SBIR/STTR Funding for Small Businesses
DOE SBIR/STTR programs provide funding to support research and development of technologies with commercial potential.
Understanding SBIR/STTR
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are research and development programs open to eligible U.S. small businesses.
The programs provide funding to develop innovative technologies and allow small businesses to collaborate with U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories, including INL, or other partners as subcontractors.
Interested small businesses apply to specific DOE funding opportunities that identify the technology innovations being sought.
SBIR
Small Business Innovation Research
Collaboration with a research institution is optional.
STTR
Small Business Technology Transfer
Collaboration with a nonprofit research institution is required.
SBIR/STTR Funding Phases
SBIR/STTR funding is structured in phases that support different stages of technology research, development and commercialization.
Phase I — Establish Feasibility
Supports initial research to establish the technical feasibility of an innovative concept.
- Awards up to $300,000
- 6–12 months
Phase II — Advance Development
Supports further research and development, including technology prototyping.
- Awards up to $2,000,000
- 1–2 years per award
Phase III — Pursue Commercial Applications
Continues Phase I and II work toward commercial applications using funding outside SBIR/STTR.
- Non-SBIR/STTR funding
- Commercialization and follow-on work
Working with INL through SBIR/STTR
DOE national laboratories can participate as research partners in STTR projects and as subcontractors in SBIR proposals. A laboratory partnership can provide technical expertise and access to equipment and facilities needed to carry out the proposed research.
When might an INL partnership make sense?
Consider working with a national laboratory when your proposed project requires:
Specialized technical expertise
Supplements capabilities or expertise not available within your business.
Research equipment & facilities
Provides access to resources needed to conduct the proposed research.
STTR research partnership
Fulfills the requirement for STTR applicants to partner with an eligible nonprofit research institution.
Planning your proposal
DOE recommends identifying potential research partners early and clearly defining the expertise, equipment or facilities they contribute to the proposed project.
Lab Innovation Opportunity
The SBIR Lab Innovation Opportunity (LIO) is a specialized track for small businesses that have licensed or intend to license technology developed by a DOE national laboratory.
Applicants must partner with the laboratory that owns the relevant intellectual property. Between 30% and 66% of total project funding may be subcontracted to the laboratory for continued technical support during the SBIR LIO project.
Interested in licensing INL technology?
INL technologies are listed through the Lab Partnering Service.
Connect with INL for SBIR/STTR
Contact the Technology Deployment team for information about partnering with INL on an SBIR/STTR project.
Additional Resources