America's Seed Fund – SBIR / STTR Phases I & II
BioConnect Iowa’s America’s Seed Fund – SBIR / STTR Phases I & II supports Iowa startups with scientific proposal development and matching grants to advance high-impact research toward commercialization.
Funder: BioConnect Iowa
Due Dates: Rolling (applications reviewed on an ongoing basis; must apply 6–10 weeks before relevant federal SBIR/STTR deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $75,000 per applicant: $50,000 for Phase I awardees, plus $25,000 for Phase II proposal submission; 100% subsidized technical assistance also available.
Summary: Supports Iowa-based early-stage businesses pursuing SBIR/STTR Phase I & II federal grants with proposal assistance and matching funds.
Key Information: Assistance and matching funds are only available for proposals not yet submitted; strict pre-registration and timeline requirements apply.
Description
BioConnect Iowa’s SBIR/STTR Outreach Program is designed to increase the success rate of Iowa’s innovative small businesses in securing federal SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) Phase I and II awards. The program provides hands-on proposal development support and non-dilutive matching grants to eligible companies developing early-stage, high-risk, high-reward technologies. Assistance includes subsidized third-party technical proposal support and financial grants to match federal SBIR/STTR funding, aiming to accelerate commercialization and attract further investment to Iowa’s innovation ecosystem.
