SBIR and STTR Grants

As a USU faculty member, you are likely accustomed to writing research grant proposals, but you may have less experience with two commercialization-oriented programs: The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants.

SBIRs and STTRs, which aim to stimulate innovation and commercialization of innovations derived from federal research, are awarded to small businesses (fewer than 500 employees), with universities often serving as collaborators or subcontractors. For an SBIR, the applicant business is permitted, but not required, to involve a university, while STTRs require collaboration with a university (or other nonprofit research institution). Both programs are structured in three phases: Phase 1: Feasibility Study, Phase 2: Full R&D, and Phase 3: Commercialization.

The grants are solicited and administered by 11 federal agencies, including NSF, NASA, DoD, and NIH. They support high-risk/high-reward ideas, and do not require equity. If you’re involved with a start-up or collaborating with another small business, these grants provide an excellent funding route. Talk with your college grant proposal specialist or someone within the Office of Research SPO or Technology Transfer Services Offices for more information.