SBIR & STTR
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federally-sponsored research and development that has commercial potential.
Center ICE’s SBIR support program provides wrap-around services -- all the way from grant matching to proposal submission and execution. These services are now provided through Alaska FAST. Click here for more information.
Center ICE’s SBIR support program is available to all Alaskans. Center ICE offers cohort-based “SBIR accelerator” programs on set schedule, and Center ICE can provide some assistance on an as-needed basis.
Center ICE provides the following SBIR/STTR services:
- Agency and topic navigation
- Proposal-writing training and guidance
- Mentorship and networking opportunities
Interested in joining our next cohort?
About SBIRs and STTRs
Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.
Central to the STTR program is the partnership between small businesses and nonprofit research institutions. The STTR program requires the small business to formally collaborate with a research institution in Phase I and Phase II. STTR's most important role is to bridge the gap between performance of basic science and commercialization of resulting innovations.
As of November 2021, agencies may issue a Phase I award (including modifications) up to $275,766 and a Phase II award (including modifications) up to $1,838,436 without seeking SBA approval.
Each Federal agency administers its own SBIR/STTR program within guidelines established by Congress. These agencies designate R&D topics in their solicitations and accept proposals from small businesses. Awards are made on a competitive basis after proposal evaluation.
The Three Phases of SBIR/STTR
Phase I.
The objective of Phase I is to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of the proposed R/R&D efforts and to determine the quality of performance of the small business awardee organization prior to providing further Federal support in Phase II. SBIR/STTR Phase I awards are generally $50,000 - $250,000 for 6 months (SBIR) or 1 year (STTR).
Phase II.
The objective of Phase II is to continue the R/R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. Funding is based on the results achieved in Phase I and the scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the project proposed in Phase II. Typically, only Phase I awardees are eligible for a Phase II award. SBIR/STTR Phase II awards are generally $750,000 for 2 years.
Phase III.
The objective of Phase III, where appropriate, is for the small business to pursue commercialization objectives resulting from the Phase I/II R/R&D activities. The SBIR/STTR programs do not fund Phase III. At some Federal agencies, Phase III may involve follow-on non-SBIR/STTR funded R&D or production contracts for products, processes or services intended for use by the U.S. Government.
