NSF Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Fast-Track Pilot Programs
Limited submission
NSF SBIR/STTR Fast-Track pilot programs fund startups to move innovative ideas from lab to market, driving economic growth and creating societal impact.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
U.S. National Science Foundation has archived this opportunity.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: September 18, 2024 | November 6, 2024 | March 5, 2025 | July 2, 2025 | November 5, 2025
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,555,000 per award (Phase I max $400,000; Phase II max $1,155,000); 24–36 month duration; ~$56M total program funding
Summary: Supports small businesses with prior NSF research lineage in developing and commercializing innovative, high-impact technologies through a streamlined, combined Phase I/II process.
Key Information: Invitation-only: Requires a Fast-Track Project Pitch and NSF invitation to apply; strict eligibility and documentation requirements.
Description
The NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Fast-Track Pilot Programs accelerate the path from lab-based scientific and engineering discoveries to market-ready products, services, or solutions. These pilot programs enable eligible startups and small businesses to submit a single, combined proposal for both Phase I (proof-of-concept) and Phase II (prototype/commercialization) funding, reducing administrative delays and supporting faster transitions to market.
Proposals must be based on prior NSF-funded research (NSF lineage) and demonstrate clear potential for significant societal and economic impact. The program welcomes applications from all technology areas, with a strong emphasis on unproven, high-risk innovations that can create or disrupt markets. NSF encourages participation from underrepresented and underserved groups and regions.
