Program Phases and Funding Levels
Phase I: Feasibility and Proof of Concept
- Establish technical merit and feasibility of proposed R&D
- Demonstrate the ability of the small business to grow and operate successfully
- SBIR: typically $150,000 for total costs over six months; may not exceed $295,924*
- STTR: typically $150,000 for total costs over one year; may not exceed $295,924*
*For specific topics, NIH may exceed these total award amounts
Phase II: R&D
- Continue R&D initiated in Phase I toward commercialization
- Commercialization plan is required
- SBIR and STTR: typically $1 million for total costs over 2 years; hard cap $1,972,828*
*For specific topics, NIH may exceed these total award amounts
Fast Track
- Combined application for both Phases I and II
- Allows single peer review process
- Budget amount follows typical Phase I and Phase II
Direct-to-Phase II: R&D
- Apply directly for Phase II funding
- Must demonstrate feasibility through research completed under other funding sources
- Only open to SBIR
CRP
- Continue R&D to transition from SBIR/STTR to commercialization
- Provides funding and technical assistance for R&D not supported through Phase II /IIB grants
- SBIR and STTR: typically up to $3.4 million for total costs up to 3 years
Phase IIB
- Up to three years
- Typically awards up to $3 million for total costs
- Encouraged to secure substantial third-party investor funds