Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

The NIH SBIR program is intended to support innovative research, conducted by small business concerns, which has the potential for commercialization. The program is designed in a two-step fashion where applicants submit a feasibility, or Phase I, application that is peer-reviewed. Typically these applications seek up to $100,000 for 6 months of research support. Successful recipients of Phase I funds may then submit Phase II applications, for both a longer duration (usually 2 years) and a larger amount (usually up to $750,000)of support. The funds for this program are 'set-aside' and therefore do not compete with the regular research, training, or other special programs supported by the Institutes.

ALL National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) grant applicants are REQUIRED to submit applications online to the NIH through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov/) using the SF424 Research and Research Related (R&R) form as of the December 1, 2005, submission date (as announced in http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-05-067.html).

• SBIR/STTR Application Instructions (PDF) | Forms
  
  
• Federal Financial and Business Management Systems Requirement - Sample Policies and Procedures

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

The NIH STTR program is similar to the SBIR, but requires that the small business concern partner with a research institution to perform the project that will lead to a commercial product.

The major differences between the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program are itemized below. This list is meant to provide you with enough information to help you decide to which program you should apply. Consultation with program staff is always encouraged if questions arise.

• The set-aside for the SBIR program is 2.5% of the extramural budget; the set-aside for the STTR program is 0.15% of the extramural budget.
  
  
• In Phase I SBIR grants, a minimum of 2/3 of the work MUST be performed by the small business concern; in Phase I STTR grants, a minimum of 40% of the work MUST be performed by the small business concern AND a minimum of 30% MUST be performed by the research institution.
  
  
• In Phase II SBIR grants, a minimum of 50% of the work MUST be performed by the small business concern; in phase II STTR grants, the same requirements as Phase I grants must be followed, i.e. a minimum of 40% of the work MUST be performed by the small business, a minimum of 30% by the research institution.
  
  
• For SBIR grants, the Principal Investigator must have his/her primary employment with the small business concern; for STTR grants, someone at either the small business concern or the research institution may be the P.I.
  
  
• SBIR/STTR Application Instructions (PDF) | Forms
  
  
• Federal Financial and Business Management Systems Requirement - Sample Policies and Procedures

SBIR/STTR Research Topics

Refer to the NIDDK Current Initiatives for SBIR and STTR initiative listings.

SBIR/STTR research topics are listed in the NIDDK section of the NIH Omnibus Solicitation (PDF).

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Additional Information

For more information, contact your NIDDK Program Director: