NSF SBIR/STTR Program Overview
- josh84483
- May 26
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Fueling Deep Tech Innovation by U.S. Small Businesses
What is NSF SBIR/STTR?
The National Science Foundation's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs — together known as America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF — invest in deep-tech startups and small businesses developing high-impact, high-risk technologies that push innovation forward. These programs offer non-dilutive funding (equity-free) to help bring scientific discoveries from lab to market.
Program Purpose 🎯
The NSF SBIR/STTR program aims to:
Help startups transform scientific breakthroughs into commercial products.
Provide early-stage capital when risk is highest and investors are scarce.
Encourage deep technology innovation across fields like AI, quantum computing, clean energy, cyber security, materials, biotech, space, and more.
Support companies working on transformational ideas, not incremental improvements.
Think of NSF as the earliest believer in wild ideas that could one day change the world.
How Much Funding is Available? 💵
Award Structure
Phase | Funding Amount | Duration | Purpose |
Phase I | Up to $305,000 | ~6–12 months | Prove technical feasibility |
Phase II | Up to $1,250,000 | ~24 months | Develop prototype & commercialization strategy |
Supplements | $100k–$500k+ | Varies | Optional funds for I-Corps, diversity, scale-up, etc. |
Total funding across both phases and supplements can exceed $2 million.
No matching funds are required, and the program does not take equity.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify, your business must:
Be a U.S.-owned and operated small business (under 500 employees)
Be majority-owned by individuals (not VCs or other companies)
Do R&D in-house (Phase I requires 2/3 of work done by the small business)
For STTR only: Partner with a nonprofit research institution (e.g., university, lab)
NSF is especially interested in first-time founders, underrepresented entrepreneurs, and academic spinouts.
How Do I Apply? 🧭
The NSF SBIR/STTR process is competitive but founder-friendly. Here's the roadmap:
1. Submit a Project Pitch
Go to seedfund.nsf.gov and submit a short Project Pitch at any time and on any day of the year.
Includes: the innovation, objectives and challenges, commercial potential, and your team.
You’ll hear back within 3-4 weeks if you're invited to submit a full proposal.
2. Submit a Full Proposal (if invited)
After receiving the invitation, you’re given a generous—though still limited—window to submit your full Phase I proposal.
Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis (within the submission periods).
Includes technical and commercial plan, team bios, budget, etc.
You can request up to $305,000 in Phase I funding.
3. Review & Award
Proposals are evaluated by scientific and commercial experts.
If selected, you’ll receive funding via a grant (not a contract).
4. Move to Phase II
If Phase I is successful, apply for Phase II to build a working product and prepare for the market.
NSF SBIR Key Dates 📅
Project Pitches: Accepted year-round
Proposal Submission: Rolling, within submission window
Next major funding window: Updated quarterly on NSF SBIR website
Technology Focus Areas 🔬
NSF supports deep-tech and hard-science innovations across all disciplines, including:
Technology Area | Description |
Advanced Manufacturing | Innovations in fabrication, automation, and materials processing. |
Advanced Materials | New materials with enhanced properties for diverse applications. |
Artificial Intelligence | Machine learning, data science, and intelligent systems. |
Biological Technologies | Biotech tools, synthetic biology, and bioengineering innovations. |
Biomedical Technologies | Devices, diagnostics, or health-related tools (excluding clinical trials). |
Chemical Technologies | Novel chemical processes or materials chemistry platforms. |
Cloud and Edge Computing | Scalable cloud infrastructure and edge-based data systems. |
Digital Health | Software or systems for health monitoring, care delivery, or health analytics. |
Energy Technologies | Sustainable energy generation, storage, and efficiency solutions. |
Environmental Technologies | Innovations for clean air, water, soil, or environmental monitoring. |
Human-Computer Interaction | Interfaces, XR, accessibility tech, and user-centered computing. |
Instrumentation & Hardware | Sensors, devices, or test platforms for scientific or industrial use. |
Internet of Things (IoT) | Connected device ecosystems with sensing, control, and analytics. |
Mobility | Transport, logistics, autonomy, and next-gen vehicles. |
Photonics | Optical systems, lasers, imaging, and light-based tech. |
Quantum Information Technologies | Quantum computing, sensing, and communication hardware or software. |
Robotics | Autonomous systems, robotic platforms, and intelligent machines. |
Semiconductors | Novel chips, microelectronics, and semiconductor fabrication. |
Space | Technologies for launch, satellite, in-space operations, or observation. |
Wireless Technologies | 5G, RF systems, and next-gen wireless communication platforms. |
If it's novel, technically risky, and commercially promising, NSF is listening.
📚 Official Sources
Final Takeaways
The NSF SBIR/STTR program offers a rare opportunity for deep-tech innovators to access non-dilutive, early-stage funding without needing a government customer or military partner. If you’re building something bold — grounded in scientific or engineering innovation and with strong commercial potential — this program can help you take the next step. It all starts with a short Project Pitch. If accepted, you’ll be invited to apply for Phase I funding, giving you the capital and credibility to de-risk your technology and continue building toward market readiness — long before most private investors are willing to engage.
About Akela Consulting
Akela Consulting is a trusted partner to startups navigating the federal funding landscape. With deep expertise in SBIR/STTR strategy, we help companies across sectors—from AI to clean energy to biotech—win highly competitive awards from agencies like NSF, DoD, NASA, DOE, NIH, and more. Whether you’re submitting your first Project Pitch or preparing for a Phase II proposal, our team brings hands-on experience, clear guidance, and honest support to help you turn innovation into impact.
