Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs (SBIR/STTR): A Pilot Emphasis on Scientific Instrumentation.
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S. small businesses developing next-generation scientific instrumentation, experimental platforms, and equipment to advance scientific discovery. Applicants must qualify as small business concerns under SBA standards (typically under 500 employees including affiliates). For STTR proposals, you must partner with a research institution. For Phase I, you need an official invitation from NSF after submitting a Project Pitch.
All proposals must comply with SBIR/STTR Policy Directive and federal regulations. The focus is on enabling technologies across sectors, including AI-driven research tools. NSF takes no equity and you retain full ownership of your company and intellectual property.
This grant is for U.S. small businesses developing next-generation scientific instrumentation, experimental platforms, and equipment to advance scientific discovery. Applicants must qualify as small business concerns under SBA standards (typically under 500 employees including affiliates). For STTR proposals, you must partner with a research institution. For Phase I, you need an official invitation from NSF after submitting a Project Pitch.
All proposals must comply with SBIR/STTR Policy Directive and federal regulations. The focus is on enabling technologies across sectors, including AI-driven research tools. NSF takes no equity and you retain full ownership of your company and intellectual property.
Program description
NSF invests in scientific discoveries, technological breakthroughs, and transformative innovations that strengthen economic growth, enhance security, and improve the lives of Americans and people around the world. Our ability to support that mission requires a robust scientific and engineering (S&E) enterprise in the United States that allows scientists to innovate at the frontier. In addition to funding scientists, America needs next-generation scientific instrumentation that allows scientists to pursue new innovations. In many fields, it is critical that this new scientific instrumentation is developed in the United States.
In support of this mission, NSF is initiating a pilot emphasis area for itsSBIR/STTR programs to invest in startups and small businesses that are specifically developing enabling technologies that include next-generation instrumentation, novel experimental platforms, and other scientific equipment to advance the frontiers of scientific discovery and strengthen the American scientific and engineering enterprise. This encompasses novel instrumentation necessary for the coming era of AI-driven discoveries. This pilot will prioritize investing in the necessary infrastructure to support entirely new fields of scientific discovery, making new technological breakthroughs and transformative applications possible. Through this approach, NSF will continue to lead in propelling the scientific enterprise to new frontiers.
This pilot emphasis area for the NSF SBIR/STTR programs funds across enabling technology areas and market sectors in alignment with the above goals; the programs do not solicit specific technologies for the purpose of procuring goods and services for the agency from startups and small businesses.
NSF will continue to invest in other deep-tech ventures through the historic NSF SBIR/STTR programs available here.
Funding opportunities are available through the NSF SBIR/STTR programs: Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track, and Supplements. Each company can receive up to $2.0 million for R&D. Separately, NSF welcomes Strategic Breakthrough proposals, upon recommendation from the Program Officer, for Phase II awardees. NSF takes no equity and awardees keep full ownership of their company and intellectual property.
Expanding Participation in STEM and Gold Standard Science:
NSF prioritizes cutting-edge discovery science and engineering research, advancing technology and innovation, and creating opportunities for all Americans. NSF also expects the highest standards of scientific rigor, integrity and adherence to tenets ofGold Standard Sciencein proposals, as appropriate for the field of science and research modality.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for U.S. small businesses developing next-generation scientific instrumentation, experimental platforms, and equipment to advance scientific discovery. Applicants must qualify as small business concerns under SBA standards (typically under 500 employees including affiliates). For STTR proposals, you must partner with a research institution. For Phase I, you need an official invitation from NSF after submitting a Project Pitch.
All proposals must comply with SBIR/STTR Policy Directive and federal regulations. The focus is on enabling technologies across sectors, including AI-driven research tools. NSF takes no equity and you retain full ownership of your company and intellectual property.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Project Pitch (required to receive Phase I invitation)
- NSF SBIR/STTR standard application forms (SF-424, Cover Sheet)
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Company information and compliance documentation (SBA size certification)
- For STTR: Research institution commitment letter and collaboration agreement
- Biographical sketches of key personnel
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.084 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$33,821,660
-
$31,976,680
-
$30,163,581
-
$30,013,596
-
$29,494,884
-
$28,841,053
-
$25,127,344
-
$24,782,404
-
$23,999,999
-
$22,676,043
Top States by Funding
- MA 14 awards $133.5M
- DC 9 awards $98.7M
- CA 8 awards $95.1M
- NY 9 awards $89.1M
- IL 7 awards $64.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.084). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $607,870,000 | |
| 2025 | $609,179,999 | |
| 2026 est. | $346,570,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this NSF SBIR/STTR scientific instrumentation grant?
Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates) that develop scientific instrumentation or experimental platforms. STTR applicants must also partner with a research institution.
Do I need an invitation to apply?
For Phase I, yes—you must submit a Project Pitch and receive an official invitation from NSF before submitting a full proposal. Phase II and Fast-Track have different pathways.
What types of instrumentation qualify?
Next-generation scientific equipment, novel experimental platforms, and enabling technologies that advance research discovery—including tools for AI-driven science.
How much can we receive?
Each company can receive up to $2.0 million for R&D across Phase I, Phase II, and Fast-Track awards.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. NSF does not require matching funds, and you keep full ownership of your company and intellectual property.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Submit your Project Pitch early to allow time for NSF review and invitation before Phase I deadline. Invitations remain valid for two submission windows.
- Focus your pitch and proposal on how your instrumentation enables new fields of scientific discovery or breakthrough research, not on procuring goods for NSF.
- Emphasize scientific rigor, adherence to Gold Standard Science principles, and the transformative impact of your technology on the research enterprise.
- For STTR proposals, establish clear roles and governance with your research partner institution from the start.
- Highlight workforce development and expanding participation in STEM as co-benefits of your innovation.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting a Phase I proposal without obtaining an official NSF invitation first. This is a mandatory step and proposals without invitations will be rejected.
Framing your instrumentation as a procurement solution for NSF rather than as an enabling technology that advances scientific discovery broadly across fields.
Underestimating the importance of scientific rigor and Gold Standard Science compliance—NSF expects rigorous methodology and research design standards.
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