OpenGrants funding guide

SBIR and STTR by Agency

Every agency that runs SBIR or STTR, one solicitation at a time: NSF, NIH and the rest of HHS, the Army, Navy, Air Force and Space Force, DARPA and the other defense agencies, DOE, NASA, USDA, NIST, NOAA, DOT, Education, EPA and DHS. Each card gives the award, the catch and the next window for a recurring solicitation or BAA, from Phase I through Phase II, Fast-Track, Direct to Phase II and the follow-on programs open only to awardees. SBIR and STTR take no equity; the agency pays a U.S. small business to do R&D it cares about.

Data refreshed: October 29, 2026 · Editorial verified: October 27, 2026 · 65 programs

24Grants

1Prizes

38R&D contracts

2Other

How to use this page

Pick the agency by how it buys, not by award size. NSF, NIH and USDA mostly fund an idea you bring within broad program areas. The Army, Navy, Air Force, DARPA and the other defense components, and most smaller agencies, publish topics and buy against them, and an excellent proposal that does not answer its topic scores badly. NSF and DOE put a short pitch in front of the full proposal. SBIR and STTR explained covers the mechanics.
Phases are separate money with separate gates. Phase I tests feasibility; Phase II builds the prototype and normally needs a Phase I from the same agency; Fast-Track asks for both at once; Direct to Phase II skips Phase I if you can document feasibility funded elsewhere. Follow-on programs (Phase IIB, commercialization readiness, STRATFI and TACFI, the new Strategic Breakthrough awards) are open only to Phase II awardees and usually need matching money. Phase III carries no SBIR money but lets an agency contract with you without competition. Use the Phase filter to see one rung across every agency.
SBIR or STTR depends on where your researcher works. SBIR needs the principal investigator to be employed mainly by your company. STTR needs a formal partnership with a university or nonprofit research institution, which also does a minimum share of the work; at most agencies the PI can be at the institution, but NSF still requires the PI to be mainly employed by your company. Before any of it: SAM.gov with a UEI, the SBA company registry on SBIR.gov, then the agency's own system (Research.gov for NSF, eRA Commons for NIH, DSIP for DoD, and so on). That stack takes weeks. Every card names its cycle; when a window has closed it shows the next expected one, so you can plan the year. Browse open listings on SBIR and STTR grants.

What's included: Every agency's standing or recurring SBIR or STTR solicitation, broad agency announcement or awardee follow-on program that a U.S. small business can apply to, including agencies between cycles (the card says when the last call closed and that no date is announced). What's left out: Individual topics (they live inside the component cards), one-off competitions, state matching programs and accelerators (see the deep tech guide), and anything we could not confirm on the agency's own page.

SBIR and STTR in 2026: lapsed, reauthorized, restarting

SBIR and STTR authority lapsed on September 30, 2025, and agencies could not issue new solicitations or make new awards for 195 days. The Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971) became Public Law 119-83 on April 13, 2026 and extends both programs through September 30, 2031.

The law changed four things applicants feel. Each agency must limit how many Phase I and Phase II proposals one company can send it, counted per fiscal year, per solicitation or per topic: HHS set nine applications a company a year for due dates from April 13, 2026, DoD one proposal per topic from October 1, 2026, and EPA one proposal per company per solicitation. Agencies now screen applicants for foreign security risks, including ties to entities on eight federal restricted lists, and must tell a denied company why. Phase II alumni can compete for Strategic Breakthrough awards of up to $30 million over as long as 48 months, with at least a 1:1 match of new money (NIH caps most institutes far lower). And every awardee may spend up to $6,500 in Phase I and $50,000 in Phase II on technical and business assistance.

On October 16, 2026 the SBA raised the award sizes agencies can make without a waiver to $335,937 for Phase I and $2,239,578 for Phase II (SBIR.gov). Agencies are funded through December 11, 2026 under a continuing resolution (P.L. 119-103). Restarts are uneven as of October 27, 2026: NSF, NIH and DoD are running regular cycles again, NASA reopened under a standing BAA, DOE has moved to a pitch-first Phase I call and says a broader one opens this fall, EPA, USDA and ARPA-E have calls open, NOAA plans its FY2027 notice for about November 1, and NIST and DHS have posted nothing since their FY2025 calls. If you paused a draft during the lapse, check the agency's current solicitation before reusing it: numbers, caps and forms have changed.

SearchSectionFunding typePhaseProgramNext deadline

Showing 65 of 65 programs

1. NSF: America's Seed Fund

NSF's SBIR and STTR programs, branded America's Seed Fund, give U.S. startups grants for high-risk R&D in almost any technology, with no topics to answer and no equity taken. Phase I pays up to $305,000 over 6 to 18 months, Phase II up to $1,250,000 over about two years, and Fast-Track up to $1,555,000 for teams spun out of NSF-funded research. NSF relaunched the program in 2026 under NSF 26-510 and a smaller instrumentation pilot, NSF 26-511, expecting about 340 awards a year from the main solicitation. Full proposals are due three times a year, in early November, March and July. Every new project starts with a Project Pitch: you get an invitation or a reason within about one to two months, and the invitation covers the next two deadlines. Phase II awardees can then add Phase IIB and TECP supplements or, by invitation, a Strategic Breakthrough award of up to $30 million. The rule applicants miss: NSF requires the PI to be more than half employed by the company, even on an STTR.

7 programs

NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I (NSF 26-510)

U.S. National Science Foundation — America's Seed Fund

Up to $305,000 over 6–18 months, including indirect costs, a fee of up to 7%, up to $6,500 of TABA and up to $25,000 for optional I-Corps training

GrantEquity-freePhase I

The catch: Your company may have only one project under NSF review at a time, two Project Pitches in any 12 months and two full proposals per fiscal year. NSF holds back $25,000 until it approves your final report, and equipment, foreign travel and publication costs can only be paid from the fee. Every award goes through NSF's foreign-risk due diligence, and awards may include termination-for-convenience terms.

Next deadline: Nov 4, 2026 · Three full-proposal deadlines a year: first Wednesday in November, first Thursday in March, first Wednesday in July (5 p.m. your local time)

Applicant tip: A pitch sent now will not be answered in time for November 4, 2026, so plan on the March 4, 2027 deadline; an invitation then still covers July 7, 2027 as a fallback. If you hold an unused pitch invitation issued between July 3, 2025 and the June 2026 relaunch, NSF's transition notice makes November 4, 2026 your last date to use it.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business under 500 employees including affiliates, at least 51% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents and not majority-owned by venture, hedge fund or private equity firms; all R&D done in the U.S. The PI must be more than 50% employed by your company from award to the end of the project, for STTR as well as SBIR. STTR adds a co-PI at a U.S. nonprofit research institution that gets at least 30% of the budget.
How to apply: Pitch gate: submit a Project Pitch on seedfund.nsf.gov (four short sections; no SAM or Research.gov registration needed yet). NSF answers in about 1–2 months, and an invitation is valid for the next two full-proposal deadlines. Invited companies submit the full proposal in Research.gov, which needs active SAM.gov (UEI), Research.gov and SBA Company Registry accounts.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: NSF expects about 180 SBIR and 50 STTR Phase I awards a year under NSF 26-510. It says most companies it funds have fewer than five employees, are recently formed and have never had government funding.

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II (NSF 26-510)

U.S. National Science Foundation — America's Seed Fund

Up to $1,250,000, typically over 24 months, including indirect costs, a fee of up to 10% and optional TABA of up to $50,000

GrantEquity-freePhase II

The catch: NSF allows one Phase II proposal per Phase I award, and a declined Phase II cannot be resubmitted. The award is a fixed-amount cooperative agreement paid in four 25% tranches at six-month intervals against interim reports, with the last $25,000 held until the final report. Proposals in the running face an administrative and financial capability review before award.

Next deadline: Nov 4, 2026 · Three full-proposal deadlines a year: first Wednesday in November, first Thursday in March, first Wednesday in July (5 p.m. your local time)

Applicant tip: If your Phase I predates NSF 26-510, started on or after November 6, 2023 and has no Phase II proposal yet, NSF's transition notice makes November 4, 2026 your last date. Collect the three required customer or user letters during Phase I rather than after it.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Only companies holding an NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I award, 6 to 24 months after its start date; the Phase I does not need to be finished. Same size, ownership and PI rules as Phase I. SBIR keeps at least half the budget in-house; STTR needs at least 40% to you and 30% to the research institution, and you may switch between SBIR and STTR at Phase II.
How to apply: Direct application: no Project Pitch. Submit in Research.gov at one of the three full-proposal deadlines with your seven-digit Phase I award number, a Phase I technical narrative and a Commercialization Plan (15 pages each at most) and three to five letters of support from potential customers or users.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: NSF expects about 80 SBIR and 10 STTR Phase II awards a year under NSF 26-510.

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

NSF SBIR/STTR Fast-Track (NSF 26-510)

U.S. National Science Foundation — America's Seed Fund

Up to $1,555,000 in one award: up to $400,000 for a 6–12 month Phase I component, then up to $1,155,000 for an 18–24 month Phase II component

GrantEquity-freeFast-Track

The catch: The Phase II money is not automatic: at the end of the Phase I component you must pass a progress review and a cost review, or the award ends there. A Fast-Track invitation lasts four months, against two deadlines for a regular Phase I invitation. Collaborative proposals from multiple organizations are not allowed.

Next deadline: Nov 4, 2026 · Three full-proposal deadlines a year: first Wednesday in November, first Thursday in March, first Wednesday in July (5 p.m. your local time)

Applicant tip: Lineage means NSF research funding such as a CAREER award, a Graduate Research Fellowship or Partnerships for Innovation; a center or institute award needs a letter from its director tying the research to your project. The Phase I component allows $400,000, against $305,000 for a standalone Phase I.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Companies whose innovation comes from an NSF research award active in the five years before the pitch, with your PI or a key person having worked on that award; prior SBIR/STTR and I-Corps awards do not count. At least one key person must have completed formal customer discovery such as I-Corps within two years, the Phase I team must be fully hired, and the PI commits at least three months per six months of the project.
How to apply: Pitch gate: submit a Fast-Track Project Pitch naming the NSF lineage award. If invited, submit the full proposal in Research.gov within four months of the invitation, at a full-proposal deadline, with at least three letters of support.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: NSF expects about 15 SBIR and 3 STTR Fast-Track awards a year under NSF 26-510.

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I, Phase II and Fast-Track: A Pilot Emphasis on Scientific Instrumentation (NSF 26-511)

U.S. National Science Foundation — America's Seed Fund

Phase I up to $305,000; Phase II up to $1,250,000; Fast-Track up to $1,555,000 (same terms as NSF 26-510); up to $40,000,000 in total for the pilot

GrantEquity-freePhase IPhase IIFast-Track

The catch: It is a pilot with a small pool: NSF expects 83 to 86 awards, against about 340 under the main solicitation. NSF's submission limits (one project under review at a time, two full proposals per fiscal year) are set per company for the SBIR/STTR program, not per solicitation. Fast-Track carries the same lineage and stage-gate rules as under NSF 26-510.

Next deadline: Nov 4, 2026 · Three full-proposal deadlines a year: first Wednesday in November, first Thursday in March, first Wednesday in July (5 p.m. your local time)

Applicant tip: NSF says this pilot targets instrument companies that venture capital may pass over because the market is small, so a niche research-tools market is less of a handicap here than under NSF 26-510. Say in your pitch which scientific capability your instrument opens up and who in U.S. research will buy it.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Same company, PI and STTR rules as NSF 26-510, for companies building next-generation scientific instruments, experimental platforms or other research equipment, including instruments for AI-driven discovery. Phase II is open only to NSF Phase I awardees, 6 to 24 months after the Phase I start.
How to apply: Pitch gate: Phase I and Fast-Track need an invited Project Pitch (valid for the next two deadlines; four months for Fast-Track), while Phase II goes straight to Research.gov. Pick NSF 26-511 rather than 26-510 in Research.gov; NSF does not accept these proposals through Grants.gov.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: NSF expects 83 to 86 awards: about 57–59 SBIR and 11–12 STTR Phase I, about 10 SBIR and 2 STTR Phase II, and 2 to 5 Fast-Track.

Official page ↗ · On OpenGrants ↗Verified 2026-10-25

NSF SBIR/STTR Phase IIB Supplemental Funding (NSF 24-095)

U.S. National Science Foundation — America's Seed Fund

$50,000 to $500,000, capped at half of the qualifying outside money you have secured

GrantEquity-freePhase IIB / follow-on

The catch: The deadline is hard, a no-cost extension does not move it, and review can take up to six months. NSF releases no Phase IIB money until you prove the outside funds arrived, then pays in halves (12-month supplements) or quarters (24-month) against interim reports. Budget rates cannot exceed those in your Phase II budget.

Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling: the complete financial package is due within 24 months of your Phase II start date, or 30 months if you received a TECP supplement

Applicant tip: The round must be fully signed by all parties before you submit the financial package, and NSF says to start one to two months ahead of your 24-month mark. Reaching the $500,000 maximum takes $1 million in qualifying outside money.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Active NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees with at least $100,000 in signed, unconditional cash from equity investors, customers, licensees or government awards (government awards count up to $500,000). Debt, including convertible notes, in-kind support and money contingent on the Phase IIB do not count.
How to apply: Direct application: tell your Program Director first, then email a financial package with the executed funding documents. If NSF's review clears it, you get an invitation naming your maximum, send a pitch deck within 30 days if you are asking for $250,000 or more, and file the supplement request in Research.gov.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

NSF Technology Enhancement for Commercial Partnerships (TECP) Supplement (NSF 22-064)

U.S. National Science Foundation — America's Seed Fund

Up to 20% of your original Phase II award (at most $250,000 on a full $1,250,000 Phase II), for up to six months of added work

GrantEquity-freePhase IIB / follow-on

The catch: Salary, fringe, indirect and fee rates cannot exceed those in your final Phase II budget, and the work must be the partner's stated prerequisite, not part of your Phase II objectives. The supplement does not automatically extend your award; the Program Director may add up to six months.

Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling: submit at least six months before your Phase II award ends (NSF's supplement page puts it within 18 months of the Phase II start)

Applicant tip: A TECP does not use up your Phase IIB eligibility, and winning one moves your Phase IIB financial-package deadline from 24 to 30 months after the Phase II start. Partners may contribute cash or in-kind support such as facilities or data, but each letter has to name the unmet technical requirement.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Active NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees, not on a no-cost extension, with one to three corporate or strategic partners who need technical specifications or proof-of-concept data beyond the Phase II objectives before they will partner. One TECP per Phase II award.
How to apply: Direct application: email your Phase II Program Director a 1–2 page executive summary and a draft letter from each partner. If the Program Director invites you, submit the supplement request in Research.gov with signed partner letters on letterhead.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

NSF SBIR/STTR Strategic Breakthrough Award (NSF 26-510)

U.S. National Science Foundation — America's Seed Fund

Up to $30,000,000 per company, with a project of up to 48 months

GrantEquity-freePhase IIB / follow-on

The catch: The match is at least dollar for dollar, and the law counts only new money that comes as a result of the award, not funds you already have. Proposals are judged on the solicitation's merit criteria plus extra Strategic Breakthrough criteria, awards depend on available funds, and the authority ends September 30, 2031 unless Congress extends it.

Next deadline: By invitation — NSF has not published a Strategic Breakthrough deadline · By invitation; no separate window published in NSF 26-510

Applicant tip: The match rule runs opposite to Phase IIB: Phase IIB money must not depend on the NSF award, while the Strategic Breakthrough match must be new capital that follows from it. Raise the subject with your Program Officer during Phase II, before your next round closes.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees whose cognizant Program Officer recommends a proposal. The 2026 law behind the award also requires at least one prior Phase II award, matching funds of at least 100% from new private capital or new non-SBIR government funding, and market research showing the technology is an effective solution.
How to apply: Invite-only: consult your cognizant NSF Program Officer and submit in Research.gov only on their recommendation. NSF says its additional suitability considerations will be posted on the SBIR/STTR website.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

2. HHS: NIH, CDC, FDA, ACL and ARPA-H

Almost all HHS SBIR and STTR money moves through two NIH parent grant notices that fund your own idea three times a year: September 5, January 5 and April 5. CDC and FDA buy through the SBIR parent too, without Fast-Track or Direct to Phase II, and FDA takes no clinical trials. There is no pitch gate: you send a full application, and NIH assigns it to an institute. Since the April 13, 2026 reauthorization, institutes may exceed the SBA guideline of $335,937 for Phase I and $2,239,578 for Phase II, up to $700,000 and $3 million. HHS now accepts at most nine new or resubmitted Phase I, Fast-Track and Direct to Phase II applications per company each fiscal year, and it screens every likely awardee for foreign ties, with no chance to fix a problem before denial. ACL and ARPA-H run their own smaller calls. The common mistake is writing to NIH in general instead of to one institute's priorities and budget cap, and skipping the program officer call.

11 programs

National Institutes of Health

NIH, CDC and FDA SBIR Parent Grant (PA-27-100, Clinical Trial Optional)

National Institutes of Health — SEED Office (Parent SBIR, with CDC and FDA)

Phase I up to $335,937 and Phase II up to $2,239,578 at the SBA guideline (total costs, including fee); many institutes allow more: up to $700,000 for Phase I at NCI, NIA, NIAID, NIGMS, NIMH, NINDS and NCCIH, and up to $3,000,000 for Phase II at NHLBI, NIA, NIAID, NIDCD, NIDA, NIGMS, NIMH and NINDS. CDC and FDA stay at the SBA guideline. Phase I normally runs 6 months, Phase II 2 years

GrantEquity-freePhase IPhase IIFast-TrackDirect to Phase II

The catch: HHS accepts at most nine new or resubmitted Phase I, Fast-Track and Direct to Phase II applications per company per fiscal year, across all HHS components and contract proposals included. Before award you file the SBA foreign-affiliation disclosure and pass HHS foreign-risk due diligence; an owner or key person in a malign foreign talent program or affiliated with a research institution in China or another country of concern bars the award, and HHS gives no chance to fix it first. No foreign subawards; FDA takes no clinical trials.

Next deadline: Jan 5, 2027 · Three standard dates a year: Sept 5, Jan 5, Apr 5 (moved to the next business day when one falls on a weekend or federal holiday)

Applicant tip: Size the budget from the institute table in Section II of the notice, not the SBA figure: the same Phase I can ask for $700,000 at NCI or NINDS but only $335,937 at NIBIB or NIEHS. You can add up to $6,500 of TABA money in Phase I and $50,000 in Phase II for vendors or staff doing regulatory, IP, market or cybersecurity work.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: A U.S. for-profit with 500 or fewer employees including affiliates, more than 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents (majority ownership by several VC, hedge fund or private equity firms is allowed with a signed certification). The PI must be primarily employed by the company, which normally does at least 67% of Phase I and 50% of Phase II work. Phase II is a Renewal for Phase I awardees, due within six due dates of the Phase I budget end. Direct to Phase II needs feasibility already shown without an SBIR/STTR Phase I for that project. Fast-Track and Direct to Phase II are NIH only.
How to apply: Direct application: submit through Grants.gov (NIH ASSIST, Workspace or a system-to-system tool) after SAM.gov with a UEI, the SBA Company Registry, eRA Commons and ORCID are in place; NIH's Center for Scientific Review assigns the application to an institute, and you can request one.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗ · On OpenGrants ↗Verified 2026-10-25

NIH STTR Parent Grant (PA-27-102, Clinical Trial Optional)

National Institutes of Health — SEED Office (Parent STTR)

Phase I up to $335,937 and Phase II up to $2,239,578 at the SBA guideline (total costs, including fee); the same institute caps as the SBIR parent apply, up to $700,000 for Phase I and $3,000,000 for Phase II at the institutes that allow it. Phase I normally runs up to 1 year, Phase II 2 years

GrantEquity-freePhase IPhase IIFast-TrackDirect to Phase II

The catch: NIH only: CDC and FDA do not take STTR applications. The same nine-application HHS limit per fiscal year and the same pre-award foreign-risk due diligence apply, and the research partner's people count as covered individuals when they contribute substantively. No foreign subawards.

Next deadline: Jan 5, 2027 · Three standard dates a year: Sept 5, Jan 5, Apr 5 (moved to the next business day when one falls on a weekend or federal holiday)

Applicant tip: Choose STTR only when the project depends on the university partner; NIH tells you to apply to the SBIR parent otherwise, and an STTR budget must show at least 30% of the work going to that one institution.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: The SBIR small-business test, plus a formal partnership with one U.S. nonprofit research institution or FFRDC: the company does at least 40% and the institution at least 30% of the work in each phase. The PI may be employed by either party, with at least 10% effort and a formal tie to the company. Companies majority-owned by multiple VC, hedge fund or private equity firms cannot apply to NIH STTR.
How to apply: Direct application: submit through Grants.gov (NIH ASSIST, Workspace or a system-to-system tool) after SAM.gov with a UEI, the SBA Company Registry, eRA Commons and ORCID are in place; the award goes to the company even when the PI works at the university.
Program fit: STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗ · Open listing · On OpenGrants ↗Verified 2026-10-25

NIH SBIR Phase IIB Strategic Breakthrough Award (PA-27-101)

National Institutes of Health — SEED Office (Phase IIB Strategic Breakthrough)

Up to $30,000,000 in total costs over up to 4 years (notice ceiling); institute caps are lower: NCI $15,000,000; NHLBI and NIAAA $4,500,000; NIA, NIAID, NICHD, NIDDK, NIGMS, NIMH, NINDS and NCATS $3,000,000; NEI, NIMHD, ORIP and ORWH at the SBA Phase II guideline

GrantEquity-freePhase IIB / follow-on

The catch: You must show at least 100% matching funds from new private capital or a new non-SBIR government award, and commercial potential is weighted heavily in review. Outside NCI the institute caps sit far below the $30 million ceiling, and NCATS and ORIP take no clinical trials under this notice.

Next deadline: Jan 5, 2027 · Three standard dates a year: Sept 5, Jan 5, Apr 5 (the notice runs through the April 5, 2029 date)

Applicant tip: If you lack the match or need to outsource most of the work, apply to the CRP (PAR-27-098) instead or as well; NIH will review a Phase IIB and a CRP for the same Phase II project at the same time if they are scientifically distinct.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Prior NIH SBIR or STTR Phase II recipients only (grant, cooperative agreement or contract), applying within the first six due dates after the Phase II budget period ends. One Strategic Breakthrough award per project, made only after the Phase II has ended.
How to apply: Direct application: prior NIH Phase II awardees submit a Renewal application (a New application when the Phase II was a contract) through Grants.gov; NIH urges a program officer call first.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗ · Open listing · On OpenGrants ↗Verified 2026-10-25

SBIR/STTR Commercialization Readiness Pilot (CRP) Program (PAR-27-098)

National Institutes of Health — SEED Office (Commercialization Readiness Pilot)

Up to $4,479,156 over up to 3 years (the SBA limit NIH cites for the CRP); institute caps: $2,000,000 at NIAID, NIAMS, NICHD, NIDCD, NIDDK, NINDS and ORIP; $500,000 at NEI, NHLBI, NHGRI, NIBIB, NIEHS and NCATS; NCI, NIA, NIAAA, NIDCR, NIGMS, NIMH, NIMHD and ORWH at the SBA limit

GrantEquity-freePhase IIB / follow-on

The catch: CRP money cannot pay filing fees, including FDA submission fees, and you cannot add separate TABA funds. You may outsource much of the work but must oversee all scientific, financial and administrative matters yourself; NIH will not fund a company that is only a conduit to contractors.

Next deadline: Jan 5, 2027 · Three standard dates a year: Sept 5, Jan 5, Apr 5 (the notice runs through the April 5, 2029 date)

Applicant tip: Unlike the Strategic Breakthrough, the CRP can start during an active Phase II and needs no match, so it fits IND- or IDE-enabling studies, independent replication, manufacturing scale-up or regulatory work handed to CROs.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Companies with an active NIH SBIR or STTR Phase II or Phase IIB grant, cooperative agreement or contract from a participating institute within the last 36 months, including current awardees. One CRP award per project.
How to apply: Direct application: submit a New (Type 1) SB1 application through Grants.gov for technical assistance, later-stage R&D or both; no matching funds are required.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗ · Open listing · On OpenGrants ↗Verified 2026-10-25

Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs (PAR-27-039 SBIR, PAR-27-040 STTR; forecast)

National Institutes of Health — SEED Office (Small Business Transition Grant)

Varies — check official page (the forecasts give no amount; Phase I and Fast-Track awards under SBIR and STTR budget rules)

GrantEquity-freePhase IFast-Track

The catch: Training is part of the award: the PI carries out a career development plan with the mentor. Fast-Track is NIH only. Until the notices post, amounts, participating institutes and review criteria are not confirmed, and the application counts toward the nine-per-year HHS limit.

Next deadline: Expected: January 2027 · Expected to use the standard dates: Sept 5, Jan 5, Apr 5 (forecast first due date January 5, 2027)

Applicant tip: Line up the industry mentor now: NIH posted the forecast early so applicants could find mentors and career development resources before the notice opens, and the mentor's effort has to appear in the budget.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: The PI must be an early-career scientist who has never been an independent PI on a major research grant and is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; key personnel must include a mentor with measurable effort. The company must pass the SBIR or STTR small-business test; NIH and CDC take the SBIR version, NIH alone the STTR version.
How to apply: Direct application: once the notices post, apply through Grants.gov under PAR-27-039 (SBIR) or PAR-27-040 (STTR) with a mentoring and career development plan.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗ · On OpenGrants ↗Verified 2026-10-27

NCI SBIR Innovative Concept Award (contract solicitation 75N98026R00109)

National Institutes of Health — National Cancer Institute SBIR Development Center

$300,000 contract (FY2027 call), plus added funds for the NIH I-Corps training participants are expected to take

R&D contractEquity-freePhase I

The catch: You are expected to join NIH I-Corps. Review is weighted for innovation and NCI expects a high risk of failure; as a contract it pays against deliverables and reports, and the proposal counts toward the nine-per-year HHS limit.

Next deadline: Expected: September 2027 · Annual contract solicitation (late summer or fall); FY2027 proposals were due Sept 21, 2026, FY2026 Oct 17, 2025, FY2025 Sept 23, 2024

Applicant tip: The focus changes with each call (FY2027 was limited to pediatric and rare cancers), so read the new SAM.gov solicitation before reusing an old proposal, and remember you may not contact NCI program staff during the solicitation, only the contracting officer.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: A small business of 500 or fewer employees including affiliates that meets the SBA SBIR rules. The FY2027 call sought highly innovative technologies for pediatric and rare cancers; preliminary data is not required or used in review.
How to apply: Direct application: respond to the SAM.gov solicitation and upload the proposal to NIH's electronic Contract Proposal Submission (eCPS) site; questions go to the contracting officer only.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

I-Corps at NIH (2027 cohorts)

National Institutes of Health — SEED Office (I-Corps at NIH)

No cost to the company: a $25,000 stipend covers program costs for the 8-week virtual cohort

OtherEquity-freeTABA / assistance

The catch: All three team members, including the industry expert, must attend every weekly session; absences need pre-approval, and only medical or family emergencies are excused.

Next deadline: Dec 18, 2026 · Three cohorts a year with request deadlines in December, February and July (2027 cohorts: Dec 18, 2026; Feb 19, 2027; Jul 16, 2027)

Applicant tip: Apply while you are still in Phase I: once NIH awards a Phase II for the project you lose eligibility. The Feb 19, 2027 request deadline feeds a cohort that kicks off the week of May 3, 2027.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: A Phase I SBIR or STTR (or the Phase I part of a Fast-Track) from NIH, CDC, FDA or ACL that is or was active within two years of the request deadline, with no Phase II yet for that project; one request per Phase I award. The team is a C-level officer, the technical lead and an industry expert with business development experience.
How to apply: Direct application: submit the online I-Corps request by a cohort deadline; requests are judged on eligibility documents, team strength, the customer-discovery plan and likely effect on commercialization.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

NIH SEED Needs Assessment Program (formerly NICHE Assessment)

National Institutes of Health — SEED Office (Needs Assessment Program)

A free third-party report (no cash) on gaps in IP, market awareness, regulatory/manufacturing/clinical plan and business model, followed by a consult with a SEED Entrepreneur in Residence and your program officer

OtherEquity-freeTABA / assistance

The catch: The report only names the gaps; it contains no market data or solutions. Taking TABA money in the Phase I budget makes the project ineligible.

Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling (requests accepted at any time)

Applicant tip: Request it at least six months before your Phase II deadline, as SEED advises, so the findings can shape the Commercialization Plan and the Phase II TABA request.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: An NIH SBIR or STTR Phase I (grant, contract or Fast-Track) that is active or was active within the past two years, with no TABA funding in the Phase I budget and no earlier Needs Assessment or NICHE Assessment for the same project.
How to apply: Direct application: request a report through the SEED Needs Assessment form; RTI International prepares it under an NIH contract.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

Administration for Community Living

NIDILRR SBIR Phase I (HHS-2027-ACL-NIDILRR-BISA-0308; forecast)

Administration for Community Living — National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)

$95,000–$100,000 for a 6-month project; 11 awards expected ($1.1 million in all)

GrantEquity-freePhase I

The catch: The forecast window is short: the FY2025 call was open for two months. Awards are small next to NIH, and HHS says its nine-applications-a-year limit covers all HHS components.

Next deadline: Expected: December 2026 · Annual (fall); FY2025 call posted Oct 17, 2024 and closed Dec 16, 2024; no FY2026 call during the authorization lapse

Applicant tip: Plan the Phase II route now: NIDILRR's Phase II call also takes Phase I grantees from other agencies whose projects serve people with disabilities, so a Phase I here is not the only way in.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: A small business concern under SBA rules at the time of award; foreign entities cannot apply. The R&D has to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
How to apply: Direct application: apply on Grants.gov once the FY2027 notice posts.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗ · Open listing · On OpenGrants ↗Verified 2026-10-27

NIDILRR SBIR Phase II (HHS-2027-ACL-NIDILRR-BISB-0309; forecast)

Administration for Community Living — National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)

$280,000–$287,500 over 24 months (two 12-month budget periods); 4 awards expected ($1.15 million in all)

GrantEquity-freePhase II

The catch: Only four awards are planned, and about $287,500 over two years is small for a device or software build, so scope the work to fit. The project must address the health and function, community living or employment of people with disabilities.

Next deadline: Expected: February 2027 · Annual (winter); FY2025 call posted Jan 3, 2025 and closed Mar 10, 2025

Applicant tip: Check the completion window: only Phase I grants finished between Oct 1, 2024 and Dec 31, 2026 qualify for this call, so a Phase I ending in 2027 waits for the next one.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: SBIR Phase I grantees from NIDILRR or any other agency that completed Phase I between October 1, 2024 and December 31, 2026, whose project aims to improve the lives of people with disabilities and who are still small business concerns; foreign entities cannot apply.
How to apply: Direct application: apply on Grants.gov once the FY2027 Phase II notice posts.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗ · Open listing · On OpenGrants ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health

ARPA-H SBIR/STTR Solicitation (SAM.gov notice 7599226SN106)

Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health — Small Business Program

Contracts generally up to $600,000 for Phase 1 and $3.5 million for Phase 2, paid against milestones

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IPhase II

The catch: Topics are narrow (the 2026 round named seven, from a fertility test to neurosurgical robotics, plus an open Lineage topic), and payment depends on hitting ambitious milestones. ARPA-H applies the same HHS foreign-risk review before award.

Next deadline: Not announced — the 2026 solicitation 7599226SN106 took solution summaries through July 17, 2026 and final submissions through Oct 1, 2026 · Topic-based solicitations at irregular intervals; 2026 round: solution summaries due July 17, 2026, final submissions Sept 16 and Oct 1, 2026

Applicant tip: Watch SAM.gov and the ARPA-H page, not Grants.gov or eRA Commons: the solicitation lives on SAM.gov and submissions go through solutions.arpa-h.gov.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: 500 or fewer employees, majority owned by U.S. citizens or another U.S. small business, all work in the U.S. SBIR: the PI is more than 50% employed by the company, which does over 66% of Phase 1 and 50% of Phase 2 work. STTR: a research institution partner does at least 30% and the company at least 40%.
How to apply: Pitch gate: submit a solution summary against a listed topic on the ARPA-H Solutions site; proposers encouraged after that stage send a technical deck, cost proposal and task description, then pitch.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

3. Defense: Army, Navy, Air Force and Space Force

The Army, Navy, Air Force and Space Force buy research through topics, not open calls. Each service publishes problem statements inside the annual Department of War (DoD) SBIR and STTR announcements, which share twelve monthly releases on DSIP, and you propose to a specific topic number. Phase I pays up to $300,000 at the Army and Air Force and $315,000 at the Navy for six months to a year, with Space Force topics smaller; Phase II and Direct to Phase II run up to about $2 million over 12 to 24 months. Follow-on programs (STRATFI, TACFI, Navy Catapult, the Army's transition awards) add millions more, but need a government sponsor and matching money. Topics pre-release on the first Wednesday of the month, when you can call or email the topic author for about three weeks; then contact is cut off and the topic closes four weeks later. From FY2027 you may send one proposal per topic, and every proposal goes through foreign-risk review. The most common mistake is reshaping a topic around a product you already have.

11 programs

U.S. Army

Army SBIR and STTR Phase I (Army FUZE topics under the FY2027 DoW SBIR and STTR CSOs)

U.S. Army — Army SBIR|STTR Program (FUZE)

Phase I: up to $300,000 for up to 6 months. Phase II (Phase I awardees only, same topic): up to $2 million over 12–18 months. Each topic states its own ceiling

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IPhase II

The catch: From FY2027 you may send one proposal per topic; if you submit twice, only the latest is evaluated. Every proposal goes through DoW's Foreign Risk Evaluation using your Volume 7 disclosures, and firms that miss SBA's performance benchmarks are capped at 20 Army Phase I and Direct to Phase II awards. Under the CSO, SBIR money cannot buy off-the-shelf items or services on their own, and companies may hold only two Phase II awards per topic across all agencies.

Next deadline: Not announced — the Army has no Phase I topic in FY2027 Release 1; its only Release 1 topic is an xTech-gated Direct to Phase II · Monthly topic releases under the FY2027 DoW SBIR/STTR BAA and CSO (the Army issues its topics through the monthly CSO, as Focused, Open, Direct to Phase II and prize-to-contract topics)

Applicant tip: Many Army topics are tied to an xTech or DIU competition whose white-paper deadline falls weeks before the DSIP close, and non-finalists' DSIP proposals are not evaluated; read the NOTE at the top of the topic on armysbir.army.mil/topics before you write a full proposal.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. for-profit small business with 500 or fewer employees, more than 50% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, doing all R&D in the U.S. SBIR: you do at least two-thirds of the Phase I work and the PI spends more than half their time with your company. STTR: a U.S. research institution does at least 30% of the Phase I work and you do at least 40%.
How to apply: Direct application: answer an open Army Focused (conventional) or Open Topic in DSIP (dodsbirsttr.mil) by the topic's close, after registering in SAM.gov, the SBA Company Registry and DSIP. Prize-gated topics (xTech, DIU) take DSIP proposals only from competition finalists. Every Phase I awardee may propose a Phase II under the same topic.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

Army SBIR Direct to Phase II topics (including xTech-gated topics such as ARM27BX01-DP001, Spectrum Enabled Warfare)

U.S. Army — Army SBIR|STTR Program (FUZE)

Up to $2 million over 1–18 months (Army program page); ARM27BX01-DP001 in FY2027 Release 1 allows up to $2,000,000 over 12–18 months

R&D contractEquity-freeDirect to Phase II

The catch: Feasibility is the whole test: a DP2 proposal that does not show Phase I-level merit and feasibility is not evaluated. On prize-gated topics, proposals from firms that were not finalists are not evaluated. One proposal per topic, Volume 7 foreign-risk review, and no more than two Phase II awards per topic across all agencies.

Next deadline: Oct 30, 2026 · Monthly topic releases under the FY2027 DoW SBIR/STTR CSO (each prize-gated topic sets its own white-paper window)

Applicant tip: On an xTech-gated topic the white-paper deadline, not the later DSIP close, is the one that counts: xTech|Kinetic Reach (ARM26BX03-DP007) stopped taking white papers on June 30, 2026, while its DSIP window stayed open only for finalists.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: SBIR size and ownership rules as for Phase I. You must document Phase I-type feasibility done with other money, not based on prior or ongoing SBIR/STTR work, performed substantially by your firm or PI, and you must own or license the IP before you submit.
How to apply: Pitch gate: on prize-gated topics you first send a white paper to the xTech or DIU competition named in the topic, not to DSIP; only finalists and winners may then submit the DSIP proposal. For ARM27BX01-DP001 (G-TEAD USAREUR-AF ACE 27-02: Spectrum Enabled Warfare) white papers are due October 30, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET on xtech.army.mil. Army DP2 topics without a competition take proposals directly in DSIP.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Army xTech|Search (xTech|Search 10)

U.S. Army — Army FUZE xTech Program

Up to $1,000,000 in cash prizes per round: $5,000 to each of up to 50 semifinalists, $20,000 more to each of up to 20 finalists, and $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 to the top three. Finalists may then propose a Phase I Army SBIR or STTR worth up to $300,000

PrizeEquity-freePhase I

The catch: Prize money comes in stages, so most entrants receive nothing, and non-finalists cannot submit to the tied SBIR or STTR topic. The Phase I that follows carries the usual DoW terms: one proposal per topic, Volume 7 foreign-risk review and SBIR data rights.

Next deadline: Not announced — xTech|Search 10 white papers closed October 19, 2026 · Numbered competition rounds (xTech|Search 10 took white papers September 10 – October 19, 2026; semifinal pitches January 2027; finals at or around eMerge Americas in Miami, March 2027)

Applicant tip: Round 10 tied its finalists to both an SBIR and an STTR Phase I topic, so if STTR suits you, line up the university partner before the finals rather than after; no next round was listed among the Army's active topics on October 27, 2026.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Eligible U.S. small businesses (prize eligibility is set in the competition RFI). Finalists who propose to the tied Phase I topic must meet SBIR rules, or STTR rules with a U.S. research-institution partner.
How to apply: Pitch gate: submit a concept white paper on xtech.army.mil; up to 50 semifinalists pitch virtually, up to 20 finalists demonstrate in person, and only finalists may submit the Phase I proposal to the tied DSIP topic (ARM26BX05-NP011 for SBIR, ARM26TX05-NP002 for STTR in round 10).
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Army SBIR|STTR Transition Awards: Phase II Enhancement, CATALYST and Strategic Breakthrough

U.S. Army — Army SBIR|STTR Program (FUZE)

Phase II Enhancement: Army SBIR money matched 1:1 by an Army transition partner, as a modification to your Phase II. CATALYST: up to $8 million of Army SBIR funding plus an Army customer (up to $3.5 million) and an integrator (up to $3.5 million, cash or in-kind), up to $15 million over 36 months. Strategic Breakthrough: up to $30 million of Army SBIR funding with a 1:1 match, over up to 48 months

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IIB / follow-on

The catch: Every dollar needs someone else's money beside it: 1:1 from an Army partner for an Enhancement, Army customer plus integrator money for CATALYST, and for Strategic Breakthrough a 1:1 match of which at least 20% is Army customer funding. Under P.L. 119-83 a DoD Strategic Breakthrough also needs a program acquisition executive's commitment to budget for the technology.

Next deadline: Not announced — no public application window · Ongoing for current Army Phase II performers (no published window)

Applicant tip: If a prime contractor will co-invest, ask about CATALYST before a plain Enhancement: the integrator's share can be in-kind, and the Army counts it toward a project of up to $15 million.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Small businesses with an Army SBIR or STTR Phase II. An Enhancement modifies an existing Phase II prototyping contract; Strategic Breakthrough needs a successful initial Phase II; CATALYST adds an industry prime integrator as a third partner.
How to apply: Invite-only: the Army describes these as transition awards built on an Army transition partner's matching money and publishes no application window; start with your Phase II customer and technical point of contact, or the Army SBIR|STTR help desk ([email protected]).
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

U.S. Navy

Navy SBIR and STTR Phase I (DON topics under the FY2027 DoW SBIR/STTR BAA and CSO; Release 1: DON27BZ01, DON27BX01)

U.S. Navy — Navy SBIR/STTR Program Office

SBIR Phase I (conventional and CSO open topics): base up to $200,000 for exactly 6 months plus an option up to $115,000 for exactly 6 months, $315,000 in all, plus up to $6,500 of TABA. Initial Phase II for Phase I awardees: up to $2,000,000 including options and TABA. Navy STTR ceilings are set in each STTR release's instructions

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IPhase II

The catch: One proposal per topic. Cost sharing is not accepted, and the base and option must each be exactly six months or the proposal is rejected. Volume 7 disclosures feed DoW's Foreign Risk Evaluation, ITAR topics can curtail university and nonprofit roles, and each topic's CMMC level must be met before award; the CCR (Volume 4) is required in DSIP but the Navy does not score it.

Next deadline: Nov 25, 2026 · Monthly topic releases under the FY2027 DoW SBIR/STTR BAA (the Navy has marked Releases 1–3 for participation)

Applicant tip: Release 1 holds only three NAVSEA conventional topics (DON27BZ01-NV001, -NV002 and -NV004; two others were removed) and one ONR CSO open topic on low-cost heads-up displays, so if none fits, plan for Releases 2 and 3, which close January 6 and February 3, 2027. Marine Corps topics come through this same Navy program.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business meeting SBIR size and ownership rules; for Navy topics, firms majority-owned by multiple venture capital, hedge fund or private equity firms may apply with a certification. You must do at least two-thirds of the work in both the base and the option. STTR: you do at least 40% and a research partner at least 30%.
How to apply: Direct application: propose to a DON topic in DSIP by 12:00 p.m. ET on the close date, using the Navy's 10-page Volume 2 template from navysbir.com/links_forms.htm. Phase II is two steps, both at the awarding command's request: an initial Phase II proposal, then a full proposal if selected.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Navy SBIR Direct to Phase II (DON DP2 topics)

U.S. Navy — Navy SBIR/STTR Program Office

Set per topic in the Navy DP2 instructions. The last topic (DON26BZ06-DV088, FY2026 Release 6) allowed a $1,000,000 base over 24 months plus a $1,000,000 option over 24 months, with the option matched 1:1 by non-SBIR money and SBIR funding capped at $1.5 million; TABA of up to $25,000 was included

R&D contractEquity-freeDirect to Phase II

The catch: Feasibility cannot rest on prior or ongoing SBIR/STTR work and must have been done substantially by your firm or PI, and you must own or license the IP. One proposal per topic and Volume 7 foreign-risk review apply, and some topics add approvals before funding (the Release 6 topic needed DoW veterinary review of 2–3 months).

Next deadline: Not announced — FY2027 Release 1 has no Navy DP2 topics; the last one, DON26BZ06-DV088, closed October 21, 2026 · Monthly topic releases under the FY2027 DoW SBIR/STTR BAA (Navy DP2 topics appear in some releases only)

Applicant tip: Read Table 3 of each Navy DP2 instruction before you budget: the option is often conditional on matching money the sponsoring command identifies before the base ends, so a headline $2 million can mean $1.5 million of SBIR funds.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business meeting SBIR rules (VC-majority-owned firms allowed with certification) that has already done Phase I-type work on the topic without SBIR/STTR funding. You must perform at least 50% of the Phase II work in both base and option.
How to apply: Direct application: in DSIP, using the Navy's mandatory DP2 Phase I Feasibility template for Volume 2 (navysbir.com/links_forms.htm). Before award, the head of the agency must find in writing that you have shown Phase I-level merit and feasibility.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

Navy Catapult (second Phase II by Naval customer nomination)

U.S. Navy — Navy SBIR/STTR Program Office

No fixed ceiling; the 69 new Catapult awards in FY24 were valued from $1.7 million to $13 million

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IIB / follow-on

The catch: You cannot apply on your own: without a Navy or Marine Corps customer willing to sponsor the project, there is no route in. A Phase II awardee may receive only one second (sequential) Phase II, and no company may hold more than two Phase II awards per topic across agencies.

Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling: nominations are reviewed on an ongoing basis

Applicant tip: Navy Phase II awardees can also join the Navy SBIR Transition Program at no cost if they hold an active Navy Phase II in March; its market research and showcase events are a practical way to meet the customer who would nominate you.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Small businesses meeting SBIR/STTR size, affiliation and ownership rules whose project continues or completes work under a prior SBIR award and is eligible for a second Phase II. Awardees of any DoD or federal agency can be nominated, not only Navy awardees; for SBIR, VC-majority-owned firms are allowed.
How to apply: Nomination: a Naval customer (sponsor) submits the nomination to its systems command's SBIR program office at any time; there is no annual call. Approval depends on the priority of the Naval need, available SBIR funding and the potential for non-SBIR funding.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: FY24 portfolio: 188 active agreements, $248 million of SBIR/STTR funding and $63 million of matching funds, with 69 new awards valued from $1.7 million to $13 million (navysbir.com).

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

Department of the Air Force

Department of the Air Force SBIR Phase I specific topics (DAF27BZ01, FY2027 DoW SBIR BAA Release 1)

Department of the Air Force — AFWERX

Up to $300,000 for up to 6 months on each Release 1 Phase I topic (topic index in the DAF instructions), plus up to $6,500 of TABA; AFWERX's own page quotes Phase I at up to $323,000 for up to 6 months. Phase II amounts are set in the DAF's Phase II request

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IPhase II

The catch: One proposal per topic from FY2027, and proposals over the topic's dollar or duration maximum are not evaluated. The DAF's due-diligence review covers foreign ownership, investors, licensing and employee ties, and it will not award to a firm with an owner in a malign foreign talent program or ties to listed entities in China or other countries of concern. Export-controlled topics need a DD Form 2345 in Volume 5; the CCR is required but not considered.

Next deadline: Nov 25, 2026 · Monthly topic releases under the FY2027 DoW SBIR/STTR BAA (the DAF follows the OUSW schedule, with new topics pre-releasing the first Wednesday of each month)

Applicant tip: Set the schedule before the budget: in its April 2026 reauthorization Q&A the DAF called exceeding a topic's maximum period of performance the number one ground for disqualification.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. for-profit small business with 500 or fewer employees, more than 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents; VC-majority-owned firms are eligible for FY2027 DAF topics. You do at least two-thirds of the Phase I work, all in the U.S., and must name every non-U.S. citizen on the project with country of origin and visa type.
How to apply: Direct application: in DSIP by 12:00 p.m. ET on the close date; Volume 2 is limited to 20 pages or slides on Release 1 topics. Phase II proposals come only at the DAF's request to Phase I awardees, one per Phase I award.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗ · On OpenGrants ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Department of the Air Force SBIR and STTR Direct to Phase II (D2P2) topics (FY2027 Release 1: DAF27BZ01-DV, DAF27TZ01-DV)

Department of the Air Force — AFWERX

AFWERX lists Phase II at up to $2.1 million over up to 24 months; each D2P2 topic sets its own ceiling in the DAF instructions on DSIP, and DoW adds up to $50,000 of TABA per Phase II project

R&D contractEquity-freeDirect to Phase II

The catch: If you fail to show Phase I-level merit and feasibility, the proposal is not evaluated. One proposal per topic, and the same DAF foreign-risk review and award denials as Phase I; on export-controlled topics you need a certified DD Form 2345 in Volume 5.

Next deadline: Nov 25, 2026 · Monthly topic releases under the FY2027 DoW SBIR/STTR BAA (D2P2 topics carry a D in the topic number)

Applicant tip: Pre-release ends when Release 1 opens on October 28, 2026; after that you can reach topic authors only through DSIP Topic Q&A, which stops taking questions at noon ET on November 11, 2026, so ask now what feasibility evidence the topic author will accept.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: SBIR (or STTR, with a U.S. research-institution partner) eligibility as for Phase I, plus a mature solution: you must document Phase I-type feasibility that was not based on prior SBIR/STTR work and was performed substantially by your firm or PI, and own or license the IP.
How to apply: Direct application: in DSIP by the close date with feasibility documentation. AFWERX ties D2P2 to an identified DAF customer and end user and a signed Customer Memorandum; SpaceWERX says the memorandum is required only on open-topic D2P2 because specific topics already have a customer, so check the topic.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗ · On OpenGrants ↗Verified 2026-10-27

DAF STRATFI and TACFI (Strategic and Tactical Funding Increase; PY26.2 TACFI Notice of Opportunity)

Department of the Air Force — AFWERX and SpaceWERX

TACFI: $375,000 to $2 million of SBIR/STTR funds over up to 24 months, matched 1:1. STRATFI: $3 million to $15 million of SBIR/STTR funds over up to 48 months, matched 1:2 with government money or 1:1:2 with government and private money

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IIB / follow-on

The catch: Matching money must be cash; in-kind contributions do not count, and the matching structure and amount cannot change after submission. TACFI signers must be O-6/GS-15 or above and STRATFI needs a strategic-level customer such as a PEO, and the contracting office must commit to award within 90 days. Packages get the same foreign-risk due diligence as proposals, and PY26.2 reviews Air Force packages in four focus areas first.

Next deadline: Rolling (PY26.2 TACFI accepts government-submitted packages continuously; no STRATFI notice is open) · Program-year notices of opportunity (PY26.2 TACFI open on a continuous basis since June 2026; PY26.1 STRATFI notice issued July 2025)

Applicant tip: Line up the match before your Phase II ends: eligibility lapses two years after the Phase II's final deliverable, and a Phase III awarded in the six months before submission can count as matching money.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Small business on an active SBIR/STTR Phase II, or one whose Phase II ended within two years of submission, at least 90 days into that Phase II, with no sequential Phase II already awarded for it; work in the U.S. A Phase II from another service can qualify if the primary end user is in the DAF. A company may have only one STRATFI in its lifetime.
How to apply: Nomination: a government point of contact (end user, customer or technical POC) submits the capability package through the DAF submission app with the mandatory templates; the company cannot submit it alone. SpaceWERX lists the PY26.2 TACFI notice, which covers both AFWERX and SpaceWERX, as accepting submissions continuously.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: PY25: 115 companies selected (27 STRATFI, 88 TACFI) with $499 million of SBIR funds (AFWERX STRATFI/TACFI infographic, April 2026).

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

Space Force SBIR and STTR topics (SpaceWERX specific and open topics, Direct to Phase II)

Department of the Air Force — SpaceWERX (U.S. Space Force)

Phase I: $75,000–$180,000 over 3–12 months. Phase II and Direct to Phase II: $1.25 million–$1.8 million over up to 24 months (SpaceWERX ranges; each topic sets its own ceiling)

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IPhase IIDirect to Phase II

The catch: Open-topic Phase I includes customer discovery, and an open-topic Phase II without a signed Space Force customer memorandum will not go forward. SpaceWERX notifies within 90 days of close and finalizes contracts within 180 days; every proposal goes through risk-based analysis and DoW's foreign-risk review, and one proposal per topic applies from FY2027.

Next deadline: Not announced — FY2027 Release 1 carries no Space Force topics · Monthly topic releases under the FY2027 DoW SBIR/STTR BAA (SpaceWERX follows the DAF and OUSW schedule)

Applicant tip: Budget to the topic's duration, not the general range: SpaceWERX's April 2026 reauthorization Q&A confirmed that the Adaptive and Intelligent Space (AIS) STTR allows only a 3-month period of performance.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. for-profit small business with 500 or fewer employees; for SBIR the PI is primarily employed by you, and for STTR a U.S. research institution partner does at least 30% of the work and you at least 40%. Open-topic follow-on Phase II and open-topic D2P2 need a signed U.S. Space Force Customer Memorandum.
How to apply: Direct application: Space Force topics come out inside the DAF's monthly DSIP releases (AFWERX marks them SF on its solicitation list) and are submitted through DSIP. Specific topics have a pre-identified customer; open topics require you to find one.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

4. Defense agencies: DARPA, DTRA, MDA, SOCOM, DHA, CBD, OSD and others

Every defense component outside the Army, Navy and Air Force buys SBIR and STTR research the same way: it publishes topics in monthly releases of the Department of War SBIR and STTR announcements on DSIP, and you propose against a topic, never an idea of your own. Fiscal 2027 has twelve releases. Topics pre-release on the first Wednesday of a month, when you can talk to the topic author, then open three to four weeks later and close four to five weeks after that. Most agencies post in only a few releases a year; Release 1, closing November 25, 2026, carries just two counter-drone topics from this group. Phase I ceilings run from $100,000 at DLA to $323,090 at some Secretary of War offices, and Direct to Phase II awards reach $2 million or more. These are contracts, often export-controlled, and every proposal gets a foreign-risk review. From fiscal 2027 you get one proposal per topic. The common mistake is reading only the DoW-wide announcement: each agency's own instructions set the ceiling, page limit and rules, and SOCOM rejects any proposal carrying a government letter of support.

11 programs

DARPA

DARPA SBIR and STTR topics (DoW SBIR and STTR BAAs)

DARPA — SBIR/STTR Program

Set topic by topic. FY2026 topics: Phase I $150,000–$300,000 over 4–12 months; Phase II and Direct to Phase II $700,000–$1,800,000 over 12–24 months, most with a $500,000–$600,000 option

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IPhase IIDirect to Phase II

The catch: DSIP Topic Q&A is switched off for DARPA topics: you email questions by a cutoff in DARPA's instructions (one to three weeks before close in FY2026). Phase I awards are purchase orders, CUI or ITAR work needs a CMMC Level 2 self-assessment, and letters from government staff are not considered. From FY2027 DoW takes one proposal per firm per topic.

Next deadline: Nov 25, 2026 · Topics in selected monthly releases of the DoW SBIR and STTR BAAs (FY2026: SBIR topics in all six releases, STTR topics in four; no DARPA topics in FY2027 Release 1)

Applicant tip: Read the ceiling table for your topic in DARPA's instructions: amount, period and page format change from topic to topic (Release 6 ran from a $250,000 Phase I to a $1.8M Direct to Phase II). The one DARPA topic still open, TRIAGE-X (DPA26BZ06-DV028), closes November 25, 2026 at noon ET.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business under SBA SBIR rules: the PI works mainly for your firm (SBIR) and all work is done in the U.S. Unlike the DoW default, DARPA accepts firms majority-owned by multiple venture capital, hedge fund or private equity firms. STTR topics need a university or nonprofit partner doing at least 30% of the work, with your firm doing at least 40%.
How to apply: Direct application: submit in DSIP against an open DARPA topic. Many topics take a 10-page white paper and 5-slide deck instead of a full technical volume, and some open topics accept Phase I proposals only from firms whose 3-page white paper DARPA accepted first.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

DTRA SBIR topics (DoW SBIR BAA)

Defense Threat Reduction Agency — SBIR/STTR Program

Phase I up to $250,000 over 7 months (6 of research, 1 for the final report); Phase II up to $1,500,000 over 24 months; TABA on top: up to $6,500 in Phase I and $50,000 in Phase II

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IPhase II

The catch: Phase I is a firm-fixed-price purchase order that DTRA may award without negotiation; Phase II is planned as a cost-type contract, which needs an adequate accounting system. Technical volumes stop at 20 pages (Phase I) and 40 (Phase II). From FY2027 DoW takes one proposal per firm per topic.

Next deadline: Not announced — last DTRA topic (DTR26BZ05-NP001) closed September 23, 2026 · Topics in selected monthly releases of the DoW SBIR BAA (FY2026: Release 5 only, one open topic; no DTRA topics in FY2027 Release 1)

Applicant tip: DTRA's chemical and biological defense topics do not appear under DTRA in DSIP: they run through the separate CBD component, managed by DTRA's Joint Science and Technology Office. Search both components before concluding DTRA has nothing for you.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business under SBA SBIR rules: at least two-thirds of Phase I work in-house, PI employed mainly by your firm, all work in the U.S. Firms majority-owned by multiple VC, hedge fund or PE firms are out (the DoW default; DTRA makes no exception). Phase II is open only to DTRA Phase I awardees.
How to apply: Direct application: submit in DSIP against a DTRA topic. Talk to the topic author during the pre-release weeks; after the topic opens, questions go only through DSIP Topic Q&A.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Chemical and Biological Defense Program

Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) SBIR topics (DoW SBIR BAA)

Chemical and Biological Defense Program — JSTO CBD SBIR (at DTRA)

Phase I up to $209,575 over up to 6 months; Direct to Phase II, on designated topics, up to $698,582.50 for 12 months plus an equal 12-month option ($1,397,165 total); no TABA

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IPhase IIDirect to Phase II

The catch: Several topics are ITAR-restricted, and DoW can drop a proposal over foreign ownership or an inability to clear the firm or its staff. CBD pays no TABA. Over-length technical volumes (20 pages for Phase I) are not reviewed past the limit. From FY2027 DoW takes one proposal per firm per topic.

Next deadline: Not announced — last CBD topics closed May 13, 2026 · Topics in selected monthly releases of the DoW SBIR BAA (last: Release 12 of the FY2025 annual BAA, opened after reauthorization; no CBD topics in the six FY2026 releases or FY2027 Release 1)

Applicant tip: CBD topics are run by DTRA's Joint Science and Technology Office for Chemical and Biological Defense but filed under their own CBD component in DSIP, so a DTRA-only search misses them. The program sat out all of FY2026, so register for the DSIP Listserv rather than waiting for a fixed date.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business under SBA SBIR rules: two-thirds of Phase I work in-house, PI employed mainly by your firm, all work in the U.S. You must name every foreign national, green-card holder and dual citizen on the team. Direct to Phase II feasibility cannot rest on prior SBIR or STTR work.
How to apply: Direct application: submit in DSIP under the CBD component (not DTRA) against a CBD topic. Phase II proposals are requested from Phase I awardees by separate notice.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Missile Defense Agency

Missile Defense Agency SBIR and STTR topics (DoW SBIR and STTR BAAs)

Missile Defense Agency — SBIR/STTR Program

Phase I up to $307,500 over 6 months ($314,000 with TABA; no Phase I option), SBIR and STTR alike; the Phase II amount is not published and comes in MDA's instructions to Phase I awardees

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IPhase II

The catch: Every MDA topic is ITAR/EAR-restricted: you upload a certified DD Form 2345 or proof you applied, and foreign nationals will not get access to MDA CUI. A letter of support from an MDA official gets the proposal rejected, and selected titles and abstracts go through an MDA security review. From FY2027 DoW takes one proposal per firm per topic.

Next deadline: Not announced — last MDA topics closed August 19, 2026 · Topics in selected monthly releases of the DoW SBIR and STTR BAAs (FY2026: Release 4 only, SBIR and STTR; no MDA topics in FY2027 Release 1)

Applicant tip: File for DD Form 2345 certification through the U.S./Canada Joint Certification Program before the topic opens; MDA requires it in Volume 5. The only letters of support MDA counts come from a procuring organization stating its need for the technology and any funding it might add.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business under SBA SBIR or STTR rules, all work in the U.S. Firms majority-owned by multiple VC, hedge fund or PE firms are out (the DoW default). MDA turns away firms currently failing SBA's Phase I-to-II or commercialization benchmarks. Phase II is open only to MDA Phase I awardees.
How to apply: Direct application: Phase I through DSIP against an MDA topic; MDA sends Phase II instructions to Phase I awardees in the fourth month of Phase I.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

U.S. Special Operations Command

USSOCOM SBIR topics (DoW SBIR BAA)

U.S. Special Operations Command — SBIR/STTR Program

Mostly Direct to Phase II: FY2026 topics ran $1,000,000–$5,775,000 over 12–24 months, some with up to $25,000 TABA; the one FY2026 Phase I topic was capped at $175,000 over 7 months

R&D contractEquity-freeDirect to Phase IIPhase I

The catch: A government letter of support makes the proposal non-responsive, and any price above the topic cap is not evaluated. Awards are fixed-price prototype agreements or contracts; foreign nationals on ITAR topics need an export license, and DoW can withdraw if it cannot clear the firm or staff. From FY2027 DoW takes one proposal per firm per topic.

Next deadline: Not announced — last SOCOM topic (SOC26BZ06-DV006, RIPTIDE) closed October 21, 2026 · Topics in selected monthly releases of the DoW SBIR BAA (FY2026: Releases 1, 2, 4 and 6; no SOCOM topics in FY2027 Release 1)

Applicant tip: Put your feasibility evidence in the Volume 5 appendix: SOCOM evaluates it first and sets no page limit there, while the technical volume stops at 10 pages. A prototype agreement that meets its thresholds can lead to a follow-on production agreement or contract.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business under SBA SBIR rules, all work in the U.S.; on Direct to Phase II your firm does at least 50% of the work. Feasibility work must have been performed by, and its data rights owned by, your firm or the PI. Firms majority-owned by multiple VC, hedge fund or PE firms are out (the DoW default).
How to apply: Direct application: submit in DSIP against a SOCOM topic. SOCOM does not allow direct contact with topic authors, so use DSIP Topic Q&A and the virtual industry days SOCOM announces on the SOFWERX events site.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Defense Health Agency

Defense Health Agency SBIR topics (DoW SBIR BAA)

Defense Health Agency — SBIR/STTR Program

Phase I up to $300,000 over 6 months; Phase II and Direct to Phase II up to $1,400,000 over 24 months; no TABA

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IPhase IIDirect to Phase II

The catch: Human or animal research needs OHRO or ACURO approval, and if approvals are not in place within two months of selection the award can be terminated. Using federal facilities needs a waiver. Phase I needs CMMC Level 1 and Phase II Level 2 (self-assessment), and DHA scores your Company Commercialization Report. From FY2027 DoW takes one proposal per firm per topic.

Next deadline: Not announced — last DHA topics closed July 22, 2026 · Topics in selected monthly releases of the DoW SBIR BAA (FY2026: Releases 1 and 3; no DHA topics in FY2027 Release 1)

Applicant tip: Draft the human-subjects or animal-use protocol while the proposal is under review: the two-month approval clock starts at selection, not award. The Phase I technical volume is 20 pages; Phase II gets 40, with references, letters and appendices counted.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business under SBA SBIR rules: two-thirds of Phase I and half of Phase II work in-house, PI employed mainly by your firm, all work in the U.S. Firms majority-owned by multiple VC, hedge fund or PE firms are out (the DoW default). Direct to Phase II feasibility cannot rest on prior SBIR or STTR work.
How to apply: Direct application: submit in DSIP against a DHA topic; DHA sends Phase I awardees Phase II instructions, typically in month five of Phase I.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Defense Logistics Agency

Defense Logistics Agency SBIR topics (DoW SBIR BAA)

Defense Logistics Agency — Small Business Innovation Programs

Phase I up to $100,000 over up to 12 months; Phase II up to $1,000,000 over up to 24 months (more only with the DLA program manager's written approval); TABA up to $6,500 in Phase I and $50,000 in Phase II

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IPhase II

The catch: The $100,000 Phase I is the lowest cap in this section, and DLA expects monthly project reviews and status reports. Phase I is firm-fixed-price and Phase II FFP level-of-effort; Phase II proposals over $1,000,000 are not considered without written approval. From FY2027 DoW takes one proposal per firm per topic.

Next deadline: Not announced — last DLA topics closed July 22, 2026 · Topics in selected monthly releases of the DoW SBIR BAA (FY2026: Releases 2 and 3; no DLA topics in FY2027 Release 1)

Applicant tip: Prepare the slide deck while you write: only Highly Acceptable proposals get the oral round, and the invitation comes within 60 days of close. DLA topics center on its supply chain, from the manufacturing base and rare earth elements to counterfeit parts.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business under SBA SBIR rules: two-thirds of Phase I work in-house, PI employed mainly by your firm, all work in the U.S. Firms majority-owned by multiple VC, hedge fund or PE firms are out (the DoW default). Every DLA Phase I awardee may submit a Phase II proposal without an invitation.
How to apply: Direct application: submit in DSIP against a DLA topic. Proposals rated Highly Acceptable are invited to give a 15-slide oral presentation before final selection.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Defense Microelectronics Activity

Defense Microelectronics Activity SBIR topics (DoW SBIR BAA)

Defense Microelectronics Activity — SBIR/STTR Program

Phase I up to $200,000 over up to 6 months; Phase II up to $1,340,000 over up to 24 months, with one sequential Phase II possible; TABA up to $6,500 in Phase I and $50,000 in Phase II

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IPhase II

The catch: Only unclassified proposals are accepted, and DMEA runs a price analysis, so expect your cost proposal to be negotiated. DMEA scores your Company Commercialization Report. A sequential Phase II has to be initiated by the government technical point of contact. From FY2027 DoW takes one proposal per firm per topic.

Next deadline: Not announced — last DMEA topic (DME26BZ05-NV001) closed September 23, 2026 · Topics in selected monthly releases of the DoW SBIR BAA (FY2026: Release 5 only, one topic; no DMEA topics in FY2027 Release 1)

Applicant tip: Attach DMEA's itemized cost detail as an appendix to the technical volume; it does not count against the 20-page limit. Put the 60-day Phase II window on your calendar from the Phase I end date.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business under SBA SBIR rules, all work in the U.S.; DMEA allows no deviation from the percentage-of-work rules. Firms majority-owned by multiple VC, hedge fund or PE firms are out (the DoW default). Phase II is open only to DMEA Phase I awardees.
How to apply: Direct application: submit Phase I in DSIP against a DMEA topic; Phase I awardees may submit a Phase II proposal without invitation up to 60 days after Phase I ends.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Office of the Secretary of War

Office of the Secretary of War SBIR and STTR topics (DRPM UxS, Reliance 21, Quantum Science, FutureG, T3CP)

Office of the Secretary of War — OSW SBIR/STTR Program

Set by the sponsoring office: Phase I $300,000–$323,090 over 6–12 months; Direct to Phase II $2,000,000–$2,153,927 over 12–24 months; TABA on top ($6,500 Phase I, $50,000 Phase II). FY2027 Release 1 counter-UAS topics: Phase I up to $300,000 for 6 months, Direct to Phase II up to $2,000,000 for 12 months

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IPhase IIDirect to Phase II

The catch: Each office writes its own rules: the counter-UAS Phase I technical volume is 2 pages and its Direct to Phase II volume 5, Reliance 21 Phase II plans must cover transition to at least two of the three military services, and classified Phase II work needs a facility clearance. From FY2027 DoW takes one proposal per firm per topic.

Next deadline: Nov 25, 2026 · Topics in selected monthly releases of the DoW SBIR and STTR BAAs (FY2026: Releases 4, 5 and 6; FY2027 Release 1 carries two counter-UAS topics)

Applicant tip: The counter-UAS topics (OSW27BZ01-NV001 and -DV002) open October 28 and close November 25, 2026 at noon ET; they score against a published rubric and exclude work that needs classified access or a facility clearance at award. Read the office's own instructions, not just the topic: ceilings differ by office.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business under SBA SBIR or STTR rules, all work in the U.S.; OSW offices allow no deviation from the percentage-of-work rules. Firms majority-owned by multiple VC, hedge fund or PE firms are out (the DoW default). Direct to Phase II feasibility cannot rest on prior SBIR or STTR work.
How to apply: Direct application: submit in DSIP against an OSW topic (DSIP files them under the OSD component). Phase II notices go to eligible Phase I performers through DSIP.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Strategic Capabilities Office SBIR Direct to Phase II topics (DoW SBIR BAA)

Office of the Secretary of War — Strategic Capabilities Office

Direct to Phase II only: up to $2,000,000 per award over 12 months; no Phase I and no TABA

R&D contractEquity-freeDirect to Phase II

The catch: Proposals must be unclassified, but SCO expects Phase II work to be classified, so you need a facility clearance and cleared staff; some topics also want access to an accredited SAPF and JWICS. Most SCO topics are ITAR/EAR-restricted and need a Technology Control Plan during negotiation. From FY2027 DoW takes one proposal per firm per topic.

Next deadline: Not announced — last SCO topic closed September 23, 2026 · Topics in selected monthly releases of the DoW SBIR BAA (FY2026: Releases 1, 2 and 5; no SCO topics in FY2027 Release 1)

Applicant tip: Settle your facility clearance path with DCSA before proposing; classified Phase II work can only go to a cleared firm. Data rights follow DFARS 252.227-7018, so list your SBIR data assertions in the proposal.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business under SBA SBIR rules that is U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence, unless DCSA approves mitigation. You must show Phase I-level feasibility from work not funded by SBIR or STTR.
How to apply: Direct application: a Direct to Phase II proposal in DSIP with a 15-page technical volume (5-page feasibility justification plus 10-page Phase II plan).
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency SBIR topics (DoW SBIR BAA, through OSW)

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency — SBIR Program (OSW-NGA)

Phase I capped at $150,000 over up to 6 months; Direct to Phase II up to $1,500,000 over up to 24 months, no option periods; TABA up to $6,500 in Phase I and $50,000 in Phase II

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IDirect to Phase II

The catch: NGA work runs in a classified environment: proposals list each person's clearance, your facility clearance level, safeguarding level and SPRS score, and contractor staff must hold a current Top Secret clearance, with TS/SCI and a counterintelligence polygraph for some work. Public release needs NGA approval. From FY2027 DoW takes one proposal per firm per topic.

Next deadline: Not announced — last NGA topics closed October 21, 2026 · Topics in selected monthly releases of the DoW SBIR BAA (FY2026: Releases 5 and 6; no NGA topics in FY2027 Release 1)

Applicant tip: Check your SPRS score and facility clearance before you write; NGA asks for both and evaluates your ability to do CUI and classified work. Sequential Phase II awards are capped at the SBA no-approval ceiling over 24 months.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business under SBA SBIR rules, all work in the U.S.; NGA allows no deviation from the percentage-of-work rules. Firms majority-owned by multiple VC, hedge fund or PE firms are out (the DoW default). Direct to Phase II feasibility cannot rest on prior SBIR or STTR work.
How to apply: Direct application: submit in DSIP against an NGA topic. NGA topics are numbered as Office of the Secretary of War topics (for example OSW26BZ06-DV033) but follow NGA's own instructions.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

5. DOE: Office of Technology Commercialization and ARPA-E

Since April 2026, DOE's SBIR and STTR programs no longer run through the Office of Science. The Office of Technology Commercialization now manages it, with applications handled on the DOE SBIR/STTR Application Hub by a partnership intermediary, ConnectWerx. The old rhythm of two Phase I releases a year with long topic lists is gone. New companies enter through a single Phase I call that starts with a short pitch: up to $250,000 for 6 to 12 months, then Phase II of up to $2 million and later sequential awards on a go/no-go basis. The first call, four AI-for-science topics, closed September 10, 2026, and DOE says a broader call follows this fall. ARPA-E runs a separate track: SBIR/STTR versions of its program announcements, with combined awards up to about $4.6 million. The common mistake is waiting for an invitation to start SAM and SBA registration, which can take weeks.

4 programs

DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I (pitch-first call on the DOE SBIR/STTR Application Hub)

U.S. Department of Energy — Office of Technology Commercialization

Up to $250,000 over 6–12 months, or $256,500 with the $6,500 TABA request (FY26 Genesis Mission call: about 40 awards from $10 million)

GrantEquity-freePhase I

The catch: No pitch, no application: a declined pitch cannot be resubmitted, and the topic and prime company cannot change between pitch and full application. Payments follow business and commercialization milestones you invoice against, DOE and ConnectWerx may review your materials with AI tools, and Phase I awardees are expected to join the Phase Shift I customer-discovery program and a PI meeting in Washington, DC. The FY26 Genesis call capped pitches at three per company.

Next deadline: Not announced — DOE says a broader Phase I pitch call opens in fall 2026; the FY26 Genesis Mission pitch window closed September 10, 2026 · Annual Phase I pitch call (DOE says it expects one Phase I release a year once the 2026 transition is done); FY26: Genesis Mission pitches July 22 to September 10, 2026, broader-topic call expected fall 2026

Applicant tip: Start SAM.gov and SBA Company Registry registration before you pitch, not after the invitation: DOE warns both can take weeks, and a company still being formed may pitch but must hold every registration by award.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. for-profit small business with 500 or fewer employees including affiliates, at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents; DOE does not take firms majority-owned by venture, hedge fund or private equity firms. All R&D in the U.S. SBIR: the PI is primarily employed by your company at award, and you do at least two-thirds of the work. STTR: one U.S. nonprofit research institution or FFRDC does at least 30% and you do at least 40%.
How to apply: Pitch gate: submit up to three pitches per company (four open-text questions with strict word counts) in the AMP portal on the DOE SBIR/STTR Application Hub, run for DOE by its partnership intermediary ConnectWerx. Only invited pitches may file a full application: technical narrative, a 4-page commercialization plan, biosketches, current and pending support and the foreign-relationships disclosure form.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

DOE SBIR/STTR Phase II (FY25 Phase II onramp to the new program format)

U.S. Department of Energy — Office of Technology Commercialization

Up to $2,000,000 over 1–2 years, or $2,050,000 with up to $50,000 of TABA (FY25 Phase II call, about $147.4 million in total)

GrantEquity-freePhase II

The catch: There is no Direct to Phase II at DOE: you get here only through a DOE Phase I or a cross-agency same-topic determination. DOE money must go to R&D (pre-approved TABA and patent costs aside), payments follow invoiced milestones, and selected companies must self-assess their cybersecurity practices during onboarding.

Next deadline: Not announced — the FY25 Phase II call closed October 2, 2026; DOE says FY2025 Phase I awardees will get their own Phase II call soon · Phase II calls run by prior-award cohort rather than an open calendar; FY25 Phase II call ran July 22 to October 2, 2026; DOE expects the FY2026 Phase II call in FY2027

Applicant tip: Match your prior award's NOFO number against the eligibility table on the Application Hub before writing: FY2025 Phase I and FY2024 Phase II awardees were not eligible for the FY25 call and were told to wait for their own release.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Only prior DOE Phase I awardees from the NOFOs a call lists (FY25 call: FY2024 Phase I Release 2, DE-FOA-0003202), or a non-DOE FY2024 Phase I awardee holding a written same-topic determination from the DOE SBIR/STTR Programs Office. No active award is needed. One application per Phase I award number; SBIR firms do at least half the Phase II work.
How to apply: Invite-only: DOE emails eligible awardees when their Phase II call opens. You apply in the AMP portal with a 12-page project narrative, a 10-page commercialization plan, a pitch video, a cash-flow pro forma, partner commitment letters, biosketches and current and pending support.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

DOE second and third Phase II awards (Phase II.2, formerly IIA/IIB; Third Phase II, formerly IIC)

U.S. Department of Energy — Office of Technology Commercialization

Up to $2,000,000 per award, or $2,050,000 with TABA (FY25 call); a third Phase II needs a 1:1 cash match from an outside investor

GrantEquity-freePhase IIB / follow-on

The catch: The third Phase II match must be cash at least equal to the DOE request, from another small business, a venture firm, an angel or a non-SBIR government source; owner, family and affiliate money, internal R&D, loans, in-kind help and any SBIR/STTR funds do not count. Later Phase II.2 and Strategic Breakthrough awards (up to $30 million over up to four years) go to the selected cohort on a go/no-go basis, subject to funding.

Next deadline: Not announced — the FY25 call closed October 2, 2026; DOE says FY2024 Phase II and FY2023 Fast-Track awardees will be offered Phase II.2 soon · Sequential Phase II calls run by prior-award cohort; FY25 call ran July 22 to October 2, 2026

Applicant tip: Line up the investor before the call: the matching money can pay for marketing, sales, regulatory work and scaling manufacturing, which DOE funds cannot, so plan the two budgets together.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Phase II.2: DOE SBIR or STTR Phase II recipients from the NOFOs a call lists (FY25 call: FY2022 and FY2023 Phase II Release 2). Third Phase II: DOE SBIR recipients of a second Phase II (FY25 call: FY2023 Phase II Release 2) with a letter of funding commitment for the match.
How to apply: Invite-only: DOE notifies eligible Phase II awardees when their sequential call opens, and you apply in the AMP portal on the Application Hub. Companies that enter the new format are then moved to Phase II.2 on a go/no-go basis rather than by a new open call.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

ARPA-E program SBIR/STTR NOFOs (now open: UNLOCK SBIR/STTR, DE-FOA-0003631)

Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy — SBIR/STTR program NOFOs

$323,090 to $4,630,944 federal share as a combined Phase I/II or Phase I/II/IIS award (UNLOCK; Phase I/II alone up to $2,477,017; about $45 million shared with the open UNLOCK NOFO for 9–12 awards)

GrantEquity-freePhase IPhase II

The catch: You apply for the whole combined award up front, and ARPA-E may fund only Phase I or Phase I/II. A small business may lead under only one of the two UNLOCK NOFOs, at least 5% of federal funds must go to technology transfer and outreach, and UNLOCK projects must field-test at a real site with the operator committed in writing.

Next deadline: Nov 20, 2026 · Program-specific SBIR/STTR NOFOs issued alongside new ARPA-E programs, several a year with no fixed calendar; recent: SUPERHOT, ROCKS and MAGNITO SBIR/STTR in 2025, UNLOCK SBIR/STTR posted October 21, 2026

Applicant tip: Register in DOE eXCHANGE now and send questions only to [email protected] by 5 p.m. ET November 10, 2026; ARPA-E is in a quiet period and only the grants officer may answer applicants.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Small business concerns only; universities, labs and larger firms use the companion open NOFO (DE-FOA-0003630). An SBIR lead does at least 66.7% of Phase I and 50% of Phase II work; STTR needs one research institution doing at least 30%. Work stays in the U.S. unless waived, and firms with many prior awards must meet DOE's Phase II transition and commercialization rate benchmarks.
How to apply: Pitch gate: a mandatory concept paper (4 pages plus a summary slide and a techno-economic analysis template) through DOE eXCHANGE, due 9:30 a.m. ET November 20, 2026. ARPA-E then sends encourage or discourage notices before full applications.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

6. NASA SBIR and STTR

NASA buys SBIR and STTR research as contracts, not grants, and since April 2026 it does so through one Broad Agency Announcement that stays open through September 30, 2027. Instead of one big solicitation each January, NASA releases Phase I subtopics in two to three appendices a year. Phase I pays up to $225,000 for 6 months (13 months for STTR), and Phase II up to $1,275,000 for 24 months; both caps rose 50% and now include TABA. NASA writes the topics, so your proposal has to answer one subtopic, and each 2026 appendix took no more than two proposals per firm. Phase II is open only to NASA Phase I awardees, on a date set in their contract. After Phase II come the matching programs: Phase II-E, CCRPP and Sequential awards of $2.5 million to $4 million. The usual mistake is waiting for the next appendix to register in ProSAMS; the 2026 windows were open only 30 days.

7 programs

NASA SBIR/STTR Phase I appendices to the FY2026–2027 BAA (80NSSC26R0003)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration — SBIR/STTR Program

Up to $225,000 including up to $6,500 of TABA; 6 months for SBIR, 13 months for STTR

R&D contractEquity-freePhase I

The catch: NASA screens every proposal for foreign risk (ownership, financial ties, patents, employees, cybersecurity) under the 2026 due-diligence rules and cannot award to firms with certain links to countries of concern. TABA now sits inside the $225,000 cap, technical proposals stop at 15 pages, and the 2026 windows were open only 30 days.

Next deadline: Not announced — no new appendix released yet; the 2026 Appendix A and B windows closed May 21, 2026 · Two to three Phase I appendices per fiscal year, released as NASA needs warrant (BAA effective through September 30, 2027); 2026: Appendices 26A SBIR, 26B SBIR and 26B STTR, open April 21 to May 21, 2026

Applicant tip: Register the firm in ProSAMS before an appendix drops: NASA flagged the 2026 submission period (30 days) as shorter than prior years, and new appendices show up first on the Program Schedule on the NASA SBIR/STTR home page.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business with 500 or fewer employees including affiliates; firms majority-owned by multiple venture, hedge fund or private equity firms are not eligible. SBIR: you do at least 67% of the work and the PI is primarily employed by you. STTR: you do at least 40%, one research institution at least 30%, and the PI is primarily employed by either. Work in the U.S.; NAICS 541713 or 541715 at award.
How to apply: Direct application: propose to one subtopic per proposal in an open BAA appendix through ProSAMS, NASA's submission system. Each 2026 appendix accepted no more than two proposals per firm, and NASA says limits reset with each new appendix.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: NASA announced 204 Phase I selections from the 2026 appendices on Aug. 7, 2026 (51 SBIR Appendix A, 121 SBIR Appendix B, 32 STTR Appendix B), each $225,000; 22% to 41% of the firms were first-time NASA awardees.

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

NASA STTR Phase II, Program Year 2025 solicitation

National Aeronautics and Space Administration — SBIR/STTR Program

Up to $1,275,000 over up to 24 months, including up to $50,000 of TABA

R&D contractEquity-freePhase II

The catch: A no-cost extension on your Phase I does not move the deadline, and NASA will not take PY2025 proposals after this window. TABA now counts inside the $1,275,000 ceiling, and the proposal goes through NASA's foreign-risk due-diligence review.

Next deadline: Closed — next cycle TBD · One STTR Phase II window per program year, near the end of that year's 13-month Phase I contracts; PY2025 window September 15 to October 28, 2026 · Set an alert ↗

Applicant tip: If you want TABA, name the vendor with an itemized quote in this package: NASA will not consider TABA requests after submission, and the vendor cannot be your firm, an affiliate or an investor.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Only firms holding a NASA FY2025 STTR Phase I award, one Phase II proposal per Phase I award. You do at least 40% of the work and a single research institution at least 30%; the PI is primarily employed by your firm or the institution; firms majority-owned by multiple venture, hedge fund or private equity firms are not eligible.
How to apply: Direct application: FY2025 NASA STTR Phase I awardees submit a proposal package (46-page technical proposal limit) in ProSAMS by 5 p.m. ET October 28, 2026, including the STTR research agreement endorsed by the institution.
Program fit: STTR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: On April 14, 2026 NASA selected 17 PY2024 STTR Phase II proposals worth up to $850,000 each plus up to $50,000 of TABA.

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

NASA SBIR Phase II (follow-on for BAA Phase I awardees; last call: Program Year 2025 solicitation)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration — SBIR/STTR Program

Up to $1,275,000 over up to 24 months, including up to $50,000 of TABA

R&D contractEquity-freePhase II

The catch: A proposal submitted outside the window NASA gives you is declined without evaluation, and there is no separate Phase II BAA or unsolicited route. TABA counts inside the $1,275,000 ceiling.

Next deadline: Not announced — set in each 2026 Appendix A and B Phase I contract; the PY2025 SBIR Phase II window closed May 15, 2026 · Phase II due dates are set contract by contract near the end of each 6-month Phase I; PY2025 SBIR Phase II window April 15 to May 15, 2026

Applicant tip: Find the Phase II follow-on clause in your Phase I contract on day one: it sets your due date, and ProSAMS opens only about 60 days before it, inside a 6-month Phase I.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Only NASA SBIR Phase I awardees, during their Phase I period of performance, one Phase II proposal per Phase I award. You do at least 50% of the Phase II work and the PI is primarily employed by your firm; firms majority-owned by multiple venture, hedge fund or private equity firms are not eligible.
How to apply: Invite-only: NASA sends each Phase I awardee the Phase II due date and instructions; ProSAMS opens about 60 days before the due date set in your Phase I contract.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: On July 21, 2026 NASA selected 98 PY2025 SBIR Phase II proposals from firms in 28 states, with a potential value of about $121 million.

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-25

NASA SBIR Ignite (Phase I and Phase II)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration — SBIR/STTR Program

Phase I up to $225,000 for 6 months and Phase II up to $1,275,000 for 24 months or less under the BAA (the 2025 Ignite call paid up to $150,000 for Phase I)

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IPhase II

The catch: Ignite has only a few subtopics, aimed at emerging commercial aerospace markets, and NASA wants firms that will attract private investment after Phase I and II. The fast schedule means you write Phase II early in Phase I, and NASA encourages the shortest Phase II period that reaches your milestones.

Next deadline: Not announced — no Ignite appendix under the BAA yet; the 2025 Ignite Phase II window closed October 15, 2026 · Annual Ignite call (2022 to 2025 solicitations), now part of the BAA's appendix releases; 2025 call: Phase I closed July 22, 2025, Phase II window for its awardees September 3 to October 15, 2026

Applicant tip: Attend or watch NASA's Ignite Catalyst events and Tech Spotlights (2026: proliferated LEO, space nuclear, drone propulsion supply chain); NASA uses them to surface the problem areas Ignite topics come from.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: SBIR rules: U.S. small business with 500 or fewer employees, PI primarily employed by the firm, firm does at least 67% of Phase I work; not open to firms majority-owned by multiple venture, hedge fund or private equity firms. NASA pitches Ignite at product-oriented startups and firms new to NASA.
How to apply: Direct application: propose to one of a few commercially focused Ignite subtopics when NASA releases an Ignite appendix under the BAA. In the 2025 call the Phase II proposal was due 120 days after Phase I started and Phase II was written into the Phase I contract as an option.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: On April 14, 2026 NASA selected 15 firms for 2025 Ignite Phase I awards of up to $150,000; on July 25, 2025 it made 7 Ignite Phase II awards of up to $850,000.

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

NASA SBIR/STTR Phase II-Extended (II-E) option

National Aeronautics and Space Administration — SBIR/STTR Program

1:1 match of new outside investment, from $25,000 up to $375,000 of NASA funds (up to $750,000 combined), typically 6–12 months

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IIB / follow-on

The catch: The match must be new cash from an outside investor: owner, family and affiliate money, internal funds, loans, in-kind help and purchase orders do not count, and private money sent more than 60 days before award (government money obligated more than 90 days before) is too old. NASA recommends keeping the Phase II active at least 90 days past the cutoff.

Next deadline: Nov 20, 2026 · Rolling within each contract's window, with selection cutoffs about every two months

Applicant tip: A newly obligated Phase III contract from a NASA mission or another agency counts as qualifying investment, and NASA's Flight Opportunities program can act as the investor for suborbital flight tests.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Active NASA SBIR, STTR or Ignite Phase II contracts in good standing, not Sequential Phase IIs; the Phase II must run at least 18 months (Ignite excepted). Apply after month 12 of performance (month 6 for Ignite) and no later than 60 days before the contract ends.
How to apply: Direct application: rolling submissions in the NASA SBIR/STTR submission system within your contract's eligibility window; proposals in by a cutoff are reviewed that cycle, later ones the next.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

NASA Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program (CCRPP), Program Year 2026 call (80NSSC26R0013)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration — SBIR/STTR Program

1:1 match of $500,000 to $2,500,000 in SBIR/STTR funds against investor funding, about 24 months

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IIB / follow-on

The catch: CCRPP rejects technology maturation without a near-term path to NASA infusion or commercial sale, and its funds may only pay for R&D that builds on your Phase II. The award is a new contract; the investor pays you separately, so the commitment must be in writing at application.

Next deadline: Not announced — the 2026 call closed August 19, 2026, with selections expected December 2026 · Annual call (2023 to 2025 calls closed in January or February; 2026 call ran June 24 to August 19, 2026)

Applicant tip: Do not plan on December: NASA's Post Phase II page still says the window typically opens then, but the 2026 call opened June 24 and closed August 19, so watch SAM.gov and the program newsletter.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: NASA SBIR/STTR firms from roughly the last 10 program years holding a completed Phase II, an ongoing or completed Sequential Phase II, or a Phase II-E option, plus at least $500,000 of committed investment from one or more investors.
How to apply: Direct application: answer the call for applications posted on SAM.gov and submit through ProSAMS with a letter of commitment from each investor.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: NASA made five CCRPP awards totaling $11.3 million in 2025 and six totaling $7.8 million in 2024.

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

NASA SBIR/STTR Phase II Sequential awards (2026 Request for White Papers, 80NSSC26R0014)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration — SBIR/STTR Program

$2.5 million to $4 million, about 24 months; no investor match required

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IIB / follow-on

The catch: The white-paper call is not itself a funding opportunity, NASA gives no feedback, and any awards depend on 2027 funds. One Sequential award per prior Phase II, and the Technical Need Areas change every year.

Next deadline: Not announced — 2026 white papers closed September 16, 2026; NASA plans proposal invitations around January 2027 · Annual white-paper call, typically opening in August; 2026 call open August 12 to September 16, 2026

Applicant tip: Name the NASA program that will use your technology and when: NASA expects infusion 2 to 5 years after submission, and award can come about 12 months after the call opens because of contract negotiation.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Firms that still qualify as small businesses, with a NASA Phase II from the last 10 program years that is complete (including options) and has never received a Sequential award from any agency; the work must continue that Phase II and fit a Technical Need Area named in the call.
How to apply: Pitch gate: submit a white paper to the yearly call; NASA invites a subset to submit full proposals (for the 2026 call, notionally around January 2027).
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: NASA made six Sequential awards in 2025, including Astrobotic (LaserNav lunar landing lidar), Ad Astra (VASIMR) and TDA Research (lunar batteries), and two in 2024.

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

7. USDA, NIST, NOAA, DOT, Education, EPA and DHS

Seven smaller agencies run SBIR on one cycle a year each, and only USDA also runs STTR. USDA, NIST and NOAA make grants or cooperative agreements; DOT, Education, EPA and DHS award contracts against topics they write. Phase I runs from about $100,000 (NIST, EPA) to $250,000 (Education), and Phase II from $400,000 to about $1.5 million. Two calls are open now: EPA's Phase I, due November 8, 2026, and USDA's Phase II for Phase I awardees, due November 17, 2026. NOAA is aiming to post its FY2027 notice around November 1. NIST and DHS have posted nothing since their FY2025 calls, USDA has not run a Phase I call since September 2024, and DOT and Education finished their 2026 rounds in the summer. Phase II at all seven is for Phase I awardees, except Education's Direct to Phase II track. The mistake to avoid is treating these budgets like NIH's or DoD's: EPA plans about 25 Phase I awards a year and NIST up to ten, so a proposal that does not fit a listed topic or mission area has little chance.

14 programs

U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA NIFA SBIR/STTR Phase II (USDA-NIFA-SBIR-012221)

U.S. Department of Agriculture — National Institute of Food and Agriculture

$600,000 to $650,000 over 24 months, plus up to $50,000 for technical and business assistance (TABA)

GrantEquity-freePhase II

The catch: No equity or cost share. One Phase II application per Phase I award, at most two distinct applications per solicitation, and NIFA funds only one Phase II per company in this cycle. Every applicant files USDA's foreign-affiliation disclosure form; pure product development with no research, large demonstrations and classified work are not funded, and unspent TABA must be returned.

Next deadline: Nov 17, 2026 · Annual Phase II NOFO; this notice covers two years (FY2026 deadline November 17, 2026; FY2027 deadline September 21, 2027, tentative)

Applicant tip: Signed letters of support or contingent commitments for non-SBIR follow-on money count as a point of merit when proposals score about equally, and an executed agreement at least equal to your Phase II request counts most. If you miss November 17, the same notice lists September 21, 2027 as a tentative FY2027 deadline.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Only companies holding an SBIR/STTR Phase I award (including novated or successor-in-interest awards), registered with SBA as a small business at selection: under 500 employees including affiliates and majority owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. For SBIR the project director must be more than half employed by your company.
How to apply: Direct application: submit through Grants.gov by 5 p.m. Eastern on the deadline, in one of ten program areas (forests, plant biology, animal production, natural resources, food science and nutrition, rural development, aquaculture, biofuels and biobased products, small and mid-size farms, plant engineering). Apply to the area that matches your Phase I.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: NIFA expects about 50 awards from $24,750,000 in FY2026 ($19.5 million SBIR, $5.25 million STTR), and its listing puts the share of applications funded at 50%.

Official page ↗ · On OpenGrants ↗Verified 2026-10-27

USDA NIFA SBIR/STTR Phase I

U.S. Department of Agriculture — National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Varies — check official page (the last Phase I RFA, FY2025, listed awards of $125,000 to $181,500)

GrantEquity-freePhase I

The catch: No equity or cost share. NIFA funds investigator-initiated research tied to agriculture, not business start-up costs or loans, and research-free product development is not funded. Expect the same foreign-affiliation disclosures USDA now requires of Phase II applicants.

Next deadline: Not announced — the last Phase I RFA (USDA-NIFA-SBIR-010774) closed September 17, 2024 · Annual Phase I RFA (the last two were posted in July and due in September); none has been posted since the FY2025 RFA closed September 17, 2024

Applicant tip: NIFA posted only a Phase II notice for FY2026, so a Phase I is the gate you will need for any later Phase II. Set the Grants.gov alert on Assistance Listing 10.212 now; the last two Phase I windows ran about ten to eleven weeks.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business under 500 employees including affiliates, majority owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. SBIR needs the project director more than half employed by your company; STTR needs a research-institution partner such as a university or federal lab.
How to apply: Direct application: when NIFA posts a Phase I RFA, apply through Grants.gov under Assistance Listing 10.212 in one of NIFA's agricultural program areas. NIFA tells applicants to set a Grants.gov saved-search alert on 10.212 to hear when the next notice posts.
Program fit: SBIR, STTR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Department of Commerce

NIST SBIR Phase I

Department of Commerce — National Institute of Standards and Technology

Up to $100,000 for six months, plus up to $6,500 for TABA (FY2025 NOFO 2025-NIST-SBIR-01; a new notice may change this)

GrantEquity-freePhase I

The catch: No equity or cost share. Awards are cooperative agreements, so NIST staff are substantially involved in the work and 2 C.F.R. 200 grant rules apply. The FY2025 notice planned only up to ten awards, and TABA money depends on NIST's available funding.

Next deadline: Not announced — NIST says it has no active SBIR NOFO · Annual Phase I NOFO (the last two opened in late October and closed in late December); none has been posted since the FY2025 notice closed December 27, 2024

Applicant tip: NIST says its SBIR page is being rewritten for the 2026 reauthorization and points applicants to NIST's strategic priorities; read those before the next notice, and sign up for the NIST SBIR newsletter, since topics follow NIST's own research needs.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business concern for R&D at the time of award (under 500 employees, majority U.S.-owned), with the principal investigator more than half employed by your company during the project; full-time employment elsewhere rules the PI out.
How to apply: Direct application: NIST posts one Phase I NOFO a year on Grants.gov, with topics drawn from NIST's research areas, including research that supports standards.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: NIST's August 18, 2025 release reported more than $1.8 million in Phase I awards to 18 small businesses, in areas including AI, additive manufacturing, standards and semiconductor devices.

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

NIST SBIR Phase II

Department of Commerce — National Institute of Standards and Technology

Up to $400,000 (per NIST's 2025 Phase I award announcement)

GrantEquity-freePhase II

The catch: No equity or cost share. Cooperative agreement with substantial NIST involvement and 2 C.F.R. 200 rules; you must have completed your NIST Phase I, and a Phase I from another agency does not qualify.

Next deadline: Not announced — NIST says it has no active SBIR NOFO · Annual Phase II NOFO for the prior year's Phase I awardees (the last three opened in April and closed in late May or June); the FY2025 notice closed June 14, 2025

Applicant tip: NIST's 2025 Phase I awardees ran from August 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026, so their Phase II notice is the next one due; if you hold one of those awards, have your Phase I results written up before NIST posts it.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Only NIST SBIR Phase I awardees from the preceding cycle: the FY2025 Phase II notice was open only to FY2024 NIST Phase I recipients.
How to apply: Invite-only: NIST issues a Phase II NOFO on Grants.gov for the previous year's Phase I awardees once their Phase I projects end.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

NOAA SBIR Phase I (FY2027 NOFO)

Department of Commerce — NOAA Technology Partnerships Office

Varies — check official page (the FY2025 Phase I NOFO listed awards of up to $190,000)

GrantEquity-freePhase I

The catch: No equity or cost share. Proposals must answer a listed topic tied to NOAA's mission and have commercial uses beyond NOAA itself. The FY2025 notice planned about 35 Phase I awards.

Next deadline: Not announced — NOAA is targeting a November 1, 2026 release of the FY2027 NOFO · Annual Phase I NOFO released in the fall, with proposals due about two to three months later; NOAA is targeting a November 1 release for FY2027

Applicant tip: The window opens and closes inside one season: the FY2025 Phase I ran November 15, 2024 to January 30, 2025. Register in SAM.gov and Grants.gov before the November release so the full window goes to the proposal.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business with the capability to do R&D in one of the NOAA NOFO's topic areas and to commercialize the results outside NOAA. SBIR rules apply: under 500 employees, majority U.S.-owned, PI mainly employed by your company.
How to apply: Direct application: respond to the topics in NOAA's annual NOFO, posted on the NOAA SBIR page and Grants.gov. NOAA does not take unsolicited proposals through SBIR.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

NOAA SBIR Phase II

Department of Commerce — NOAA Technology Partnerships Office

Varies — check official page (the FY2025 Phase II NOFO listed awards of up to $690,000)

GrantEquity-freePhase II

The catch: No equity or cost share. Only your NOAA Phase I counts, and the Phase II must continue that project. The FY2025 notice planned about 15 Phase II awards from $12 million.

Next deadline: Not announced — NOAA has not posted an FY2027 Phase II notice · Annual Phase II NOFO for Phase I awardees, historically open from January to March; the FY2025 notice closed March 31, 2025

Applicant tip: NOAA has run the Phase II call within weeks of the Phase I call (FY2025: January 10 to March 31, 2025), so a current Phase I awardee should expect the next Phase II notice soon after the FY2027 Phase I release.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: NOAA SBIR Phase I awardees continuing their Phase I projects.
How to apply: Invite-only: NOAA posts a separate Phase II NOFO for its Phase I awardees; the FY2025 Phase I notice said Phase II applications were not accepted under it.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Department of Transportation

U.S. DOT SBIR Phase I (FY2026 solicitation 6913G626QSBIR1)

Department of Transportation — Volpe Center SBIR Program

Up to $200,000 for up to 6 months, at the funding level set for each topic

R&D contractEquity-freePhase I

The catch: No equity or cost share. Awards are contracts against narrow, agency-written topics (FY2026 had ten, from FHWA, FRA, FTA, the Office of the Secretary and PHMSA), so an idea that does not fit a topic has no route in. DOT selects on best value, weighing commercial potential alongside technical merit.

Next deadline: Not announced — the FY2026 Phase I solicitation closed July 7, 2026 · Annual Phase I solicitation, historically released in winter; FY2026 ran late (pre-solicitation April 29 to May 29, 2026; offers due July 7, 2026)

Applicant tip: Use the pre-solicitation window: DOT posts topics about a month before the solicitation and answers technical questions publicly, which is the only time you can ask what a topic means.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small business under 500 employees (NAICS 541715) answering one of the solicitation's topics; DOT does not consider unsolicited offers.
How to apply: Direct application: offers go to the Volpe Center against a specific topic during the open solicitation. Topics are released first in a pre-solicitation period when you can post technical questions.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: DOT says its SBIR program awards over $10 million a year in contracts.

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

U.S. DOT SBIR Phase II and Phase IIB

Department of Transportation — Volpe Center SBIR Program

Typically up to $1,500,000 for 2 years

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IIPhase IIB / follow-on

The catch: No equity or cost share. Phase II money exists only for DOT's own Phase I awardees, and DOT says Phase III is considered only when funding is available, since SBIR set-aside money cannot pay for it.

Next deadline: Varies — DOT requests Phase II proposals from its Phase I awardees · Follows Phase I; requested as Phase I projects finish

Applicant tip: DOT favors work it can see sold to state DOTs, transit agencies or the private transportation industry, so line up letters from those buyers during Phase I.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Only small businesses that have successfully completed a DOT SBIR Phase I; Phase IIB continues a Phase II.
How to apply: Invite-only: DOT asks Phase I awardees for Phase II proposals under its Phase II/IIB proposal instructions (draft dated January 2026 on the Volpe site).
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Department of Education

ED/IES SBIR Phase IA and Phase IB (FY2026 solicitations 91990026R0003 and 91990026R0004)

Department of Education — Institute of Education Sciences

$250,000 for 9 months

R&D contractEquity-freePhase I

The catch: No equity or cost share. You cannot send the same or a similar proposal to more than one of the year's solicitations, and the IA product must be independent of anything your team has built before. While solicitations are open, ED staff may not answer questions or give technical help; questions go to the contract specialist by the posted date.

Next deadline: Not announced — the FY2026 Phase IA and IB solicitations closed June 29, 2026 · Annual solicitations, usually released in fall or winter with proposals due about 60 days later (FY2026 round released April 30 and closed June 29, 2026)

Applicant tip: Phase I is the route to ED's $1,000,000 Phase II the following year, which is open only to ED/IES Phase I awardees, so pick IA or IB by the Phase II product you want to end up with.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: For-profit small businesses, often with research partners, building education technology for learners, educators or school staff. Phase IA is for an entirely new product with little prior development; Phase IB adds a new, technically different component to an existing research-based product.
How to apply: Direct application: respond to the Phase IA or IB solicitation on SAM.gov with your UEI listed; proposals are due about 60 days after release.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗ · On OpenGrants ↗Verified 2026-10-27

ED/IES SBIR Direct to Phase II (FY2026 solicitation 91990026R0005)

Department of Education — Institute of Education Sciences

$1,000,000 for 2 years

R&D contractEquity-freeDirect to Phase II

The catch: No equity or cost share. Innovations without evidence behind them are not eligible, and the original researchers must take part. The same proposal cannot also go to a Phase I solicitation.

Next deadline: Not announced — the FY2026 Direct to Phase II solicitation closed June 29, 2026 · Annual, released with the Phase I solicitations (FY2026 round released April 30 and closed June 29, 2026)

Applicant tip: This track suits a company licensing a university's tested intervention; secure the researcher's participation and the evidence citations before the solicitation drops, since the 60-day window is short.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Small businesses turning an existing, evidence-based education innovation into a product for use at scale. The innovation must have been created by researchers at a university or nonprofit education research organization, and one or more of those researchers must be on the project team. No prior Phase I is needed.
How to apply: Direct application: respond to the Direct to Phase II solicitation on SAM.gov; it is released alongside the Phase I solicitations.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

ED/IES SBIR Phase II

Department of Education — Institute of Education Sciences

$1,000,000 for 2 years

R&D contractEquity-freePhase II

The catch: No equity or cost share. The money is for full-scale development and a pilot evaluation of the Phase I product, so the Phase I prototype and usability data have to hold up.

Next deadline: Not announced — FY2026 Phase I awardees are eligible for the FY2027 Phase II solicitation · Annual Phase II solicitation for the previous year's Phase I awardees, usually released in fall or winter

Applicant tip: Phase II pays for full-scale development and a pilot evaluation, so design the Phase I usability and feasibility research to set up that evaluation.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Only ED/IES SBIR Phase IA or IB awardees, to finish and pilot-test the product started in Phase I; FY2026 Phase I awardees apply in FY2027.
How to apply: Invite-only: ED/IES releases a Phase II solicitation each year open only to its previous year's Phase I awardees.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗ · On OpenGrants ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Environmental Protection Agency

EPA SBIR Phase I (2026 solicitation 68HERW26R0102)

Environmental Protection Agency — SBIR Program

Up to $100,000 for 6 months (firm-fixed-price contract, profit capped at $10,000)

R&D contractEquity-freePhase I

The catch: No equity or cost share. Each company may submit only one proposal to this solicitation; if you send more, EPA considers only the last. Before award you must complete EPA's foreign disclosure form, and the whole proposal, forms included, must fit in 36 pages.

Next deadline: Nov 8, 2026 · One Phase I solicitation a year, open from late September to early November; awards start in February or March

Applicant tip: EPA weighs commercialization equally with technical merit and topic relevance, a third each, so do the market research first and put it in the proposal. Start the SAM.gov and FedConnect registrations now: they can take longer than the window you have left.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small businesses proposing environmental technology against one of the year's topics. 2026 topics cover water reuse monitoring and PFAS treatment, PFAS and carbon monoxide sensing, food waste, battery critical-mineral recovery, mining impacts, safer rubber anti-degradants and lead test kits.
How to apply: Direct application: submit one PDF of no more than 36 pages through FedConnect's response function by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on the deadline. You need SAM.gov (registered for contracts), a UEI, FedConnect and the SBA Company Registry, which EPA says can take 6 to 8 weeks.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: EPA plans about 25 Phase I awards from its roughly $5 million SBIR budget.

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

EPA SBIR Phase II and Commercialization Option

Environmental Protection Agency — SBIR Program

$400,000 over 2 years, plus a Commercialization Option of up to $100,000 if you secure third-party investment

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IIPhase IIB / follow-on

The catch: No equity or cost share. Only EPA Phase I awardees qualify, and the extra $100,000 is paid only against outside investment you bring in.

Next deadline: Varies — EPA requests Phase II proposals from its Phase I awardees · Annual, following each Phase I cohort

Applicant tip: Raise or line up the third-party investment during Phase I if you can: it is what unlocks the Commercialization Option on top of the $400,000.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: Only companies that have completed an EPA SBIR Phase I award.
How to apply: Invite-only: EPA asks its Phase I awardees for Phase II proposals; Phase II contracts typically start in mid-October.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None
Who wins: EPA announced $3.6 million for nine small businesses in its 2025–2026 Phase II round.

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

Department of Homeland Security

DHS SBIR Program (Science and Technology Directorate and CWMD)

Department of Homeland Security — Science and Technology Directorate

Phase I typically up to $175,000 for five months; Phase II typically $1,000,000 to $1,500,000 for 24–36 months

R&D contractEquity-freePhase IPhase II

The catch: No equity or cost share. Topics come from DHS components such as CBP, TSA, the Coast Guard, CISA and FEMA, so proposals must fit a stated operational need, and the 25.1 window was open only 15 days. DHS has posted no solicitation since that cycle.

Next deadline: Not announced — the last solicitation (DHS 25.1) closed January 21, 2025 · One solicitation a year with a short open period (the 25.1 solicitation opened January 6 and closed January 21, 2025); none since

Applicant tip: DHS has posted nothing since the January 2025 cycle and its SBIR page was last updated April 8, 2025; with windows that short, watch SAM.gov and the DHS SBIR portal so you have a draft ready the day a solicitation drops.

Eligibility, how to apply, past winners

Eligibility: U.S. small businesses under 500 employees answering a DHS topic; only DHS SBIR Phase I awardees can go on to Phase II.
How to apply: Direct application: DHS publishes one solicitation a year on SAM.gov with topics from S&T and the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, and proposals go through the DHS SBIR online submission portal.
Program fit: SBIR
Equity taken: None

Official page ↗Verified 2026-10-27

12-month calendar

Each program with a known or expected deadline, plotted by month. Solid = a confirmed date, from the official page or the program's OpenGrants listing. Grey italic = expected, based on the program's past cycle. The calendar follows the filters above.

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