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NIMH SBIR/STTR

NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IIB Strategic Breakthrough Award

Funds a small business already through NIH SBIR Phase II to cross the gap to commercialisation. A cost share is required.

OpenNIH National Institute of Mental HealthUnited States

There's a well-known hole in the small-business research funding path: an SBIR or STTR Phase II award proves a technology works, and then the money runs out just as commercialisation is starting. The Phase IIB Strategic Breakthrough award exists to bridge exactly that gap.

It gives a project that already holds an NIH SBIR or STTR Phase II award additional support for later-stage research and deve…

Later-stage research and development bridging the gap between the end of an NIH SBIR or STTR Phase II award and commercialisation, for United States small business concerns that already hold such an award.

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.5 Apr 2029
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
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.—
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: PA-27-101Source: www.grants.gov