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? Paused As of Oct 1 2025
The SBIR/STTR program has been regularly renewed, but it is currently held up in the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee. 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. Renewal of existing awards is also in doubt. The SBIR/STTR program needs to be reauthorized. Small companies will soon have to wind down development, potentially close down, due to a lack of funding. Future technology and medical product innovations are delayed by each day this valuable program awaits reauthorization.
Proven Impacts
Health Impacts
Between 1996 and 2020, 12% of all new FDA-approved drugs were developed by companies that received SBIR and STTR funding [sbir.org]65% of SBIR/STTR projects from the NCI have gone on to support cancer patients lacking current treatment options [NCI]
SBIR has delivered a 22:1 return on investment for DoD and created over 1.5 million jobs nationwide. [theoutpost.com]Economic Impacts
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].Cross Sectional
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What Can You Do?
Are you at a company impacted by these changes? Fill our this form and we’ll share your story!
Call your senators, especially in target states with Senators working on the Senate Committee on Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship: Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Missouri, North Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, Ohio, Massachusetts, Washington, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Delaware, Hawaii, Nevada, Colorado, California
SBIR Testimonials
