Fact Sheet
Small Business Innovation Research

June 13, 1997

Purpose. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program stimulates technological innovation and commercial applications by increasing opportunities for small science and technology-based firms to participate in federally supported research and development. Initiated at NSF in 1977, SBIR now spans 10 federal agencies.

How it works. NSF annually solicits SBIR grant proposals and categorizes them into 26 topic areas covering all research fields supported by NSF. Proposals are evaluated competitively, giving primary consideration to scientific and technical merit and potential for commercialization. Implemented in three phases, projects are first funded for a six-month feasibility study under Phase I. If determined eligible, they may receive funding for the principal research effort under Phase II. In Phase III, which does not involve SBIR funding, grant recipients pursue commercial applications of the resulting research.

Budget. Each government agency with an R&D budget of more than $100 million is congressionally directed to spend 2.5 percent of its budget on the SBIR program. NSF's SBIR budget for 1997 is $50 million.

Proposals. NSF expects to receive 2,000 new SBIR Phase I proposals in June, 1997, issue about 100 Phase II awards by October and award about 200 new projects by December. Recently the funding levels for Phase I and II awards were raised: Phase I awards can be up to $100,000; Phase II, up to $400,000.

Examples. Government-wide, successful projects have produced new scientific instrumentation, advanced materials, environmental services and computer applications. NSF-funded SBIR projects include artificial intelligence controls for aircraft, grade K-6 educational software, flat-screen display technology, robot vision and an optical system for precision photolithography.

Federal agencies participating in SBIR. National Science Foundation; National Institutes of Health; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Environmental Protection Agency and the Departments of Defense, Energy, Agriculture, Commerce, Education and Transportation.

NSF SBIR web page

See also related NSF Tipsheet.

-NSF-

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering, with an annual budget of $6.06 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to over 1,900 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 45,000 competitive requests for funding, and makes over 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

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