NEI Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

NEI SBIR Phase II — R&D

Supports United States. small businesses scaling vision concepts into full development pathways.

The NIH National Eye Institute (NEI) SBIR Phase II program (R44) funds U.S. small businesses to execute full research and development projects in vision-related technology, building on successful Phase I feasibility results. NEI administers SBIR through its three extramural program divisions covering Retina/Glaucoma/Low Vision, Anterior Segment (Cornea, Lens, Dry Eye), and Strabismus/Amblyopia/Visual Processing. The goal is to advance innovative ocular and visual technologies — including devices, therapeutics, diagnostics, and software — toward commercial readiness.

Phase II awards carry a total cost cap of $1,972,828 (direct plus indirect) over up to two years, reflecting the FY2026 NIH-wide SBIR ceiling. A Phase IIB competing renewal, available to projects requiring additional development time, carries the same $1,972,828 cap for another two-year period. Phase III commercialization must be funded through non-SBIR sources. Eligible applicants are U.S. small businesses with no more than 500 employees; the principal investigator must hold primary employment at the company. Venture-capital-majority-owned companies may apply under a special NIH opt-in pathway. Submission windows follow the standard NIH SBIR omnibus schedule: September 5, January 5, and April 5 each year.

Applicants must demonstrate that Phase I objectives were met and that the Phase II scope represents a credible path to commercialization. NEI program directors for each of the three division areas review applications for strategic alignment before formal submission is recommended. Awards are funded on a competitive basis via peer review; strong applications articulate a clear regulatory and commercialization strategy, not just scientific merit. Consulting the relevant NEI program director prior to submission substantially improves study section assignment and funding outcomes.