Small business innovators, take note: the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering exciting funding opportunities through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These grants provide non-dilutive funding for groundbreaking research and development projects that address critical needs in healthcare and biomedical science. Applications are accepted three times per year, with the next standard due date fast approaching.
Why SBIR/STTR Programs Matter
NIH’s SBIR/STTR programs are designed to propel entrepreneurial ventures by funding early-stage research and development efforts. Whether you’re exploring novel solutions or refining evidence-based innovations, these programs provide the resources to develop and commercialize your ideas.
Key features include:
- Non-dilutive funding to maintain equity and control of your business.
- Access to NIH’s extensive network of expertise and resources.
- Opportunities to address critical scientific, medical, and technological challenges.
Explore Funding Options
NIH offers two main paths for small business funding:
- Omnibus Solicitations
The Omnibus solicitations welcome investigator-initiated ideas across a broad range of topics. These opportunities provide flexibility for researchers to propose innovative solutions in alignment with NIH’s mission areas.- Standard application due dates: January 5, April 5, and September 5 (adjusted for weekends/holidays).
- Learn more about the Omnibus Solicitations.
- Specific Opportunities
Focused Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) and Requests for Applications (RFAs) target specific research areas with dedicated funding. These are ideal for entrepreneurs with projects tailored to particular NIH priorities.- Explore the current list of Specific Opportunities.
For those interested in SBIR contracts, view the current solicitations.
Application Essentials
To maximize your chances of success:
- Understand the program requirements: Read the descriptions and research topics to ensure your proposal aligns with NIH’s priorities.
- Register early on SAM.gov: Your application must include a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), which can take weeks to process.
- Prepare thoroughly: Follow NIH’s step-by-step instructions to craft a competitive application.
- Watch the latest webinar: Gain insights from the November 2024 NIH SBIR/STTR webinar.
Act Now
With multiple due dates throughout the year, there’s no better time to start preparing your application. Whether you’re pursuing an Omnibus solicitation or a specific funding opportunity, we’re here to collaborate with you to maximize your proposal’s impact.
Explore your options and learn more about NIH SBIR/STTR programs by visiting the official NIH SBIR website. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to discuss how we can work together to bring your vision to life. Let’s turn your innovative ideas into tomorrow’s healthcare solutions.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.