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ED/IES Small Business Innovation Research Program

ED/IES SBIR Phase I

Funds for-profit small businesses developing and evaluating new education technology prototypes.

Between cyclesU.S. Department of EducationUnited States

ED/IES SBIR Phase I is the first small-business grant phase of the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences SBIR program. ED/IES SBIR provides funding in two phases; Phase I provides $250,000 for 9 months for rapid prototype development and evaluation of new education technology prototypes.

The applicant path is for for-profit small business firms and their partners under th…

Education technology prototype development and evaluation, including learning games, assessments, virtual reality, augmented reality, 3D printing, simulations, virtual worlds, artificial intelligence tutors, data dashboards, and assistive technologies.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.13 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.9 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: ies.ed.gov