Determine if Your Project is Eligible for SBIR/STTR Funding

How to Determine if Your Project is Eligible for SBIR/STTR Funding

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs offer valuable funding opportunities for innovative small businesses. However, not all projects are eligible for these programs. Here's how to determine if your project qualifies:

1. Company Eligibility

First, ensure your company meets these basic requirements:

- Organized as a for-profit business in the U.S.
- At least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- 500 or fewer employees

For STTR, you must also have a research partnership with a non-profit research institution.

2. Research and Development Focus

Your project must involve innovative research and development (R&D). It should:

- Address a specific technical challenge
- Propose novel scientific or engineering approaches
- Aim to develop new products, processes, or services

Pure marketing projects or minor product improvements typically don't qualify.

3. Alignment with Agency Priorities

Each participating federal agency has its own research topics and priorities. Review the current solicitations to see if your project aligns with any agency's interests. Key agencies include:

- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Department of Energy (DOE)

4. Commercialization Potential

Your project should have clear potential for commercialization. Consider:

- Is there a substantial market need for your innovation?
- Do you have a feasible path to bring your product/service to market?
- Can you articulate the commercial impact of your project?

5. Phase Appropriateness

Determine which phase your project is ready for:

- Phase I: Establishing technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential
- Phase II: Continuing R&D efforts towards commercialization
- Direct to Phase II (some agencies): For projects that have already demonstrated feasibility

6. Compliance with Specific Program Rules

Each agency and program has specific rules. For example:

- SBIR: The primary employment of the Principal Investigator must be with the small business
- STTR: The Principal Investigator may be primarily employed by either the small business or the research institution partner

7. Intellectual Property Considerations

Ensure you have the necessary rights to any intellectual property involved in your project.

Next Steps:

If you believe your project meets these criteria, get started by signing up for Scout and get started today!