NIA Small Business Programs (SBIR & STTR)

NIA SBIR Phase II

Funds small businesses advancing aging biology and Alzheimer's disease technologies through full development execution.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) SBIR Phase II program funds full R&D execution by U.S. small businesses that have completed a qualifying Phase I project on the same technology or innovation. NIA manages approximately $150 million per year in combined SBIR and STTR grants, making it the largest federal funder of early-stage aging-related R&D. Phase II awards are substantially larger than Phase I and are intended to develop the Phase I feasibility results into a more mature product or technology ready for commercialization. As of May 2026, no active SBIR or STTR NOFOs are available following the April 13, 2026 program reauthorization; the next standard receipt date is September 5, 2026.

Eligibility is restricted to U.S. for-profit small businesses. Phase II applicants must have completed a qualifying NIA SBIR Phase I on the same project — Phase II is not available to first-time SBIR applicants without prior Phase I results. The scientific scope mirrors NIA's full priority portfolio: aging biology, Alzheimer's disease, AD-related dementias, and aging-associated conditions. The NIA Office of Strategic Extramural Programs administers awards and maintains commercialization support resources including an awardee portal, Company Showcase, and connection to the NIA Start-Up Challenge prize competition.

Phase II applications are submitted through Grants.gov and reviewed through NIH's standard study section peer review process. Budget discussions for Phase II should begin early, as NIA program officers can help applicants align scope with available funding. NIA's FY2026 policy imposes no additional budget cuts on SBIR/STTR awards — the 16% competing award reduction applies only to research project grants such as R01s, leaving small business awards at their reviewed and recommended budgets.