Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Award

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs across multiple federal funding agencies, also known as America’s Seed Fund, are one of the largest sources of early-stage capital for technology commercialization in the United States. These programs enable US- owned and operated small businesses to conduct research and development that has a strong potential for commercialization. The SBIR program, as established by law and reauthorized under Public Law 114-328, Section 1834 and Public Law 115-232, is intended to meet the following goals: stimulate technological innovation in the private sector; strengthen the role of small business in meeting federal research and development needs; increase the private sector commercialization of innovations developed through federal research and development funding; and foster and encourage participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by women and socially or economically disadvantaged persons. The STTR program aims to foster technology transfer through cooperative research and development between small businesses and research institutions.

Federal SBIR/STTR funding programs are phased. The main objective in an SBIR/STTR Phase I proposal is to establish the technical merit and feasibility of the proposed research and development efforts. For small businesses that have already demonstrated scientific and technical merit and feasibility, an SBIR/STTR Phase II project continues R&D efforts to advance the technology toward ultimate commercialization. Fast-Track projects incorporate a submission and review process in which both Phase I and Phase II applications are submitted and reviewed together as one application to reduce or eliminate the funding gap between phases. At the conclusion of an SBIR/STTR Phase II project, it is expected that the small business will fully commercialize their product or technology using either non-SBIR/STTR federal or non-federal funds. Applicants are expected ultimately to secure substantial independent third-part investor funds from another company, venture capital firm, angel investor, foundation, university, research institution, state or local government, or any combination of the above.

Nomination Submission

Nominations must be submitted via our Grant Portal.
For additional information or inquiries, please contact us at rii@usc.edu.

Previous Awardees