The NSF SBIR/STTR Fast-Track programs (also known as America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF) provide non-dilutive, fixed-amount cooperative agreements for the development of a broad range of technologies based on discoveries in science and engineering with the potential for societal and economic impacts.
This new pilot effort shares the same goals as the NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I and Phase II funding opportunities, but the NSF SBIR/STTR Fast-Track pilot programs have different eligibility requirements.
General Information: The NSF SBIR/STTR programs provide non-dilutive funds for use-inspired research and development (R&D) of unproven, leading-edge technology innovations that address societal challenges.
VIP!! Small businesses applying to the NSF SBIR/STTR Fast-Track pilot programs MUST have a lineage of NSF research funding, at least one Senior/Key Personnel to have undergone formal customer discovery training, and the entire team MUST already be in place at the time of proposal submission. For further information, see Eligibility Criteria. Here is the link 👉 https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/nsf24582.pdf?WT.mc_ev=click&WT.mc_id=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Submission Windows: The proposal submission system, Research.gov, will stop accepting proposals at 5:00 pm “submitting organization’s local time.” This is a firm deadline (no grace period). If your submission is late, you will not be able to submit again until the next deadline (and only if your Project Pitch invite remains valid). Proposers are strongly urged to submit well in advance of the deadline.
- September 18, 2024
- November 6, 2024
- March 5, 2025
- July 02, 2025
- November 05, 2025
Award Notification What You Need to Know: The National Science Foundation (NSF) typically takes 6–8 months to review and award Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Research (STTR) grant applications.
Estimated number of awards: 36 overall. With approximately ~20 awards for SBIR Phase II per year, and approximately ~16 awards for STTR Phase II per year, pending the availability of funds.
Max Budget Awards:
- Phase I: Up to $400,000 for 6 to 12 months.
- Phase II: Up to $1,155,000 for 18 to 24 months.
- Total: Up to $1,555,000 over a period of 24 to 36 months.
Application Operation
- Step 1: Project Pitch: Before submitting a full proposal, businesses must submit a Project Pitch via the NSF SBIR/STTR Fast-Track Project Pitch online form. This step ensures that the proposed project aligns with the program’s objectives.
- Step 2: Full Proposal Submission: Invited applicants can then submit a detailed proposal through Research.gov, including a comprehensive project description, budget, and required documentation such as biographical sketches and letters of support.
Evaluation Criteria – NSF evaluates proposals based on three main criteria:
- Intellectual Merit: Potential to advance knowledge and leverage fundamental research to overcome technical risks.
- Broader Impacts: Potential societal benefits and the ability to address major societal challenges.
- Commercialization Potential: The likelihood of the technology disrupting the market and meeting an unmet need.
Here is the link 👉 https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/nsf24582.pdf?WT.mc_ev=click&WT.mc_id=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
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