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NEI Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

NEI STTR Phase I — Feasibility

Funds small business and research-partner teams on feasibility vision tools for future commercialization.

OpenNIH National Eye InstituteUnited States
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About

The NIH National Eye Institute (NEI) STTR Phase I program (R41) funds cooperative feasibility research conducted jointly by a U.S. small business and a nonprofit research institution — a university, federal laboratory, or other qualifying research organization. NEI's STTR track covers the same vision-related program areas as its SBIR program: Retina/Glaucoma/Low Vision, Anterior Segment (Cornea, L…

What this grant funds

Vision-related R&D in partnership with a nonprofit research institution: retina, glaucoma, cornea, lens, low vision, amblyopia/strabismus, or related ocular/visual technologies.

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.6–24 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