NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs: A Pilot Emphasis on Scientific Instrumentation

In support of this mission, NSF is initiating a pilot emphasis area for itsSBIR/STTR programs to invest in startups and small businesses that are specifically developing enabling technologies that include next-generation instrumentation, novel experimental platforms, and other scientific equipment to advance the frontiers of scientific discovery and strengthen the American scientific and engineering enterprise. This encompasses novel instrumentation necessary for the coming era of AI-driven discoveries. This pilot will prioritize investing in the necessary infrastructure to support entirely new fields of scientific discovery, making new technological breakthroughs and transformative applications possible. Through this approach, NSF will continue to lead in propelling the scientific enterprise to new frontiers.

This pilot emphasis area for the NSF SBIR/STTR programs funds across enabling technology areas and market sectors in alignment with the above goals; the programs do not solicit specific technologies for the purpose of procuring goods and services for the agency from startups and small businesses.

NSF will continue to invest in other deep-tech ventures through the historic NSF SBIR/STTR programs available here.

Funding opportunities are available through the NSF SBIR/STTR programs: Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track, and Supplements. Each company can receive up to $2.0 million for R&D. Separately, NSF welcomes Strategic Breakthrough proposals, upon recommendation from the Program Officer, for Phase II awardees. NSF takes no equity and awardees keep full ownership of their company and intellectual property.

Expanding Participation in STEM and Gold Standard Science:

NSF prioritizes cutting-edge discovery science and engineering research, advancing technology and innovation, and creating opportunities for all Americans. NSF also expects the highest standards of scientific rigor, integrity and adherence to tenets ofGold Standard Sciencein proposals, as appropriate for the field of science and research modality.

<ul type="disc">
<li>For all NSF SBIR/STTR funding opportunities, Proposals may only be submitted by: Firms qualifying as a small business concern are eligible to participate in the NSF SBIR/STTR programs (see the <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/elig_size_compliance_guide.pdf">Guide to SBIR/STTR Program Eligibility</a> for more information). Please note that the size limit of 500 employees includes affiliates. The firm must be in compliance with the <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA%20SBIR_STTR_POLICY_DIRECTIVE_May2023.pdf">SBIR/STTR Policy Directive</a> and the <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/">Code of Federal Regulations</a>. For STTR proposals, the proposing small business concern must also include a partner research institution in the project.
<ul type="circle">
<li>For Phase I: Proposers must obtain an official invitation to submit a proposal. To receive the invitation, potential proposers must submit a <a href="https://seedfund.nsf.gov/apply/project-pitch/">Project Pitch</a> and receive an official response (via email) from the program staff. Invitations are valid for the next two submission deadlines after the date of the initial official invitation. Submission deadlines are at the top of the funding opportunity. If the Project Pitch expires, the Principal Investigator (PI) is required to recomplete the Project Pitch process. Note: that NSF places strict limits in terms of the number of Project Pitches and full proposals that can be under consideration from a given small business as described in the Project Pitch details using the link above.
<ul type="square">
<li>Two Project Pitches are the maximum number of submissions per company per year (12-month period). In addition, NSF limits the total number of Project Pitches for the same project/technology, regardless of topic to no more than 3 submissions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For Phase II: Only NSF Phase I SBIR/STTR awardees are permitted to submit a Phase II proposal to NSF. Proposers must submit their SBIR/STTR Phase II proposal between 6 to 24 months after the start date of their relevant NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I award.</li>
<li>For Fast-Track: Proposers must obtain an official invitation to submit a proposal. To receive the invitation, potential proposers must submit a<a href="https://seedfund.nsf.gov/project-pitch/">Project Pitch</a> and receive an official response from program staff. A full proposal must be submitted within four months of the Fast-Track Project Pitch invitation. Additional details are available <a href="https://seedfund.nsf.gov/how-to-submit/fast-track/">here.</a></li>
<li>For Supplemental Funding Opportunities: All active SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees are invited to participate in the full range of supplemental funding opportunities related to strategic partners and outside investors, including the Phase IIB funding opportunity (see:<a href="https://seedfund.nsf.gov/resources/awardees/supplement/overview">https://seedfund.nsf.gov/resources/awardees/supplement/overview</a>/).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

For Strategic Breakthroughs: SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees are eligible to submit Strategic Breakthrough proposals upon the recommendation of their cognizant Program.

*Who May Serve as PI:

Who May Serve as PI:The primary employment of the Principal Investigator (PI) must be with the small business at the time of award and for the duration of the award, unless a new PI is named. Primary employment is defined as at least 51 percent employed by the small business. NSF normally considers a full-time work week to be 40 hours and considers employment elsewhere greater than 19.6 hours per week to conflict with this requirement.Occasionally, deviations from this requirement may occur, and must be approved in writing by the Funding Agreement program officer after consultation with the a

In support of this mission, NSF is initiating a pilot emphasis area for itsSBIR/STTR programs to invest in startups and small businesses that are specifically developing enabling technologies that include next-generation instrumentation, novel experimental platforms, and other scientific equipment to advance the frontiers of scientific discovery and strengthen the American scientific and engineering enterprise. This encompasses novel instrumentation necessary for the coming era of AI-driven discoveries. This pilot will prioritize investing in the necessary infrastructure to support entirely new fields of scientific discovery, making new technological breakthroughs and transformative applications possible. Through this approach, NSF will continue to lead in propelling the scientific enterprise to new frontiers.

This pilot emphasis area for the NSF SBIR/STTR programs funds across enabling technology areas and market sectors in alignment with the above goals; the programs do not solicit specific technologies for the purpose of procuring goods and services for the agency from startups and small businesses.

NSF will continue to invest in other deep-tech ventures through the historic NSF SBIR/STTR programs available here.

Funding opportunities are available through the NSF SBIR/STTR programs: Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track, and Supplements. Each company can receive up to $2.0 million for R&D. Separately, NSF welcomes Strategic Breakthrough proposals, upon recommendation from the Program Officer, for Phase II awardees. NSF takes no equity and awardees keep full ownership of their company and intellectual property.

Expanding Participation in STEM and Gold Standard Science:

NSF prioritizes cutting-edge discovery science and engineering research, advancing technology and innovation, and creating opportunities for all Americans. NSF also expects the highest standards of scientific rigor, integrity and adherence to tenets ofGold Standard Sciencein proposals, as appropriate for the field of science and research modality.

<ul type="disc">
<li>For all NSF SBIR/STTR funding opportunities, Proposals may only be submitted by: Firms qualifying as a small business concern are eligible to participate in the NSF SBIR/STTR programs (see the <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/elig_size_compliance_guide.pdf">Guide to SBIR/STTR Program Eligibility</a> for more information). Please note that the size limit of 500 employees includes affiliates. The firm must be in compliance with the <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA%20SBIR_STTR_POLICY_DIRECTIVE_May2023.pdf">SBIR/STTR Policy Directive</a> and the <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/">Code of Federal Regulations</a>. For STTR proposals, the proposing small business concern must also include a partner research institution in the project.
<ul type="circle">
<li>For Phase I: Proposers must obtain an official invitation to submit a proposal. To receive the invitation, potential proposers must submit a <a href="https://seedfund.nsf.gov/apply/project-pitch/">Project Pitch</a> and receive an official response (via email) from the program staff. Invitations are valid for the next two submission deadlines after the date of the initial official invitation. Submission deadlines are at the top of the funding opportunity. If the Project Pitch expires, the Principal Investigator (PI) is required to recomplete the Project Pitch process. Note: that NSF places strict limits in terms of the number of Project Pitches and full proposals that can be under consideration from a given small business as described in the Project Pitch details using the link above.
<ul type="square">
<li>Two Project Pitches are the maximum number of submissions per company per year (12-month period). In addition, NSF limits the total number of Project Pitches for the same project/technology, regardless of topic to no more than 3 submissions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For Phase II: Only NSF Phase I SBIR/STTR awardees are permitted to submit a Phase II proposal to NSF. Proposers must submit their SBIR/STTR Phase II proposal between 6 to 24 months after the start date of their relevant NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I award.</li>
<li>For Fast-Track: Proposers must obtain an official invitation to submit a proposal. To receive the invitation, potential proposers must submit a<a href="https://seedfund.nsf.gov/project-pitch/">Project Pitch</a> and receive an official response from program staff. A full proposal must be submitted within four months of the Fast-Track Project Pitch invitation. Additional details are available <a href="https://seedfund.nsf.gov/how-to-submit/fast-track/">here.</a></li>
<li>For Supplemental Funding Opportunities: All active SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees are invited to participate in the full range of supplemental funding opportunities related to strategic partners and outside investors, including the Phase IIB funding opportunity (see:<a href="https://seedfund.nsf.gov/resources/awardees/supplement/overview">https://seedfund.nsf.gov/resources/awardees/supplement/overview</a>/).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

For Strategic Breakthroughs: SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees are eligible to submit Strategic Breakthrough proposals upon the recommendation of their cognizant Program.

*Who May Serve as PI:

Who May Serve as PI:The primary employment of the Principal Investigator (PI) must be with the small business at the time of award and for the duration of the award, unless a new PI is named. Primary employment is defined as at least 51 percent employed by the small business. NSF normally considers a full-time work week to be 40 hours and considers employment elsewhere greater than 19.6 hours per week to conflict with this requirement.Occasionally, deviations from this requirement may occur, and must be approved in writing by the Funding Agreement program officer after consultation with the a

In support of this mission, NSF is initiating a pilot emphasis area for itsSBIR/STTR programs to invest in startups and small businesses that are specifically developing enabling technologies that include next-generation instrumentation, novel experimental platforms, and other scientific equipment to advance the frontiers of scientific discovery and strengthen the American scientific and engineering enterprise. This encompasses novel instrumentation necessary for the coming era of AI-driven discoveries. This pilot will prioritize investing in the necessary infrastructure to support entirely new fields of scientific discovery, making new technological breakthroughs and transformative applications possible. Through this approach, NSF will continue to lead in propelling the scientific enterprise to new frontiers.

This pilot emphasis area for the NSF SBIR/STTR programs funds across enabling technology areas and market sectors in alignment with the above goals; the programs do not solicit specific technologies for the purpose of procuring goods and services for the agency from startups and small businesses.

NSF will continue to invest in other deep-tech ventures through the historic NSF SBIR/STTR programs available here.

Funding opportunities are available through the NSF SBIR/STTR programs: Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track, and Supplements. Each company can receive up to $2.0 million for R&D. Separately, NSF welcomes Strategic Breakthrough proposals, upon recommendation from the Program Officer, for Phase II awardees. NSF takes no equity and awardees keep full ownership of their company and intellectual property.

Expanding Participation in STEM and Gold Standard Science:

NSF prioritizes cutting-edge discovery science and engineering research, advancing technology and innovation, and creating opportunities for all Americans. NSF also expects the highest standards of scientific rigor, integrity and adherence to tenets ofGold Standard Sciencein proposals, as appropriate for the field of science and research modality.

<ul type="disc">
<li>For all NSF SBIR/STTR funding opportunities, Proposals may only be submitted by: Firms qualifying as a small business concern are eligible to participate in the NSF SBIR/STTR programs (see the <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/elig_size_compliance_guide.pdf">Guide to SBIR/STTR Program Eligibility</a> for more information). Please note that the size limit of 500 employees includes affiliates. The firm must be in compliance with the <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA%20SBIR_STTR_POLICY_DIRECTIVE_May2023.pdf">SBIR/STTR Policy Directive</a> and the <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/">Code of Federal Regulations</a>. For STTR proposals, the proposing small business concern must also include a partner research institution in the project.
<ul type="circle">
<li>For Phase I: Proposers must obtain an official invitation to submit a proposal. To receive the invitation, potential proposers must submit a <a href="https://seedfund.nsf.gov/apply/project-pitch/">Project Pitch</a> and receive an official response (via email) from the program staff. Invitations are valid for the next two submission deadlines after the date of the initial official invitation. Submission deadlines are at the top of the funding opportunity. If the Project Pitch expires, the Principal Investigator (PI) is required to recomplete the Project Pitch process. Note: that NSF places strict limits in terms of the number of Project Pitches and full proposals that can be under consideration from a given small business as described in the Project Pitch details using the link above.
<ul type="square">
<li>Two Project Pitches are the maximum number of submissions per company per year (12-month period). In addition, NSF limits the total number of Project Pitches for the same project/technology, regardless of topic to no more than 3 submissions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For Phase II: Only NSF Phase I SBIR/STTR awardees are permitted to submit a Phase II proposal to NSF. Proposers must submit their SBIR/STTR Phase II proposal between 6 to 24 months after the start date of their relevant NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I award.</li>
<li>For Fast-Track: Proposers must obtain an official invitation to submit a proposal. To receive the invitation, potential proposers must submit a<a href="https://seedfund.nsf.gov/project-pitch/">Project Pitch</a> and receive an official response from program staff. A full proposal must be submitted within four months of the Fast-Track Project Pitch invitation. Additional details are available <a href="https://seedfund.nsf.gov/how-to-submit/fast-track/">here.</a></li>
<li>For Supplemental Funding Opportunities: All active SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees are invited to participate in the full range of supplemental funding opportunities related to strategic partners and outside investors, including the Phase IIB funding opportunity (see:<a href="https://seedfund.nsf.gov/resources/awardees/supplement/overview">https://seedfund.nsf.gov/resources/awardees/supplement/overview</a>/).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

For Strategic Breakthroughs: SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees are eligible to submit Strategic Breakthrough proposals upon the recommendation of their cognizant Program.

*Who May Serve as PI:

Who May Serve as PI:The primary employment of the Principal Investigator (PI) must be with the small business at the time of award and for the duration of the award, unless a new PI is named. Primary employment is defined as at least 51 percent employed by the small business. NSF normally considers a full-time work week to be 40 hours and considers employment elsewhere greater than 19.6 hours per week to conflict with this requirement.Occasionally, deviations from this requirement may occur, and must be approved in writing by the Funding Agreement program officer after consultation with the a

In support of this mission, NSF is initiating a pilot emphasis area for its SBIR/STTR programs to invest in startups and small businesses that are specifically developing enabling technologies that include next-generation instrumentation, novel experimental platforms, and other scientific equipment to advance the frontiers of scientific discovery and strengthen the American scientific and engineering enterprise. This encompasses novel instrumentation necessary for the coming era of AI-driven discoveries. This pilot will prioritize investing in the necessary infrastructure to support entirely new fields of scientific discovery, making new technological breakthroughs and transformative applications possible. Through this approach, NSF will continue to lead in propelling the scientific enterprise to new frontiers.

This pilot emphasis area for the NSF SBIR/STTR programs funds across enabling technology areas and market sectors in alignment with the above goals; the programs do not solicit specific technologies for the purpose of procuring goods and services for the agency from startups and small businesses.

NSF will continue to invest in other deep-tech ventures through the historic NSF SBIR/STTR programs available here.

Funding opportunities are available through the NSF SBIR/STTR programs: Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track, and Supplements. Each company can receive up to $2.0 million for R&D. Separately, NSF welcomes Strategic Breakthrough proposals, upon recommendation from the Program Officer, for Phase II awardees. NSF takes no equity and awardees keep full ownership of their company and intellectual property.

Expanding Participation in STEM and Gold Standard Science:

NSF prioritizes cutting-edge discovery science and engineering research, advancing technology and innovation, and creating opportunities for all Americans. NSF also expects the highest standards of scientific rigor, integrity and adherence to tenets of Gold Standard Science in proposals, as appropriate for the field of science and research modality.

For all NSF SBIR/STTR funding opportunities, Proposals may only be submitted by: Firms qualifying as a small business concern are eligible to participate in the NSF SBIR/STTR programs (see the Guide to SBIR/STTR Program Eligibility for more information). Please note that the size limit of 500 employees includes affiliates. The firm must be in compliance with the SBIR/STTR Policy Directive and the Code of Federal Regulations. For STTR proposals, the proposing small business concern must also include a partner research institution in the project.

For Phase I: Proposers must obtain an official invitation to submit a proposal. To receive the invitation, potential proposers must submit a Project Pitch and receive an official response (via email) from the program staff. Invitations are valid for the next two submission deadlines after the date of the initial official invitation. Submission deadlines are at the top of the funding opportunity. If the Project Pitch expires, the Principal Investigator (PI) is required to recomplete the Project Pitch process. Note: that NSF places strict limits in terms of the number of Project Pitches and full proposals that can be under consideration from a given small business as described in the Project Pitch details using the link above.&nbsp;

Two Project Pitches are the maximum number of submissions per company per year (12-month period). In addition, NSF limits the total number of Project Pitches for the same project/technology, regardless of topic to no more than 3 submissions.

For Phase II: Only NSF Phase I SBIR/STTR awardees are permitted to submit a Phase II proposal to NSF. Proposers must submit their SBIR/STTR Phase II proposal between 6 to 24 months after the start date of their relevant NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I award.
For Fast-Track: Proposers must obtain an official invitation to submit a proposal. To receive the invitation, potential proposers must submit a&nbsp;&nbsp;Project Pitch and receive an official response from program staff. A full proposal must be submitted within four months of the Fast-Track Project Pitch invitation. Additional details are available here.
For Supplemental Funding Opportunities: All active SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees are invited to participate in the full range of supplemental funding opportunities related to strategic partners and outside investors, including the Phase IIB funding opportunity (see:https://seedfund.nsf.gov/resources/awardees/supplement/overview/).

For Strategic Breakthroughs: SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees are eligible to submit Strategic Breakthrough proposals upon the recommendation of their cognizant Program.

*Who May Serve as PI:
Who May Serve as PI:&nbsp;The primary employment of the Principal Investigator (PI) must be with the small business at the time of award and for the duration of the award, unless a new PI is named. Primary employment is defined as at least 51 percent employed by the small business. NSF normally considers a full-time work week to be 40 hours and considers employment elsewhere greater than 19.6 hours per week to conflict with this requirement.&nbsp;Occasionally, deviations from this requirement may occur, and must be approved in writing by the Funding Agreement program officer after consultation with the agency SBIR/STTR program manager/coordinator.
The PI must have a legal right to work for the proposing company in the United States, as evidenced by citizenship, permanent residency, or an appropriate visa. The PI does not need to be associated with an academic institution. There are no PI degree requirements (i.e., the PI is not required to hold a Ph.D. or any other degree). A PI must devote a minimum of one calendar month of effort per six months of performance to an NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I project.
&nbsp;
The PI must devote the following levels of effort:

For Phas