The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program was established in 1982 under the Small Business Innovation Development Act. They are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development with the potential for commercialization. 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.
SBIR/STTR Introduction
EERE’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide competitively awarded grants to small businesses or individuals to develop and commercialize new ideas and innovative research. The awards for OE and EERE are granted once per year in Release 2. Phase I awards are generally close to, but must not exceed $206,500 for delivering proof of concept. Phase II awards for up to $1.15 million (and Phase IIa, IIb and IIc awards for $1.1M) require an extensive Commercialization Plan.
The CABLE SBIR program aims to scale up technology for the fabrication of breakthrough enhanced-conductivity materials for decarbonization and to encourage small businesses to partner with research institutions on advanced characterization, computing, modelling, and theory to inform and optimize their fabrication so as to enhance and maintain enhanced conductivity.
