Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) - AFOSR
AFOSR's STTR program funds collaborations between small businesses and research institutions to advance Air Force-relevant research and commercialize innovative technologies.
Funder: Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2026 (Phase I proposal) | June 2026 (Phase I award notification) | August 2026 (Phase II invitation) | October 2026 (Phase II proposal)
Funding Amounts: Phase I: up to $100,000 for 1 year | Phase II: up to $750,000 for 2 years
Summary: Supports collaborative R&D between small businesses and research institutions for Air Force-relevant technologies, aiming for commercialization and economic impact.
Key Information: Requires a formal partnership between a small business (prime) and a university or non-profit research institution; division of labor is mandated.
Description
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program is designed to stimulate partnerships between innovative small businesses and research institutions (universities or non-profits) to advance defense-related research and accelerate commercialization of emerging technologies. The program requires joint proposals from teams consisting of a U.S. small business (prime contractor) and at least one eligible research institution, with a formal Cooperative Research and Development Agreement in place.
The STTR program is executed in two phases:
- Phase I focuses on establishing the scientific, technical, and commercial merit and feasibility of the proposed effort.
- Phase II supports further development, prototyping, and transition toward commercialization of the technology.
The program is intended to move promising technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace, supporting high-tech economic development and maintaining U.S. technological leadership.
