Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: November 4, 2026 (Full proposal) | March 4, 2027 (Full proposal) | July 7, 2027 (Full proposal)
Funding Amounts: Up to $2 million per company for R&D; $40 million estimated program funding; separate Strategic Breakthrough awards up to $30 million
Summary: Supports startups and small businesses developing scientific instruments, experimental platforms, and enabling technologies that advance scientific discovery.
Key Information: Phase I and Fast-Track proposals require a Project Pitch invitation; Phase II is limited to NSF Phase I awardees.
Description
NSF’s SBIR/STTR scientific instrumentation pilot invests in startups and small businesses developing next-generation instruments, novel experimental platforms, and other scientific equipment. Run through the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, it supports early-stage technology R&D that strengthens the U.S. scientific and engineering enterprise, including instrumentation and high-quality, high-volume data needed for AI-enabled discovery.
The pilot prioritizes infrastructure that makes entirely new fields of scientific discovery possible. It particularly seeks instrumentation companies whose small markets may discourage traditional venture capital, even when domestic capabilities are critical to national security and scientific leadership. Funding spans enabling technologies and market sectors rather than procuring specific goods or services for NSF. Proposals are assessed for scientific advancement, societal benefit, and commercial potential.
