Launch Here
NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program is your launching pad for innovation. The SBIR/STTR program is one of the most powerful engines for innovation within the federal government. Our program provides more than just early-stage funding—we open doors to a community that awaits you. Whether your destination is the marketplace, the Moon, or Mars, let us help you get there.
Did you know?
The SBIR/STTR program is willing to invest before most other forms of private capital, like VC funding, helping you de-risk your technology and be more attractive to later investors. You retain full control of your team, technical vision, and business strategy. NASA takes no equity in your business. You retain all intellectual property and licensing rights. Collaborating with an agency known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible also builds credibility for your business.
Are you a fit?
U.S. small businesses (<500 employees) can apply to SBIR; U.S. small businesses, in partnership with a non-profit research institution such as a university or research lab, can apply to STTR.
We welcome participation from all types of small business innovators across the United States. From health care to climate change and emergency response, there’s a whole lot more to NASA than space! And you don’t need to have a track record of commercialization to participate.
Program Opportunities
NASA SBIR/STTR funding is spread across distinct phases, each with its own opportunities, purpose, and prerequisites. Funding is awarded via contracts to small businesses.
Explore the tabs below for more information on each funding opportunity:
SBIR/STTR Phase I
NASA investment: up to $225,000
Phase I is the jumping off point for most small businesses and research institutions working with the program. It is known as the “idea generation” phase, during which small businesses (and their research institution partners in STTR) establish the scientific, technical, commercial merit and feasibility of the proposed innovation. You can discover the types of technologies NASA is looking for by reading through the most recent Phase I solicitations.
SBIR/STTR Phase II
NASA investment: Up to $1,275,000
Phase II is focused on the development, demonstration, and delivery of a technology innovation. These awards are made to small businesses (and their research institution partners in STTR) who successfully demonstrated the feasibility of their technology idea during Phase I. Only small businesses that were awarded a Phase I are eligible to apply for Phase II.
Phase II-Extended (II-E)
A Post Phase II opportunity
The Phase II‑Extended (II‑E) awards aim to accelerate infusion and commercialization of promising Phase II technologies by closing critical R&D and integration gaps. Phase II‑E de‑risks transition to NASA missions and commercial markets by matching eligible third‑party investment up to $375,000, providing up to $750,000 in additional funding. Available to NASA SBIR/STTR/Ignite Phase II awardees. Submit any time (rolling submissions) within your contract’s eligibility window.
CCRPP
NASA investment match: $500,000-$2,500,000
The Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program (CCRPP) is a powerful Post Phase II opportunity whose goal is commercialization impact as well as NASA mission infusion. CCRPPs are not designed for the incremental changes of earlier phases of development. Rather, these heavyweight technologies are running an accelerated path into transitioning to NASA missions and applications as well as commercial markets. To support these impacts, CCRPP funding combines additional SBIR/STTR program investment with NASA or non-NASA entity investment.
Phase II Sequential
NASA investment: $2.5 – $4 Million
Phase II Sequential is a unique opportunity in the NASA SBIR/STTR Program that allows Phase II firms to continue Phase II work towards specific NASA needs. NASA has typically awarded three to four contracts per opportunity. Awards have a high-dollar value to accelerate development of technology required to meet mission needs.
SBIR/STTR Phase III
No NASA SBIR/STTR Funds
Phase III is the commercialization of innovative technologies, products, and services resulting from either a Phase I or Phase II contract. This includes further development of technologies for transition into NASA programs, other Government agencies, or the private sector. Phase III contracts are funded from sources other than the SBIR and STTR programs and may be awarded without further competition.
SBIR Ignite
NASA investment: Up to $225,000 for Phase I and up to $1,275,000 for Phase II
SBIR Ignite is an initiative that encourages small businesses to develop more commercialization-focused technologies. This initiative is ideal for high-growth, product-oriented entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses that have not worked with NASA before. It provides an opportunity to use NASA as a stepping stone on the path toward commercial success. SBIR Ignite reduces the gap between startups and investors, funding U.S. small businesses in their early stage, high-risk technology development to help make the company and their technologies more attractive to private sector investors, customers, and partners. Ultimately, Ignite drives the nation’s economy, increases capabilities delivered to commercial markets, and adds growth in jobs, revenue, and valuation.
Check out our schedule for current open opportunities!
Questions about getting started? Click here to find the right program contact to assist you.
How do I find a partner to work with?
To help our community of innovators, NASA SBIR/STTR has joined the SBIR Partnering Platform. This public, multi-agency platform facilitates partnering between Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) applicants/awardees and all those who can contribute to their success (investors, subject matter experts, research institutes, service providers, industry stakeholders, etc.) in their respective ecosystems. Instructions on how to register with the platform and begin making those partnerships are available on the platform.
Explore the SBIR Partnering Platform
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