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Research

The NIAAA is the lead agency for U.S. research on the causes, consequences, prevention and treatment of alcohol use disorder and alcohol-related problems.

Updated: November 2024

Program Phases and Funding Levels

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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 $314,363*
  • STTR: typically $150,000 for total costs over one year; may not exceed $314,363*
    *For specific topics, NIH may exceed these total award amounts
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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 $2,095,748*
    *For specific topics, NIH may exceed these total award amounts
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Fast Track

  • Combined application for both Phases I and II
  • Allows single peer review process
  • Budget amount follows typical Phase I and Phase II
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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
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Commercialization Readiness Pilot (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 $4,191,495 for total costs up to 3 years
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Phase IIB

  • Up to three years
  • Typically awards up to $3 million for total costs
  • Encouraged to secure substantial third-party investor funds
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