SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) / STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer Research) Assistance

Two researchers in a laboratory conducting an experiment.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs offer entrepreneurs federal funding for research, development and commercialization of innovative technologies.

About Small Business Innovation Research Working Group

Collectively known as "America's Seed Fund", the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs strengthen small businesses in federal R&D and promote the commercialization of innovative technologies. Both programs are highly competitive, administered in three phases, and encourage socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses to participate.

The SBIR/STTR programs offer innovative small businesses federal funds to support the commercialization of innovative technologies—up to $150,000 for 1 year in Phase I and $1,000,000 for 2 years in Phase II. While Phase III is not funded through SBIR/STTR, small businesses can earn federal contracts for products, processes or services. Eleven federal agencies participate in SBIR, five of which are also involved in STTR. Each agency oversees its own program, with its own solicitation schedule and topics of focus. The STTR program requires small businesses to formally collaborate, and set intellectual property agreements, with a partnering research institution. 

If accepted into the program, participants may be able to advise future applicants in UB's SBIR/STTR working sessions. 

Participation and Eligibility

Program eligibility covers domestically-owned, for-profit organizations with less than 500 employees. These are businesses that qualify as a Small Business Concern (SBC) as defined by SBA regulations at 13 C.F.R. §§ 701-705.

There is no cost to participate or apply to SBIR/STTR.

For More Information

Martin Casstevens.

Martin Casstevens

Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships

Phone: (716) 645-8133

Email: mkc@buffalo.edu