NSF Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR/STTR)
Gives U.S. small businesses non-dilutive R&D funding for high-risk, high-impact deep-tech across nearly every technical field, from a Phase I award through a larger Phase II award.
NSF's Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer program pays a small business up to $305,000 for early feasibility work under a Phase I award, then up to $1,250,000 over two years under a Phase II award for companies that make enough progress. Companies start by submitting a required Project Pitch; NSF responds in one to two months on whether to invite a full propos…
NSF wants substantial high-risk research and development, not straightforward engineering or incremental product development, with strong commercial potential and societal impact. The program lists dozens of technology topics — from advanced manufacturing and materials to AI, quantum, robotics, space, semiconductors and biomedical technology — but a catch-all Other Topics category means virtually any deep-tech innovation with commercial promise can apply.
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Guides for this application
All guides →NSF Seed Fund for Startups: How Deeptech Founders Should Approach NSF SBIR/STTR
A founder-focused guide to NSF America's Seed Fund, including NSF SBIR/STTR fit, Project Pitch strategy, merit review, eligibility, budgets, and commercialization logic.
Where to applySBIR/STTR Grants for Deeptech Startups
A practical guide to SBIR and STTR grants for deeptech startups, including agency fit, Phase I and II logic, eligibility, budgets, and review criteria.
DocumentsNSF Biosketch Guide: SciENcv, Format, and Examples
Learn how the NSF biosketch works, what SciENcv is used for, how it differs from current and pending support, and what startup teams should prepare.
DocumentsNSF Data Management Plan Example and Writing Guide
Learn how to write an NSF data management plan, what the plan should include, how it differs from NIH data sharing plans, and how startup applicants should handle data.
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