SBIR, STTR, and Other Government R&D Funds

Argonne does not provide funding to companies for research and development. Some federal and state programs do, however, and companies may use such funding to do R&D with Argonne.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program provides research grants to small businesses for proof-of-concept research (up to $100,000) and for developmental research expected to lead to commercialization (up to $750,000).

The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, like the SBIR program, provides research grants to small business for proof-of-concept research in amounts up to $100,000, but grants for developmental research expected to lead to commercialization are up to $750,000. An additional difference between the two programs is that the STTR program requires a company to partner with a federally funded research and development center such as Argonne. Under both programs, the small business must conduct a substantial portion of the research. Many states and some federal agencies have programs to assist companies wishing to seek SBIR or STTR funds. .

The Advanced Technology Program (ATP) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology promotes the economic growth and competitiveness of U.S. business and industry by accelerating the development and commercialism of promising, high-risk technologies with substantial potential for enhancing U.S. economic growth. The program provides technology development funding through cooperative research agreements to single businesses or industry-led joint ventures. Applicants must share the costs of ATP projects. Awards to individual companies are limited to $2 million over 3 years and can be used only for direct R&D costs. Awards to joint ventures can be for up to 5 years; joint ventures must provide more than 50% of the resources for the project. The ATP will support development of laboratory prototypes and proof of technical feasibility but not commercial prototypes or proof of commercial feasibility.

Research with Argonne that uses SBIR, STTR, or ATP funding may be done under a reimbursable R&D (Work for Others) agreement or a cost-shared agreement such as a cooperative R&D agreement (CRADA), depending on the requirements of the federal agency providing the funding and the needs of the small business partner and Argonne.

For More Information

Contact Argonne's Technology Development and Commercialization (800-627-2596)