NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Fast-Track Pilot Programs

The NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Fast-Track pilot programs aim to support the transition of scientific excellence and technological innovation from the lab to the market by funding startups and small businesses. These programs focus on stimulating technical innovation from diverse entrepreneurs and start-ups, translating new scientific and engineering concepts into products and services that can be scaled and commercialized into sustainable businesses with significant societal benefits. The programs provide non-dilutive funding for research and development of use-inspired scientific and engineering activities at the earliest stages of company and technology development. Key areas of focus include: • The creation of opportunities to move use-inspired and translational discoveries out of the lab and into the market or other use at scale. • The provision of fixed amount cooperative agreements for the development of a broad range of technologies based on discoveries in science and engineering with potential for societal and economic impacts. • The encouragement of input and participation from diverse populations and geographic locations. • The support for companies based on previous NSF awards to submit a single proposal that can provide a faster pathway from Phase I to Phase II funding.