SBIR/STTR & Sponsored Research

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are federal funding mechanisms that support collaboration between universities and small businesses, including faculty‑owned start‑ups.

For a general overview of these programs, see the USU Technology Transfer SBIR/STTR page.

SBIR/STTR collaborations between faculty and their companies are permitted but require strict separation between university and company activities to prevent conflicts of interest and protect research objectivity.

Key Requirements & COI Considerations

1

Off-Campus Facility

The company must operate from an off‑campus facility to ensure that university resources are not used to support company activities, which could create inappropriate benefit to a private entity.

 
2

No Dual Roles

Faculty may not work on the same project for both the university and the company, as holding dual roles can compromise—or appear to compromise—objectivity, effort reporting, and independent decision‑making.

 
3

Restrictions on Serving as PI for Human Subjects Research

Faculty generally may not serve as PI on human subjects research sponsored by their own start‑up, because financial interests in the company may introduce risk to participant safety, study integrity, and public trust.

 
4

Funding Through Sponsored Programs

All project funding must flow through Sponsored Programs to ensure institutional oversight, proper allocation of funds, and compliance with regulatory and COI requirements.