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NEI Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

NEI SBIR Phase II — R&D

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

OpenNIH National Eye InstituteUnited States
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About

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/Vis…

What this grant funds

Vision-related R&D: retina, glaucoma, cornea, lens, low vision, amblyopia/strabismus, and related ocular/visual technologies with commercial potential.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
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.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.24 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: www.nei.nih.gov