide non-dilutive funding for thedevelopment of a broad range of technologiesbased on discoveries in science and engineeringwith potential for societal and economic impacts. Unlike fundamental or basic research activities that focus on scientific and engineering discovery itself, the NSF SBIR/STTR programs support the creation of opportunities to move use-inspired and translational discoveries out of the lab and into the market or other use at scale, through startups and small businesses.The NSF SBIR/STTR programs do not solicit specific technologies or procure goods and services. The funding provided is non-dilutive. Any invention conceived or reduced to practice with the assistance of SBIR/STTR funding is subject to the Bayh/Dole Act. For more information, refer to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), #75.

NSF encourages input and participation from the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer which includes underrepresented and underserved communities.

NSF seeks unproven, leading-edge, technology innovations that demonstrate the following characteristics:

• The innovations are underpinned and enabled by a new scientific discovery or meaningful engineering innovation.
• The innovations still require intensive technical research and development to be fully embedded in a reliable product or service.
• The innovations have not yet been reduced to practice by anyone and it is not guaranteed, at present, that doing so is technically possible.
• The innovations provide a strong competitive advantage that are not easily replicable by competitors (even technically proficient ones).
• Once reduced to practice, the innovations are expected to result in a product or service that would either be disruptive to existing markets or create new markets/new market segments.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and start-ups and small businesses by translating new scientific and engineering concepts into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits. The program provides non-dilutive funding for research and development (R&D) of use-inspired scientific and engineering activities for startups and small businesses. In Phase I, the emphasis is on de-risking those aspects preventing the innovation from reaching technical feasibility and driving the intended impact.In Phase II, R&D continues, but the emphasis starts to shift away from research and to development challenges which, if solved, would result in new sustainable competitive advantages to allow the company to differentiate itself and drive new value propositions to the market and society.

This NSF program is governed by15 USC 638and the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC §1861, et seq.).

Introduction to the Program

The SBIR and STTR programs were established in 1982 as part of the Small Business Innovation Development Act. The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and startups by translating new scientific and engineering discoveries emerging from the private sector, federal labs, and academia into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs are now part of theDirectorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), which was recently launched to accelerate innovation and enhance economic competitiveness by catalyzing partnerships and investments that strengthen the links between fundamental research and technology development, deployment, and use.

An organization whose Phase I award has been terminated by NSF will not be permitted to submit a Phase II proposal predicated on the terminated award. Similarly, an organization whose Phase I award has been suspended by NSF pending a potential investigation may not submit a Phase II proposal while the suspension persists. If the suspension lasts longer than the normal 24-month window to submit the Phase II proposal, and the Phase I award is later reinstated, NSF will provide additional time to complete the Phase I project and submit the Phase II proposal.

In compliance with the<a href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr4346/generated/BILLS-117hr4346enr.html#toc-HDB5106E4976A48BC8DCFD1DA6D26E29A">CHIPS and Science Act of 2022</a>, Section 10636 (Person or entity of concern prohibition; 42 U.S.C. 19235): No person published on the list under section 1237(b) of the<a href="https://www.congress.gov/105/plaws/publ261/PLAW-105publ261.pdf">Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999</a>(Public Law 105-261; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) orentity identified under section 1260hof the<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/06/28/2021-13753/notice-of-designation-of-chinese-military-companies-under-the-william-m-mac-thornberry-ndaa-for-fy21">William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021</a>(<a href="https://policy.defense.gov/portals/11/Documents/hdasa/references/10%20USC%20113%20(Note).pdf#:~:text=10%20U.S.C.%20%C2%A7113%20%28Note%29%20Sec.%20113%20%28Note%29%20Database,of%20emergency%20response%20capabilities%20that%20includes%20the%20following%3A">10 U.S.C. 113 note</a>;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ283/PLAW-116publ283.pdf">Public Law 116-283</a>) may receive or participate in any grant, award, program, support, or other activity under the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.

Individuals who are a current party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program are not eligible to serve as a Senior/Key Person on an NSF proposal or on any NSF award made after May 20, 2024. See current PAPPG for additional information on required certifications associated with Malign Foreign Talent Organization. The Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) must certify that all individuals identified as Senior/Key Personnel have been made aware of and have complied with their responsibility under that section to certify that the individual is not a party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program.

The startup&rsquo;s or small business&rsquo; Research and Development (R&amp;D) must be performed within the United States. Startups and small businesses funded by NSF must be majority U.S.-owned companies.

NSF does not fund proposals from companies that are majority-owned by one or more venture capital operating comp

The NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II programs provide non-dilutive funding for thedevelopment of a broad range of technologiesbased on discoveries in science and engineeringwith potential for societal and economic impacts. Unlike fundamental or basic research activities that focus on scientific and engineering discovery itself, the NSF SBIR/STTR programs support the creation of opportunities to move use-inspired and translational discoveries out of the lab and into the market or other use at scale, through startups and small businesses.The NSF SBIR/STTR programs do not solicit specific technologies or procure goods and services. The funding provided is non-dilutive. Any invention conceived or reduced to practice with the assistance of SBIR/STTR funding is subject to the Bayh/Dole Act. For more information, refer to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), #75.

NSF encourages input and participation from the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer which includes underrepresented and underserved communities.

NSF seeks unproven, leading-edge, technology innovations that demonstrate the following characteristics:

• The innovations are underpinned and enabled by a new scientific discovery or meaningful engineering innovation.
• The innovations still require intensive technical research and development to be fully embedded in a reliable product or service.
• The innovations have not yet been reduced to practice by anyone and it is not guaranteed, at present, that doing so is technically possible.
• The innovations provide a strong competitive advantage that are not easily replicable by competitors (even technically proficient ones).
• Once reduced to practice, the innovations are expected to result in a product or service that would either be disruptive to existing markets or create new markets/new market segments.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and start-ups and small businesses by translating new scientific and engineering concepts into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits. The program provides non-dilutive funding for research and development (R&D) of use-inspired scientific and engineering activities for startups and small businesses. In Phase I, the emphasis is on de-risking those aspects preventing the innovation from reaching technical feasibility and driving the intended impact.In Phase II, R&D continues, but the emphasis starts to shift away from research and to development challenges which, if solved, would result in new sustainable competitive advantages to allow the company to differentiate itself and drive new value propositions to the market and society.

This NSF program is governed by15 USC 638and the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC §1861, et seq.).

Introduction to the Program

The SBIR and STTR programs were established in 1982 as part of the Small Business Innovation Development Act. The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and startups by translating new scientific and engineering discoveries emerging from the private sector, federal labs, and academia into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs are now part of theDirectorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), which was recently launched to accelerate innovation and enhance economic competitiveness by catalyzing partnerships and investments that strengthen the links between fundamental research and technology development, deployment, and use.

An organization whose Phase I award has been terminated by NSF will not be permitted to submit a Phase II proposal predicated on the terminated award. Similarly, an organization whose Phase I award has been suspended by NSF pending a potential investigation may not submit a Phase II proposal while the suspension persists. If the suspension lasts longer than the normal 24-month window to submit the Phase II proposal, and the Phase I award is later reinstated, NSF will provide additional time to complete the Phase I project and submit the Phase II proposal.

In compliance with the<a href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr4346/generated/BILLS-117hr4346enr.html#toc-HDB5106E4976A48BC8DCFD1DA6D26E29A">CHIPS and Science Act of 2022</a>, Section 10636 (Person or entity of concern prohibition; 42 U.S.C. 19235): No person published on the list under section 1237(b) of the<a href="https://www.congress.gov/105/plaws/publ261/PLAW-105publ261.pdf">Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999</a>(Public Law 105-261; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) orentity identified under section 1260hof the<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/06/28/2021-13753/notice-of-designation-of-chinese-military-companies-under-the-william-m-mac-thornberry-ndaa-for-fy21">William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021</a>(<a href="https://policy.defense.gov/portals/11/Documents/hdasa/references/10%20USC%20113%20(Note).pdf#:~:text=10%20U.S.C.%20%C2%A7113%20%28Note%29%20Sec.%20113%20%28Note%29%20Database,of%20emergency%20response%20capabilities%20that%20includes%20the%20following%3A">10 U.S.C. 113 note</a>;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ283/PLAW-116publ283.pdf">Public Law 116-283</a>) may receive or participate in any grant, award, program, support, or other activity under the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.

Individuals who are a current party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program are not eligible to serve as a Senior/Key Person on an NSF proposal or on any NSF award made after May 20, 2024. See current PAPPG for additional information on required certifications associated with Malign Foreign Talent Organization. The Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) must certify that all individuals identified as Senior/Key Personnel have been made aware of and have complied with their responsibility under that section to certify that the individual is not a party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program.

The startup&rsquo;s or small business&rsquo; Research and Development (R&amp;D) must be performed within the United States. Startups and small businesses funded by NSF must be majority U.S.-owned companies.

NSF does not fund proposals from companies that are majority-owned by one or more venture capital operating comp

The NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II programs provide non-dilutive funding for thedevelopment of a broad range of technologiesbased on discoveries in science and engineeringwith potential for societal and economic impacts. Unlike fundamental or basic research activities that focus on scientific and engineering discovery itself, the NSF SBIR/STTR programs support the creation of opportunities to move use-inspired and translational discoveries out of the lab and into the market or other use at scale, through startups and small businesses.The NSF SBIR/STTR programs do not solicit specific technologies or procure goods and services. The funding provided is non-dilutive. Any invention conceived or reduced to practice with the assistance of SBIR/STTR funding is subject to the Bayh/Dole Act. For more information, refer to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), #75.

NSF encourages input and participation from the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer which includes underrepresented and underserved communities.

NSF seeks unproven, leading-edge, technology innovations that demonstrate the following characteristics:

• The innovations are underpinned and enabled by a new scientific discovery or meaningful engineering innovation.
• The innovations still require intensive technical research and development to be fully embedded in a reliable product or service.
• The innovations have not yet been reduced to practice by anyone and it is not guaranteed, at present, that doing so is technically possible.
• The innovations provide a strong competitive advantage that are not easily replicable by competitors (even technically proficient ones).
• Once reduced to practice, the innovations are expected to result in a product or service that would either be disruptive to existing markets or create new markets/new market segments.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and start-ups and small businesses by translating new scientific and engineering concepts into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits. The program provides non-dilutive funding for research and development (R&D) of use-inspired scientific and engineering activities for startups and small businesses. In Phase I, the emphasis is on de-risking those aspects preventing the innovation from reaching technical feasibility and driving the intended impact.In Phase II, R&D continues, but the emphasis starts to shift away from research and to development challenges which, if solved, would result in new sustainable competitive advantages to allow the company to differentiate itself and drive new value propositions to the market and society.

This NSF program is governed by15 USC 638and the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC §1861, et seq.).

Introduction to the Program

The SBIR and STTR programs were established in 1982 as part of the Small Business Innovation Development Act. The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and startups by translating new scientific and engineering discoveries emerging from the private sector, federal labs, and academia into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs are now part of theDirectorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), which was recently launched to accelerate innovation and enhance economic competitiveness by catalyzing partnerships and investments that strengthen the links between fundamental research and technology development, deployment, and use.

An organization whose Phase I award has been terminated by NSF will not be permitted to submit a Phase II proposal predicated on the terminated award. Similarly, an organization whose Phase I award has been suspended by NSF pending a potential investigation may not submit a Phase II proposal while the suspension persists. If the suspension lasts longer than the normal 24-month window to submit the Phase II proposal, and the Phase I award is later reinstated, NSF will provide additional time to complete the Phase I project and submit the Phase II proposal.

In compliance with the<a href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr4346/generated/BILLS-117hr4346enr.html#toc-HDB5106E4976A48BC8DCFD1DA6D26E29A">CHIPS and Science Act of 2022</a>, Section 10636 (Person or entity of concern prohibition; 42 U.S.C. 19235): No person published on the list under section 1237(b) of the<a href="https://www.congress.gov/105/plaws/publ261/PLAW-105publ261.pdf">Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999</a>(Public Law 105-261; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) orentity identified under section 1260hof the<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/06/28/2021-13753/notice-of-designation-of-chinese-military-companies-under-the-william-m-mac-thornberry-ndaa-for-fy21">William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021</a>(<a href="https://policy.defense.gov/portals/11/Documents/hdasa/references/10%20USC%20113%20(Note).pdf#:~:text=10%20U.S.C.%20%C2%A7113%20%28Note%29%20Sec.%20113%20%28Note%29%20Database,of%20emergency%20response%20capabilities%20that%20includes%20the%20following%3A">10 U.S.C. 113 note</a>;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ283/PLAW-116publ283.pdf">Public Law 116-283</a>) may receive or participate in any grant, award, program, support, or other activity under the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.

Individuals who are a current party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program are not eligible to serve as a Senior/Key Person on an NSF proposal or on any NSF award made after May 20, 2024. See current PAPPG for additional information on required certifications associated with Malign Foreign Talent Organization. The Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) must certify that all individuals identified as Senior/Key Personnel have been made aware of and have complied with their responsibility under that section to certify that the individual is not a party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program.

The startup&rsquo;s or small business&rsquo; Research and Development (R&amp;D) must be performed within the United States. Startups and small businesses funded by NSF must be majority U.S.-owned companies.

NSF does not fund proposals from companies that are majority-owned by one or more venture capital operating comp

The NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II programs provide non-dilutive funding for thedevelopment of a broad range of technologiesbased on discoveries in science and engineeringwith potential for societal and economic impacts. Unlike fundamental or basic research activities that focus on scientific and engineering discovery itself, the NSF SBIR/STTR programs support the creation of opportunities to move use-inspired and translational discoveries out of the lab and into the market or other use at scale, through startups and small businesses.The NSF SBIR/STTR programs do not solicit specific technologies or procure goods and services. The funding provided is non-dilutive. Any invention conceived or reduced to practice with the assistance of SBIR/STTR funding is subject to the Bayh/Dole Act. For more information, refer to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), #75.

NSF encourages input and participation from the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer which includes underrepresented and underserved communities.

NSF seeks unproven, leading-edge, technology innovations that demonstrate the following characteristics:

• The innovations are underpinned and enabled by a new scientific discovery or meaningful engineering innovation.
• The innovations still require intensive technical research and development to be fully embedded in a reliable product or service.
• The innovations have not yet been reduced to practice by anyone and it is not guaranteed, at present, that doing so is technically possible.
• The innovations provide a strong competitive advantage that are not easily replicable by competitors (even technically proficient ones).
• Once reduced to practice, the innovations are expected to result in a product or service that would either be disruptive to existing markets or create new markets/new market segments.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and start-ups and small businesses by translating new scientific and engineering concepts into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits. The program provides non-dilutive funding for research and development (R&D) of use-inspired scientific and engineering activities for startups and small businesses. In Phase I, the emphasis is on de-risking those aspects preventing the innovation from reaching technical feasibility and driving the intended impact.In Phase II, R&D continues, but the emphasis starts to shift away from research and to development challenges which, if solved, would result in new sustainable competitive advantages to allow the company to differentiate itself and drive new value propositions to the market and society.

This NSF program is governed by15 USC 638and the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC §1861, et seq.).

Introduction to the Program

The SBIR and STTR programs were established in 1982 as part of the Small Business Innovation Development Act. The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and startups by translating new scientific and engineering discoveries emerging from the private sector, federal labs, and academia into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs are now part of theDirectorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), which was recently launched to accelerate innovation and enhance economic competitiveness by catalyzing partnerships and investments that strengthen the links between fundamental research and technology development, deployment, and use.

An organization whose Phase I award has been terminated by NSF will not be permitted to submit a Phase II proposal predicated on the terminated award. Similarly, an organization whose Phase I award has been suspended by NSF pending a potential investigation may not submit a Phase II proposal while the suspension persists. If the suspension lasts longer than the normal 24-month window to submit the Phase II proposal, and the Phase I award is later reinstated, NSF will provide additional time to complete the Phase I project and submit the Phase II proposal.

In compliance with the<a href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr4346/generated/BILLS-117hr4346enr.html#toc-HDB5106E4976A48BC8DCFD1DA6D26E29A">CHIPS and Science Act of 2022</a>, Section 10636 (Person or entity of concern prohibition; 42 U.S.C. 19235): No person published on the list under section 1237(b) of the<a href="https://www.congress.gov/105/plaws/publ261/PLAW-105publ261.pdf">Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999</a>(Public Law 105-261; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) orentity identified under section 1260hof the<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/06/28/2021-13753/notice-of-designation-of-chinese-military-companies-under-the-william-m-mac-thornberry-ndaa-for-fy21">William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021</a>(<a href="https://policy.defense.gov/portals/11/Documents/hdasa/references/10%20USC%20113%20(Note).pdf#:~:text=10%20U.S.C.%20%C2%A7113%20%28Note%29%20Sec.%20113%20%28Note%29%20Database,of%20emergency%20response%20capabilities%20that%20includes%20the%20following%3A">10 U.S.C. 113 note</a>;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ283/PLAW-116publ283.pdf">Public Law 116-283</a>) may receive or participate in any grant, award, program, support, or other activity under the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.

Individuals who are a current party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program are not eligible to serve as a Senior/Key Person on an NSF proposal or on any NSF award made after May 20, 2024. See current PAPPG for additional information on required certifications associated with Malign Foreign Talent Organization. The Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) must certify that all individuals identified as Senior/Key Personnel have been made aware of and have complied with their responsibility under that section to certify that the individual is not a party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program.

The startup&rsquo;s or small business&rsquo; Research and Development (R&amp;D) must be performed within the United States. Startups and small businesses funded by NSF must be majority U.S.-owned companies.

NSF does not fund proposals from companies that are majority-owned by one or more venture capital operating comp

The NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II programs provide non-dilutive funding for thedevelopment of a broad range of technologiesbased on discoveries in science and engineeringwith potential for societal and economic impacts. Unlike fundamental or basic research activities that focus on scientific and engineering discovery itself, the NSF SBIR/STTR programs support the creation of opportunities to move use-inspired and translational discoveries out of the lab and into the market or other use at scale, through startups and small businesses.The NSF SBIR/STTR programs do not solicit specific technologies or procure goods and services. The funding provided is non-dilutive. Any invention conceived or reduced to practice with the assistance of SBIR/STTR funding is subject to the Bayh/Dole Act. For more information, refer to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), #75.

NSF encourages input and participation from the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer which includes underrepresented and underserved communities.

NSF seeks unproven, leading-edge, technology innovations that demonstrate the following characteristics:

• The innovations are underpinned and enabled by a new scientific discovery or meaningful engineering innovation.
• The innovations still require intensive technical research and development to be fully embedded in a reliable product or service.
• The innovations have not yet been reduced to practice by anyone and it is not guaranteed, at present, that doing so is technically possible.
• The innovations provide a strong competitive advantage that are not easily replicable by competitors (even technically proficient ones).
• Once reduced to practice, the innovations are expected to result in a product or service that would either be disruptive to existing markets or create new markets/new market segments.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and start-ups and small businesses by translating new scientific and engineering concepts into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits. The program provides non-dilutive funding for research and development (R&D) of use-inspired scientific and engineering activities for startups and small businesses. In Phase I, the emphasis is on de-risking those aspects preventing the innovation from reaching technical feasibility and driving the intended impact.In Phase II, R&D continues, but the emphasis starts to shift away from research and to development challenges which, if solved, would result in new sustainable competitive advantages to allow the company to differentiate itself and drive new value propositions to the market and society.

This NSF program is governed by15 USC 638and the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC §1861, et seq.).

Introduction to the Program

The SBIR and STTR programs were established in 1982 as part of the Small Business Innovation Development Act. The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and startups by translating new scientific and engineering discoveries emerging from the private sector, federal labs, and academia into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs are now part of theDirectorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), which was recently launched to accelerate innovation and enhance economic competitiveness by catalyzing partnerships and investments that strengthen the links between fundamental research and technology development, deployment, and use.

An organization whose Phase I award has been terminated by NSF will not be permitted to submit a Phase II proposal predicated on the terminated award. Similarly, an organization whose Phase I award has been suspended by NSF pending a potential investigation may not submit a Phase II proposal while the suspension persists. If the suspension lasts longer than the normal 24-month window to submit the Phase II proposal, and the Phase I award is later reinstated, NSF will provide additional time to complete the Phase I project and submit the Phase II proposal.

In compliance with the<a href="https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr4346/generated/BILLS-117hr4346enr.html#toc-HDB5106E4976A48BC8DCFD1DA6D26E29A">CHIPS and Science Act of 2022</a>, Section 10636 (Person or entity of concern prohibition; 42 U.S.C. 19235): No person published on the list under section 1237(b) of the<a href="https://www.congress.gov/105/plaws/publ261/PLAW-105publ261.pdf">Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999</a>(Public Law 105-261; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) orentity identified under section 1260hof the<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/06/28/2021-13753/notice-of-designation-of-chinese-military-companies-under-the-william-m-mac-thornberry-ndaa-for-fy21">William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021</a>(<a href="https://policy.defense.gov/portals/11/Documents/hdasa/references/10%20USC%20113%20(Note).pdf#:~:text=10%20U.S.C.%20%C2%A7113%20%28Note%29%20Sec.%20113%20%28Note%29%20Database,of%20emergency%20response%20capabilities%20that%20includes%20the%20following%3A">10 U.S.C. 113 note</a>;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ283/PLAW-116publ283.pdf">Public Law 116-283</a>) may receive or participate in any grant, award, program, support, or other activity under the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.

Individuals who are a current party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program are not eligible to serve as a Senior/Key Person on an NSF proposal or on any NSF award made after May 20, 2024. See current PAPPG for additional information on required certifications associated with Malign Foreign Talent Organization. The Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) must certify that all individuals identified as Senior/Key Personnel have been made aware of and have complied with their responsibility under that section to certify that the individual is not a party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program.

The startup&rsquo;s or small business&rsquo; Research and Development (R&amp;D) must be performed within the United States. Startups and small businesses funded by NSF must be majority U.S.-owned companies.

NSF does not fund proposals from companies that are majority-owned by one or more venture capital operating comp

The NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II programs provide non-dilutive funding for thedevelopment of a broad range of technologiesbased on discoveries in science and engineeringwith potential for societal and economic impacts. Unlike fundamental or basic research activities that focus on scientific and engineering discovery itself, the NSF SBIR/STTR programs support the creation of opportunities to move use-inspired and translational discoveries out of the lab and into the market or other use at scale, through startups and small businesses.The NSF SBIR/STTR programs do not solicit specific technologies or procure goods and services. The funding provided is non-dilutive. Any invention conceived or reduced to practice with the assistance of SBIR/STTR funding is subject to the Bayh/Dole Act. For more information, refer to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), #75.

NSF encourages input and participation from the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer which includes underrepresented and underserved communities.

NSF seeks unproven, leading-edge, technology innovations that demonstrate the following characteristics:

• The innovations are underpinned and enabled by a new scientific discovery or meaningful engineering innovation.
• The innovations still require intensive technical research and development to be fully embedded in a reliable product or service.
• The innovations have not yet been reduced to practice by anyone and it is not guaranteed, at present, that doing so is technically possible.
• The innovations provide a strong competitive advantage that are not easily replicable by competitors (even technically proficient ones).
• Once reduced to practice, the innovations are expected to result in a product or service that would either be disruptive to existing markets or create new markets/new market segments.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and start-ups and small businesses by translating new scientific and engineering concepts into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits. The program provides non-dilutive funding for research and development (R&D) of use-inspired scientific and engineering activities for startups and small businesses. In Phase I, the emphasis is on de-risking those aspects preventing the innovation from reaching technical feasibility and driving the intended impact.In Phase II, R&D continues, but the emphasis starts to shift away from research and to development challenges which, if solved, would result in new sustainable competitive advantages to allow the company to differentiate itself and drive new value propositions to the market and society.

This NSF program is governed by15 USC 638and the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended (42 USC §1861, et seq.).

Introduction to the Program

The SBIR and STTR programs were established in 1982 as part of the Small Business Innovation Development Act. The NSF SBIR/STTR programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and startups by translating new scientific and engineering discoveries emerging from the private sector, federal labs, and academia into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs are now part of theDirectorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), which was recently launched to accelerate innovation and enhance economic competitiveness by catalyzing partnerships and investments that strengthen the links between fundamental research and technology development, deployment, and use.