Small Business Technology Transfer Grant (Parent STTR [R41/R42] Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for small businesses partnering with research institutions to develop innovative biomedical technologies and commercialize them. Applicant small businesses must have 500 or fewer employees, be U.S.-based, and have less than a specified level of federal funding. The small business leads the research effort, with research institutions (universities, nonprofits) as collaborators or subcontractors. Phase I supports feasibility studies; Phase II supports further development. Clinical trial aspects are optional components some applicants may pursue.
Any for-profit small business, SBIR/STTR-eligible company, or startup developing medical or life science technology can apply. The research institution partner must be a university, hospital, nonprofit research organization, or federally-funded research center. Projects must address NIH scientific interest areas. No geographic restrictions apply.
Key dates
- Jun 18, 2025 Applications open
- Sep 5, 2026 Application deadline in 96 days
- Mar 1, 2027 Award announced
- Apr 1, 2027 Project start
This grant is for small businesses partnering with research institutions to develop innovative biomedical technologies and commercialize them. Applicant small businesses must have 500 or fewer employees, be U.S.-based, and have less than a specified level of federal funding. The small business leads the research effort, with research institutions (universities, nonprofits) as collaborators or subcontractors. Phase I supports feasibility studies; Phase II supports further development. Clinical trial aspects are optional components some applicants may pursue.
Any for-profit small business, SBIR/STTR-eligible company, or startup developing medical or life science technology can apply. The research institution partner must be a university, hospital, nonprofit research organization, or federally-funded research center. Projects must address NIH scientific interest areas. No geographic restrictions apply.
Program description
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), including the following NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs): NEI, NHLBI, NHGRI, NIA, NIAAA, NIAID, NIAMS, NIBIB, NICHD, NIDCD, NIDCR, NIDDK, NIDA, NIEHS, NIGMS, NIMH, NINDS, NINR, NIMHD, NLM, NCCIH, NCATS, ORIP, NCI and ORWH, intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to invite eligible United States small business concerns (SBCs) to submit Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I, Phase II, Direct to Phase II (NIH only) and Fast-Track (NIH only) applications. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the R41/R42 activity code. United States small businesses that have the research capabilities and technological expertise to contribute to the R&D mission(s) of the NIH awarding components identified in this NOFO are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO. In addition, collaborative investigations combining expertise will be encouraged and these investigators should also begin considering applying for this application.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for small businesses partnering with research institutions to develop innovative biomedical technologies and commercialize them. Applicant small businesses must have 500 or fewer employees, be U.S.-based, and have less than a specified level of federal funding. The small business leads the research effort, with research institutions (universities, nonprofits) as collaborators or subcontractors. Phase I supports feasibility studies; Phase II supports further development. Clinical trial aspects are optional components some applicants may pursue.
Any for-profit small business, SBIR/STTR-eligible company, or startup developing medical or life science technology can apply. The research institution partner must be a university, hospital, nonprofit research organization, or federally-funded research center. Projects must address NIH scientific interest areas. No geographic restrictions apply.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application Form
- Project Narrative (Research Strategy)
- Detailed Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (PD/PI and Key Personnel)
- Letters of Commitment from Research Institution Partners
- Preliminary Data and Figures
- Facilities and Resources Documentation
- Commercialization Plan or Market Analysis
Program contact
- 👤 NIH SEED (Small business Education and Entrepreneurial Development)
- 📧 SEEDinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-827-8595
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.838 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$64,183,283
-
$53,344,199
-
$43,989,024
-
$38,428,037
-
$34,243,478
-
$27,859,190
-
$26,861,834
-
$26,624,924
-
$26,063,829
-
$25,153,102
Top States by Funding
- MA 14 awards $246.0M
- CA 15 awards $199.1M
- CO 8 awards $139.0M
- IL 7 awards $107.8M
- NC 4 awards $95.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.113). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $445,816,844 | |
| 2025 | $465,862,818 | |
| 2026 est. | $40,301,265 |
FAQ
Who is the primary applicant for STTR grants?
The small business is the primary applicant and project lead. A research institution must be a partner, collaborating on at least 40% of the research.
What is the difference between Phase I and Phase II STTR?
Phase I is a feasibility study lasting up to 6 months (R41). Phase II supports further development over 2 years (R42) if Phase I is successful.
What kinds of organizations can be research institution partners?
Universities, hospitals, nonprofits, and federally-funded research centers (FFRCs) can serve as collaborators. They must contribute meaningfully to the project.
How competitive is this funding?
STTR is moderately to highly competitive. Strong preliminary data, clear commercial potential, and experienced teams strengthen applications significantly.
What is the typical funding range?
Phase I awards typically range from $150,000–$225,000. Phase II awards typically range from $600,000–$1.5 million, depending on complexity and NIH institute.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Establish a strong partnership with your research institution before submitting. Ensure they understand their role and commit the required research effort.
- Provide compelling preliminary data showing technical feasibility. NIH reviewers want evidence your approach works.
- Clearly articulate the commercial pathway and market need. Explain why your technology matters to patients or clinicians.
- Address reviewer concerns preemptively in your application. Demonstrate you understand technical risks and have mitigation plans.
- Follow NIH formatting guidelines precisely. Use the correct grant forms (SF-424 R&R), font sizes, and page limits to avoid administrative rejection.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack strong preliminary data demonstrating feasibility. Many fail because they rely on theory rather than proof-of-concept results.
Weak commercialization strategy or unclear market need. Reviewers reject applications that don't articulate realistic paths to commercialization or product uptake.
Research institution plays a minor role instead of 40%+ of effort. STTR requires true partnership; if the institution is just a contractor, the application may be deemed non-responsive.
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