It’s Official: NIH’s Small Business Program Is Back

Big news for innovators, founders, and R&D-driven small companies: NIH’s Seed Fund is back in action! 

On April 14, NIH’s Seed Fund (Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs) was reauthorized for the next five years. The reauthorization restores momentum, improves the programs, and reopens pathways for both new applicants and currently funded projects.

NIH’s Seed Fund is a cornerstone of biomedical entrepreneurship in the U.S. The SBIR and STTR programs exist to help small businesses develop innovative technologies that improve health and save lives. They do it by supporting the kind of research, development, and validation that can be hard to fund elsewhere. And, these programs can be a pivotal growth lever whether you are an early-stage small business with a bold idea or an experienced company actively pushing toward commercialization.

When the new SBIR and STTR funding opportunities become available, they will further unlock dedicated funding each year for eligible U.S. small businesses to power breakthrough science, build game-changing technologies, and move solutions toward real-world impact. 

What You Should Know 

If you’ve been building toward a breakthrough, now is the moment to get organized, get registered, and get your plan in motion. We strongly encourage you to review the forecasted funding opportunities for the small business Notices of Funding Opportunities on Grants.gov. In general, forecasts are intended to help researchers prepare for potential funding opportunities, but they are informational only. The funding opportunities may take some time to be issued and begin accepting applications.

In the meantime, here is what you can do.

Take advantage of the many resources related to NIH’s small business programs available on our NIH Grants and Funding website, including:

• SBIR vs. STTR info
• Eligibility basics
• Guidance and resources for potential applicants
• Sample applications 

These resources are very helpful for those new to NIH funding, and meant to reduce the time, effort, and potential confusion you may have about application and award processes. Starting early is more important than ever: late submissions of SBIR or STTR applications will not be accepted (see NOT-OD-26-064).

Do you have your registrations?

One of the most common preventable delays is paperwork - not science. Before you can apply, businesses must complete multiple registrations, and the process can take 6 weeks or more. If you’re thinking “I’ll handle that later,” consider this your friendly nudge: start early so you’re not racing the clock when the Notices of Funding Opportunity drop.

Contact appropriate NIH program staff with questions. 

NIH can also resume issuing noncompeting continuation (Type 5) awards. If you have an active project, please remember to speak with your Program Officer. NIH can move forward again with continuation funding for eligible ongoing work.

Please stay tuned as additional information and resources are planned. We look forward to receiving groundbreaking and innovative research ideas from U.S. small businesses that have the potential to improve public health.