Your TL;DR: The Department of Energy’s FY25 SBIR/STTR Phase II opportunity is now open for eligible prior awardees. The opportunity continues research and development that began in Phase I, supports larger awards of up to $2 million, and introduces applicants to DOE’s updated application process through the SBIR/STTR Application Hub.
The Department of Energy has opened its FY25 SBIR/STTR Phase II funding opportunity for eligible Phase I awardees. While many applicants are focused on the newly announced Genesis Mission Phase I solicitation, organizations that have already completed Phase I projects should also pay close attention to this release.
Phase II funding is designed for projects that have already demonstrated technical feasibility and are ready to advance toward prototype development, validation, and commercialization. Rather than asking applicants to prove an idea has potential, DOE expects Phase II proposals to build on successful Phase I outcomes and demonstrate a clear path toward broader impact and market adoption.
Organizations considering this opportunity should review eligibility requirements early to confirm that their prior awards align with the Phase II topics included in the current solicitation.
Key Dates
The DOE SBIR/STTR Application Hub lists the following deadline for the current opportunity:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| FY25 Phase II Submission Deadline | September 25, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern |
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final days to begin the submission process. The updated application platform requires account access through the Acquisition Management Portal (AMP), and completing registrations in advance provides additional time to resolve administrative issues before the deadline.
Phase II Funding
DOE describes Phase II as the stage where promising Phase I technologies continue research and development while moving toward prototype development and demonstration.
For this opportunity:
- Maximum award amount: Up to $2,000,000
- Typical project period: One to two years
- Technical and Business Assistance (TABA): Available in addition to the maximum research award amount for eligible commercialization activities.
DOE also notes that successful projects may later pursue sequential Phase II awards under the updated program structure, with matching funds required only for a third Phase II award.
Who Is Eligible?
This solicitation is not an entry point into the DOE SBIR/STTR program.
The current FY25 Phase II opportunity is intended for organizations with eligible prior DOE Phase I awards. According to the DOE Application Hub, only existing Phase I and Phase II awardees from prior funding rounds may apply. New applicants must first enter the program through a Phase I opportunity.
Applicants should also review the listed DOE Applied Offices and eligible prior Notices of Funding Opportunity to confirm that their Phase I award qualifies for the current solicitation.
Required Registrations
Applicants should ensure the following requirements are complete before beginning a submission:
- Active SAM.gov registration
- SBA Company Registry
- Access to the DOE SBIR/STTR Application Hub, including an account request for the Acquisition Management Portal (AMP) where applications are submitted.
Beginning these administrative steps early allows more time to focus on the proposal itself rather than resolving registration issues as the deadline approaches.
Looking Ahead
DOE’s revised SBIR/STTR program establishes a more structured pathway from Phase I through Phase II and beyond, with evaluation points between funding stages designed to focus additional investment on technologies demonstrating both technical progress and commercial potential. Organizations with eligible prior awards should review the current opportunity carefully to determine whether their project aligns with the available Phase II topics and requirements before preparing an application.