EPA SBIR Phase I

EPA SBIR Phase I

Supports small United States businesses developing environmental technology solutions in water, air, pollution prevention, and chemical safety.

The EPA Small Business Innovation Research Phase I program is one of eleven federal SBIR programs and funds U.S. small businesses to conduct proof-of-concept R&D on innovative environmental technologies. EPA issues Phase I awards as procurement contracts — not grants — which affects IP ownership terms. The maximum award is $100,000 over a six-month performance period. Eligible topic areas include clean and safe water, air quality, land revitalization, homeland security, sustainable materials management and the circular economy, safer chemicals, and risk assessment. In FY2024–25, EPA awarded $2.4 million across 24 Phase I businesses.

Participation is restricted to U.S.-incorporated small businesses; nonprofits, universities, research institutes, and individuals are not eligible. Applications are evaluated on technical merit, commercialization potential, and relevance to EPA topic areas. No cost-sharing or matching is required, and EPA covers 100% of the contract value. The FY2026 solicitation had not opened as of June 2026; historically EPA opens Phase I solicitations mid-to-late June. Applicants should subscribe to the EPA SBIR Listserv for notification when the solicitation posts.

Applicants targeting FY2026 should monitor the EPA SBIR page and prepare technical and commercialization narratives in advance. The strongest Phase I submissions demonstrate a clear scientific hypothesis, a feasible six-month proof-of-concept plan, and a realistic path to Phase II and commercial deployment. Phase I awardees that succeed become eligible for invitation-only Phase II contracts of up to $400,000 plus an additional $100,000 commercialization option if they secure third-party investment alongside Phase II work.