NHGRI Small Business Program

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) Small Business Program awards Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants for projects that fit our mission and vision.

For applications that align with a range of specific topics in genomics (see page 228), NHGRI application caps (total costs not including technical and business assistance) allow requests of up to $400,000 for Phase I and up to $2,000,000 for Phase II.

The NHGRI Small Business Program is interested in a wide breadth of work in genomics, including:

• Genomic Technology Development
• Computational Genomics and Data Science
• Genomic Medicine
   

If you think your research aligns with our institute, you are strongly recommended to contact program staff in the developmental stages of your application to ensure your proposed research aligns with NHGRI’s mission, vision, and interests.

Many government agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), fund small businesses through congressionally mandated set-aside funds. Each Institute and Center (IC) within the NIH has its own small business program and funds SBIR and STTR grants to encourage research and the development of innovative technologies that improve health and have a strong potential for commercialization. 

NIH has a central Small Business Education and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) office that develops and implements strategies and policies related to the NIH-wide small business program and provides support for the small business community. The SEED team manages the NIH SBIR-STTR Listserv, which provides relevant information about opportunities and updates for those interested in NIH small business opportunities. 

Sign up for the Central NIH Small Business listserv.

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.

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).

An Omnibus Solicitation extends across multiple agencies including the NIH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Applicants can submit applications for Omnibus opportunities at standard dates. NHGRI is always interested in responses to the Omnibus Solicitation, also known as the Parent Funding Opportunity Announcement, that relate to our mission.

Diversity Supplements are available for NIH-funded Small Businesses. Supplements can support students, post-doctorates and eligible investigators from groups that are underrepresented in health-related research or the small business community.

Targeted NHGRI Solicitations

• RFA-HG-21-008: Transformative Nucleic Acid Sequencing Technology Innovation and Early Development (R43/R44 Clinical Trial not Allowed)
   
• NOT-HG-21-018: Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Advancing Genomic Technology Development for Research and Clinical Application
   
• NOT-EB-21-001: Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Small Business Initiatives for Innovative Diagnostic Technology for Improving Outcomes for Maternal Health
   
• RFA-HG-20-016: Novel Synthetic Nucleic Acid Technology Development (R43/R44 Clinical Trial not Allowed) 
   
• PA-20-025: Development of Highly Innovative Tools and Technology for Analysis of Single Cells (STTR) (R41/R42 Clinical Trial not Allowed)
   
• PA-20-047: Development of Highly Innovative Tools and Technology for Analysis of Single Cells (SBIR) (R43/R44 Clinical Trial not Allowed)
   
• PAR-19-061: Investigator Initiated Research in Computational Genomics and Data Science (R43/R44 Clinical Trial not Allowed)
   
• PA-19-043: Novel Approaches for Relating Genetic Variation to Function and Disease (R43/R44 Clinical Trial not Allowed) 

NIH SBIR/STTR Resources

• NIH SBIR and STTR Programs
• Frequently Asked Questions
• SBIR and STTR Critical Differences
• Small Business Success Stories 
• NIH SBIR and STTR Application Types
• Support for Awardees
• Women-Owned and Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Businesses 

Sample SBIR/STTR Applications

• From National Institute of Allergy and Infection Disease (NIAID)
• From National Cancer Institute (NCI)
• From National Institute on Aging (NIA)
   

Eligibility and Application Process Resources

• Electronic submission process
• Small Business Eligibility Criteria
• Financial Systems
   

Research Involving Human Subjects

• Federal Wide Assurance
• Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval
• Human Subjects Education Certifications
   

Research Involving Vertebrate Animals

• Animal Assurance Number
• Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
   

Resources from Hubs

• Modular Learning about Biotech operations, functions, and skills (DRIVEN Accelerator Hub)
• On-Demand Webinars (SHARP Hub)
• SBIR For Newbies (XLERATOR hub)
• STTR Regional Technology Transfer Accelerator Hubs for IDeA States

Potential applicants are highly encouraged to communicate with NHGRI staff before submitting an SBIR or STTR application. Please send your proposed project’s specific aims draft to one of the program directors for feedback on how well it aligns with the NHGRI Small Business Program. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has helpful information about specific aims.

Michael W. Smith, Ph.D. 
Program Director, Genomic Technology Development 
smithmw@mail.nih.gov  

Heidi Sofia, Ph.D. 
Program Director, Computational Genomics, Data Science, and Genomic Medicine 
heidi.sofia@nih.gov