NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Fast-Track Pilot Programs

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Fast-Track Pilot Programs are part of the NSF’s effort to promote technological innovation and commercialization of scientific discoveries. Administered under the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), these programs are designed to facilitate the development and market entry of high-risk, high-impact technologies by providing non-dilutive, fixed amount cooperative agreements. The aim is to move cutting-edge technologies derived from NSF-funded research into viable products and services that benefit society and the economy. The Fast-Track pilot initiative merges the traditional two-phase NSF SBIR/STTR process into a single submission, allowing eligible small businesses to propose both Phase I and Phase II research and development in one proposal. The total potential funding for each award can reach up to $1,555,000, with Phase I capped at $400,000 and Phase II at $1,155,000. Projects are expected to last between 24 and 36 months, depending on the specified durations of each phase. Only companies that have previously received NSF funding, have undergone formal customer discovery training, and have a fully established team are eligible to apply. Eligible applicants must submit a Project Pitch and receive an invitation from an NSF Program Officer before they can submit a full proposal. The pitch and proposal must include references to a prior NSF research award from within the past five years. All applications must be submitted through Research.gov, and proposals will not be accepted via Grants.gov. The application package must include multiple forms and documents, including a biographical sketch, current and pending support, letters of support and commitment, and a project schedule. An Intellectual Property Rights agreement is required for STTR proposals and recommended for SBIR proposals involving subawards. The programs are competitive and proposals are evaluated on Intellectual Merit, Broader Impacts, and Commercialization Potential. Additional scrutiny during the Phase II transition involves a two-stage gate process: a reverse site visit to assess Phase I progress and a CAP (Cost Analysis and Pre-Award) review to determine eligibility for Phase II funding. Proposals declined at either stage are not eligible for reconsideration or future Phase II funding under this solicitation. Application deadlines for full proposals are September 18, 2024; November 6, 2024; March 5, 2025; July 2, 2025; and November 5, 2025. Companies may submit Project Pitches at any time, and full proposals must be submitted within four months of receiving an invitation. Only one proposal may be submitted per organization and per Principal Investigator (PI) at any time. NSF encourages proposals from underrepresented communities and maintains that R&D must be conducted within the United States by majority U.S.-owned small businesses. For further assistance, applicants can contact the NSF SBIR/STTR Program at [email protected] or by phone at (703) 292-5111. Comprehensive guidance on proposal preparation and required documentation is provided within the full solicitation text.

Submit Project Pitch early; ensure team completeness; prepare SciENcv documents; review Stage Gate requirements.