ED/IES SBIR Phase I

ED/IES SBIR Phase IA — Novel Ed Tech

Funds United States education innovators to build first prototypes of new research-based learning technologies.

The ED/IES SBIR Phase IA FY2026 program funds proof-of-concept prototyping for brand-new educational technologies. Administered by the Institute of Education Sciences within the U.S. Department of Education, the program has awarded 258 Phase I contracts since 2002 under an annual budget of approximately $13 million. Phase IA specifically targets novel technology with no prior development: eligible submissions must address education technology for students, educators, or administrators, or special education technology for individuals with disabilities or at-risk populations.

The FY2026 Phase IA solicitation (SAM.gov number 91990026R0003) was released April 30, 2026, with a deadline of June 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT. Each award is fixed at $250,000 over 9 months. Applicants must be U.S.-based for-profit small businesses with 500 or fewer employees, at least 51% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with a principal investigator employed at least 51% of the time by the company. Subawards to nonprofit or research-institution partners are permitted up to one-third of the Phase I funds ($83,333). SAM.gov registration and a valid Unique Entity Identifier are required; proposals without a UEI are rejected without review.

The program is highly competitive: IES receives 175–275 Phase I proposals per year across both Phase I tracks and funds roughly 10–15 awards, implying a selection rate of approximately 5–8%. Award decisions are made within 90 days of the deadline, meaning results are expected in late September 2026. Successful Phase IA awardees demonstrating feasibility and prototype performance become eligible to apply for Phase II ($1,000,000 over 2 years) for full-scale development and commercialization. To maximize chances, applicants should define a specific learning or instructional problem, explain why no prior technology addresses it, and provide a rigorous R&D plan.