The NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Fast-Track Pilot Programs (SBIR-STTR Fast-Track), managed by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), support small businesses in developing technologies with strong potential for commercial and societal impact. These programs aim to stimulate technical innovation by facilitating the transition of discoveries in science and engineering from the lab to the market. The Fast-Track Pilot Programs differ from the standard NSF SBIR/STTR programs by offering a streamlined application process that combines Phase I and Phase II funding into a single submission.

The funding scope includes awards up to $1,555,000 per project. The award comprises a Phase I component of up to $400,000 and a Phase II component of up to $1,155,000. The expected duration of projects ranges between 24 and 36 months, with Phase I lasting between 6 and 12 months and Phase II spanning 18 to 24 months. The funding is awarded through fixed amount cooperative agreements, supporting research and development (R&D) efforts that demonstrate technical feasibility and commercial viability.

Eligible applicants include small businesses that meet three eligibility criteria: (1) an NSF research funding lineage (prior NSF-funded research in the last five years), (2) at least one Senior/Key Personnel with formal customer discovery training, and (3) a complete team established at the time of application. Companies must also be majority U.S.-owned and meet the Small Business Administration's (SBA) size standards. Companies involved in clinical trials, manufacturing or selling Schedule I controlled substances, or those owned by venture capital firms, hedge funds, or private equity firms are not eligible.

The application process requires small businesses to first submit a Project Pitch to NSF and receive an official invitation before submitting a full proposal. Applications must be submitted through Research.gov—Grants.gov applications will not be accepted. The proposal must include sections on project descriptions, commercial potential, senior/key personnel, budget justifications, and letters of support from potential customers or partners.

Proposals are evaluated based on three main criteria: (1) Intellectual Merit—the potential to advance knowledge and overcome technical risk, (2) Broader Impacts—the societal and economic benefits, and (3) Commercialization Potential—the ability to generate market traction and scale. The review process includes a Stage Gate system, where Phase I performance is assessed before a company can transition to Phase II funding. Additionally, NSF conducts a due diligence process, which evaluates financial viability, company structure, cybersecurity compliance, and foreign influence risks.

The program has multiple submission deadlines, including September 18, 2024, November 6, 2024, March 5, 2025, July 2, 2025, and November 5, 2025. Companies must submit their proposals by 5 p.m. local time on the specified deadline dates. Proposals that are declined cannot be reconsidered for the same funding cycle, and businesses must wait for NSF’s decision before resubmitting a new Project Pitch.

For further inquiries, applicants may contact the NSF SBIR/STTR Program Office via email (sbir@nsf.gov) or phone (703-292-5111).