The NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Programs (NSF 24-579) is a funding opportunity provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support small businesses engaged in innovative research and development (R&D) with strong commercial potential. Administered by the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP), this program aims to foster technological advancements that address societal and economic challenges. By providing non-dilutive funding, the program seeks to accelerate the transformation of scientific discoveries into market-ready products, services, and solutions.

The NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I programs focus on early-stage R&D efforts that require further development to validate feasibility. The program supports high-risk, high-reward technological innovations based on fundamental scientific or engineering discoveries that have yet to be reduced to practice. Companies applying for Phase I funding must first submit a Project Pitch to receive an official invitation to submit a full proposal. The proposals must be submitted through Research.gov before the listed deadlines. The funding is not intended for clinical trials or for companies involved in the commercialization of controlled substances.

The eligibility criteria require that applicants qualify as small business concerns (SBCs), meaning they must be independently owned and operated, have no more than 500 employees (including affiliates), and be majority U.S.-owned and operated. Proposals under the STTR program must include a nonprofit research institution as a sub-awardee, performing at least 30% of the research, while the small business must conduct at least 40%. Proposals under the SBIR program require that at least two-thirds of the research be conducted by the small business. Additionally, small businesses majority-owned by venture capital firms, hedge funds, or private equity firms are not eligible.

The total available funding for this solicitation is approximately $85 million, with 230–235 expected SBIR Phase I awards and 45–50 STTR Phase I awards annually. The maximum award amount per Phase I project is $305,000, inclusive of direct and indirect costs. Funding duration is 6 to 18 months, and recipients may budget for Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) services up to $6,500, and NSF I-Corps training up to $25,000.

The evaluation criteria for funding include three key factors: Intellectual Merit, Broader Impacts, and Commercialization Potential. Intellectual Merit assesses the technical innovation and scientific basis of the proposal, while Broader Impacts evaluate the societal and economic benefits. Commercialization Potential examines the project's feasibility in the market, competitive advantages, and revenue generation capabilities. Proposals are reviewed by expert panels, and selected applicants undergo a due diligence process to assess financial viability, cybersecurity, and conflicts of interest.

The application process requires businesses to register in SAM.gov, Research.gov, and SBA’s SBIR.gov registry. The full proposal must include a Project Description (10–15 pages), Budget Justification, Facilities & Resources Statement, Senior Personnel Biographical Sketches, and Current & Pending Support documents. Letters of Support are not allowed, but Letters of Commitment from sub-awardees confirming roles and budgets are required. Submission deadlines for proposals are September 18, 2024, November 6, 2024, March 5, 2025, July 2, 2025, and November 5, 2025.

For inquiries, applicants can contact NSF SBIR/STTR at (703) 292-5111 or sbir@nsf.gov. Additional information is available on the program website at seedfund.nsf.gov.