Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program
What is SBIR?
The government's support for small businesses bringing innovative products to market was officially enacted by Congress in 1982 via the Small Business Innovation Development Act. Since then the SBIR and STTR programs have supported innovations through funding provided by multiple agencies across the federal government, including the DOD, USDA, etc. At NIH, the program supports hundreds of small businesses every year that are developing innovative biologics, drugs, medical devices, consumer products, and other technologies into marketable products that are made to help improve the lives of patients across the United States.
What is the Issue? Reinstated as of April 13th 2026, still lasting impacts from the months long pause
The SBIR/STTR program has been regularly renewed, but it was held up in the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee for 5 months. As a result the program is effectively stopped across the federal government. NIH is unable to allot funds, issue new awards, or accept applications since the program lapsed on September 30th, 2025. The SBIR/STTR program needs to be reauthorization that took place still leaves companies that were unable to apply for funding for months in Jeopardy.
Proven Impacts
Health Impacts
Economic Impacts
SBIR has delivered a 22:1 return on investment for DoD and created over 1.5 million jobs nationwide. [theoutpost.com]Cross Sectional
More than $4 billion annually flows through SBIR/STTR across 11 federal agencies, fueling innovation in defense, healthcare, energy, and cybersecurity [michbio.org]. NIH funding is over $1.4B annually [NIH SEED].What Can You Do?
Share Your SBIR Success Story
Are you at a company with lasting impacts due to the extended pause? Fill our this form and we’ll share your story!
Call your senators and let them know that the even though SBIR has been reauthorized it is not without consequence.
Call Your Representatives
SBIR Testimonials
