Small Business Funding Opportunities

NCRR seeks to increase small business participation in federally supported research and development as well as the private-sector commercialization of technology developed with federal support. The center achieves this through the federal government's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

During the 2007 federal fiscal year, NCRR awarded nearly $29 million to small businesses through these programs, in amounts ranging from $86,730 to $674,161.

Programs and Eligibility

Small Business Innovation Research (R43/R44) grants support domestic small businesses engaging in research and development that has the potential for commercialization. Phase I, which uses the R43 funding mechanism, typically offers up to $100,000 for six months. Phase II, which uses the R44 funding mechanism, typically offers up to $750,000 for two years. These award amounts and durations are guidelines that can be exceeded with appropriate justification.

READ FULL SBIR ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Small Business Technology Transfer (R41/R42) grants also support innovative research that results in commercial products or services that benefit the public. Funding applicants must have a formal research partnerships with universities or other non-profit research institutions. Phase I, which uses the R41 funding mechanism, typically offers up to $100,000 for one year. Phase II, which uses the R42 mechanism, typically offers up to $750,000 for two years. These award amounts and durations are guidelines that can be exceeded with appropriate justification.

READ FULL STTR ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The SBIR and STTR programs have three application periods each year. Application deadlines for these periods are April 5, August 5, and December 5.

There are significant differences between the SBIR and STTR programs. For detailed information, see the program descriptions on the NIH Small Business Funding Opportunities Web site.

Scientific Program Areas and Contacts

NCRR provides SBIR and STTR funding in areas that complement its core programs:

Clinical Technology Applications

NCRR is interested in the application of clinical technology, instruments, devices, and related methodologies that may have broad application to clinical research. In particular, NCRR funds applications that enhance clinical research and patient care. READ MORE >>

Instrumentation and Specialized Technologies for Biomedical Research

NCRR supports research to discover, create, and develop innovative technologies and provides access to these technologies to the biomedical research community. READ MORE >>

Comparative Medicine

NCRR helps meet the needs of biomedical researchers for high-quality, disease-free animals and specialized animal research facilities. Of particular interest to scientists are a variety of sources for genetic analysis services, biological materials such as cultures and reagents, and online information about model organisms. READ MORE >>

Discovery-Oriented Software and Tools for Science Education

NCRR is interested in developing discovery oriented, user-friendly educational software and applying educational technology and tools to health science topics for K-12 and undergraduate students. READ MORE >>

SBIR Technical Assistance Programs

To help small businesses with SBIR funding move their products into the marketplace, NIH offers a range of technical assistance programs providing technical and commercialization assistance. These programs include:

Commercialization Assistance Program—provides assistance with developing and implementing an appropriate business strategy that will help commercialize the products that have resulted from federally funded SBIR research projects.

Niche Assessment Program—assesses if there are other applications or niches for the SBIR-developed technology and evaluates the market opportunities, needs and concerns of the end-users, and helps to discover new markets for possible entry.

Pilot Manufacturing Assistance Program—in partnership with the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, this pilot program assists SBIR awardees with making decisions when developing their operational manufacturing transition strategies.

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