Program Structure
SBIR and STTR programs have similar goals, but STTR projects occur at an earlier stage in technology transfer and are more closely connected to the research institution, while SBIRs occur at a later stage in technology transfer and are more closely connected to the small business.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) |
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) |
|
---|---|---|
Project leadership | The principal investigator must be primarily employed by the small business. | The principal investigator can be employed by the small business or the academic institution. |
Non-profit research partner | A partnership with a non-profit research partner is not required. | A formal agreement with a non-profit research institution is required. |
Learn more about the differences between SBIR and STTR grants.
These programs are divided into 3 phases:

There are also opportunities for:
- Fast Track Applications where the Phase I and Phase II are submitted together and reviewed in one application.
- Direct to Phase II Applications for proposed Phase II work where proof of principle results were funded by means other than SBIR or STTR funding.
Learn more about the different types of applications (Phase I, Phase II, Fast-track, and Direct to Phase II).
Contact Staff
Program Directors

Heidi J. Sofia, Ph.D.
- Program Director
- Division of Genomic Medicine
Program Analysts

Katie Bardsley, B.S.
- Scientific Program Analyst
- Division of Genome Sciences

Helen Thompson, B.A.
- Scientific Program Analyst
- Office of Genomic Data Science
Last updated: January 6, 2023