National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research Program (NSF SBIR/STTR)
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The NSF SBIR/STTR program provides non-dilutive funding to U.S.-based startups and small businesses developing high-risk, high-impact technologies with strong commercial potential. NSF states it funds “nearly everything from biotechnology to wireless communications to quantum to semiconductors.” Companies begin by submitting a required Project Pitch to determine fit with the program before being invited to submit a full proposal.
The NSF SBIR/STTR program looks forward to receiving the submission of new Project Pitches in response to the new solicitations beginning on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Full proposal submission deadlines are:
July 27 2026
November 4 2026
March 4 2027
Proposal submission is due by 5:00 PM submitter’s time on the specified due date.
NSF emphasizes that the program is intended for technologies requiring substantial high-risk R&D and not “straightforward engineering or incremental product development tasks.” The process is highly competitive, with historical NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I funding rates between 10% and 20%.
How much funding would I receive?
If your proposal is awarded, NSF states you may receive:
Up to $305,000 for a Phase I award.
Up to $1,250,000 over two years for a Phase II award.
The solicitation materials provided do not specify award minimums, matching requirements, or the number of anticipated awards.
What could I use the funding for?
NSF states funding is intended for:
High-risk research and development
Deep technologies
Foundational science and engineering innovations
New products, services, and scalable solutions
Technologies with strong commercial potential and societal impact
The program specifically supports technologies that:
Require substantial technical innovation
Address significant societal or national problems
Create sustainable competitive advantages
Demonstrate meaningful market pull and scalability
NSF explicitly states it does not fund:
Straightforward engineering
Incremental product development tasks
Areas of Interest
-
The Advanced Manufacturing topic aims to support emerging innovations in manufacturing with the potential to stimulate the nation’s manufacturing sector by improving efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability. Proposals should be driven by a foundational technology that significantly advances the way products are made. This can include, but is not exclusive to, technologies in new manufacturing processes, equipment, automation, modeling, and materials/minerals.
Sub-Topics
M1. Building and Infrastructure
M2. Carbon Sequestration
M3. Cybermanufacturing
M4. Distributed Manufacturing
M5. Ecomanufacturing
M6. Modeling and Simulation
M7. Natural Resources and Critical Minerals
M8. Quantum Device Manufacturing
M9. Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing
M10. Other Manufacturing Technologies -
The Advanced Materials topic addresses the development of new and improved materials for a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications. Proposals may focus on the creation of innovative material systems and/or on critical fabrication, processing or manufacturing challenges involved in the successful demonstration and commercialization of novel advanced materials. A broad range of applications areas will be considered as part of this topic.
Sub-Topics
AM1. Advanced Engineering Materials
AM2. Coatings and Surface Modifications
AM3. Metals and Ceramics
AM4. Novel Advanced Materials-based Sensors
AM5. Structural and Infrastructural Materials
AM6. Other Advanced Materials Technologies -
The Advanced Systems for Scalable Analytics topic focuses on innovations needed for building systems that organize and process large and ever-increasing volumes of structured, semi-structured and unstructured data to reveal actionable new insights. It also includes innovative knowledge management and data mining technologies that complement deep learning. Sample topics include data and knowledge management technologies for data acquisition, integration, annotation, governance and provenance; hardware and software for addressing the performance needs of analytical systems; technologies for continual learning in dynamic environments; technologies in data mining, visualization and optimization; and marketplaces for data and models.
These subtopics are only meant to serve as examples. All proposals focused on the development of a new high-risk technical innovation and significant potential commercial and societal impact are welcome to apply, regardless of subtopic.Sub-Topics
AA1. Building Analytical System for Learning from Dynamic Environments
AA2. Data Mining, Machine Learning (Non-deep learning-based), and Reinforcement Learning
AA3. Decision Support and Optimization
AA4. Knowledge and Data Management Technologies
AA5. Marketplaces for Data and Models
AA6. Novel Visualization Technologies
AA7. Software Technologies for Scalable Analytical Systems
AA8. Other Novel Technologies -
The Agricultural Technologies topic supports innovations enabling farm production ecosystems that support the proper utilization of natural resources. Such technologies may encompass systems-level and multidisciplinary solutions to enable complex agricultural practices that support increased biodiversity balanced with yield production.
Sub-Topics
AG1. Agroforestry
AG2. Expanding Access to Farming
AG3. Food Waste Mitigation
AG4. Harvesting Complex Systems
AG5. Improved Resilience through Interspecies Interchange
AG6. Nature-based Solutions
AG7. Polyculture Systems
AG8. Precision Agriculture
AG9. Resilient Supply & Distribution
AG10. Other Agricultural Technologies -
The Artificial Intelligence topic focuses on cutting-edge technologies in the field of deep learning-based AI systems and AI-based hardware. The recent successes in computer vision, machine translation, natural-language processing and speech recognition have led to widespread use of learning-based systems in production and an unprecedented growth in AI systems that interact frequently with and/or on behalf of humans in highly personalized contexts. This topic especially emphasizes next-generation AI technologies that are not only safe and reliable but also fair, robust against sophisticated adversaries, privacy preserving, and efficient in terms of computational resources, energy, training data size, etc. It also includes cutting-edge hardware technologies needed for sustainable AI (i.e., novel devices and architectures to support the tremendous processing power needed by AI technologies), edge devices (i.e., intelligent systems on a chip for applications such as voice assistants) and AI technologies that lead to better hardware systems.
These subtopics are only meant to serve as examples. All proposals that are focused on developing a new high-risk technical innovation and that have significant potential commercial and societal impact are welcome to apply, regardless of subtopic.Sub-Topics
AI1. Cognitive Science-based Technologies
AI2. Computer Vision Based AI Technologies
AI3. Conversational AI Technologies
AI4. Language-Based AI Technologies
AI5. Novel AI Hardware Technologies (e.g. Neuromorphic Computing, High-performance Technologies for AI, Smart and Secure Edge Devices, etc.)
AI6. Sustainable AI Technologies for Low Resource Environments
AI7. Technologies for Trustworthy AI (safe, fair, transparent, privacy-preserving, explainable, and/or secure)
AI8. Other Novel Technologies -
The Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality (AR/VR/MR) topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel hardware/software that can create shared experiences to translate research-based insights into commercializable opportunities for scalable, real-world application.
Technologies in this portfolio include those applying AI in education or workforce development, training tools, upskilling an aging workforce, improving health and wellbeing, as well as technologies as an enabling platform to deliver shared experiences, virtual collaboration, and experiential learning.Sub-Topics
AV1. Differentiated Hardware Technologies for AR/VR/MR
AV2. Differentiated Software Technologies for AR/VR/MR
AV3. UI/UX for Immersive AR/VR/MR
AV4. Advanced Analytics for Collaboration in AR/VR/MR
AV5. Other Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality Technologies -
The Biological Technologies topic covers a wide range of technology areas to advance engineering and science innovation across the biological spectrum. Biological technologies have disrupted decades-old chemical, agricultural and medical products and services, producing a new bioeconomy. Potential breakthroughs in this space are on course to make major socioeconomic contributions by boosting productivity in industrial and agricultural processes, improving human health, and making advances toward environmental sustainability.
Proposed projects should be focused on using or modifying living organisms, systems or biological processes to develop new technologies to produce biochemicals and medical and agricultural products. They may involve bioengineering to improve function in molecules, cells and tissues in humans, plants, animals and microbes. NSF also encourages proposals for enabling new technologies, such as new tools for genomics, proteomics and drug discovery; instruments for biological applications; computational and bioinformatic tools; and new manufacturing technologies for cells, tissues, organs and biologics (with the exception of clinical trials and schedule I substances).
Subtopics are not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy or safety studies, the development pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates or medical devices, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes. Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.Sub-Topics
BT1. Animal Biotechnology
BT2. Aquaculture
BT3. Bio-Inspired Technologies
BT4. Bioinstruments and Biosensors
BT5. Cell and Tissue Engineering
BT6. Fermentation
BT7. Life Science Research Tools
BT8. Microbiome and Microbial Diversity
BT9. Plant Biotechnology
BT10. Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering
BT11. Other Biological Technologies -
The Biomedical Technologies topic aims to support the early-stage development of novel products, processes or services that will enable the delivery of high-quality, economically efficient healthcare.
Subtopics are not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy or safety studies, the development pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates or medical devices, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes. Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.Sub-Topics
BM1. Diagnostics
BM2. Drug Delivery Methods
BM3. Materials for Biomedical Applications
BM4. Medical Imaging
BM5. Monitoring Devices
BM6. Other Biomedical Technologies -
The Chemical Technologies topic covers a wide range of technology areas of current and emerging commercial significance to many areas, including the broad chemical industry; food processing and technology; agrochemicals; chemical alternatives and organics; green chemicals; water treatment and separations; advanced catalysts and materials; and biochemicals. Sensing, data and advanced analytics technologies relevant to these fields are also appropriate for this topic area. Beyond improvement on technical specifications, it is important to also clearly identify the competitive landscape of what is currently possible and why the proposed innovation will have an impact commercially and/or from a societal benefit standpoint.
Sub-Topics
CT1. Biochemicals
CT2. Catalysts, Advanced Chemicals and Materials
CT3. Chemical and Environmental Sensing and Data
CT4. Food Processing, Chemicals and Agriculture
CT5. Green Chemicals and Chemical Alternatives
CT6. Separations and Water Treatment
CT7. Other Chemical Technologies -
The Cloud and High-Performance Computing (HPC) topic focuses on innovations that result in substantial improvements to cloud computing or high-performance computing platforms. These improvements may be to computing power and efficiency, energy management, data storage, latency, data integrity and availability, cost, or any other factor of importance in such platforms, and may result from software- or hardware-based innovations. These subtopic areas are meant to serve as examples; all proposals with technical innovation and significant commercial potential are welcome, regardless of the specific area of focus of the project.
Sub-Topics
CH1. Algorithms and Applications
CH2. Computational Architecture
CH3. Convergence of AI and Cloud/HPC
CH4. Edge Computing
CH5. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
CH6. In-memory Processing
CH7. Interconnects
CH8. Middleware
CH9. Performance Monitoring
CH10. Processing on Encrypted Data
CH11. Processor Architecture and Design
CH12. Resilience and Resource Management
CH13. Other Cloud and High-Performance Computing Technologies -
The Cybersecurity and Authentication topic focuses on innovations related to the security and integrity of data and data processing and the authentication of people and devices. These subtopic areas are meant to serve as examples; all proposals with technical innovation and significant commercial potential are welcome, regardless of the specific area of focus of the project.
Sub-Topics
CA1. Computation on Encrypted Data
CA2. Cryptography, including Post-quantum Cryptography
CA3. Data Privacy and Integrity
CA4. Device Authentication
CA5. Distributed Ledger
CA6. Encryption, including Homomorphic Encryption
CA7. Network and Device Security
CA8. Personal Authentication
CA9. Secure and Trusted Computing
CA10. Secure Machine-to-Machine Communication
CA11. Security of Cloud and High Performance Computing (HPC) Platforms
CA12. Other Cybersecurity and Authentication Technologies -
The Digital Health topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest-stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel technologies that aim to improve physical or mental wellbeing or health, enable or assist individuals to increase or regain independence and quality of life and improve the delivery of healthcare including efficiency, reducing cost or improving outcomes.
Technologies in this portfolio include those applying AI in healthcare or general wellness (medical image analysis, personalized medicine, EHR/EMR, Clinical decision support, Computer aided diagnostics, support or therapy, smart/connected medical devices) as well as technologies that enable or provide assistance to aging or disabled populations and individuals undergoing rehabilitation.Sub-Topics
DH1. Assistive, Enabling and Rehabilitative technologies
DH2. AI in healthcare and drug discovery
DH3. Healthcare Workflow, Economics and Delivery
DH4. Medical Diagnostics and Devices
DH5. Physical, Mental and Behavioral Health
DH6. Other Digital Health Technologies -
Breakthroughs at the edge of science and engineering are reshaping industries, redefining human capabilities, and creating new market spaces. The Emerging Technologies topic within the NSF Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer program is designed for startups working on transformative innovations that defy conventional classifications — pioneering discoveries that could set the stage for the next technological revolution.
This topic is for radical, high-risk ideas that leverage deep science and engineering to push beyond existing limitations. Proposals should introduce disruptive, category-defining solutions that may not fit within traditional NSF topic areas but have the potential to create entirely new industries or fundamentally alter how we interact with the world.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
Post-Silicon Computation & Intelligent Systems: Quantum logic, molecular computing or bio-inspired artificial intelligence architectures
Matter & Machines at the Extreme: Self-assembling nanostructures, programmable materials, or biohybrid robotic systems that blur the lines between biology and engineering
Living Technologies & Engineered Evolution: Synthetic biology innovations that harness evolution to create self-improving therapeutics, biocomputers, or sustainable biomaterials
Radical Energy & Resilient Earth Innovations: Zero-point energy exploration, deep-space resource utilization, or engineered photosynthesis for planetary-scale impact
Cognition & Human Augmentation: Direct brain-machine integration, digital telepathy, or neuroplasticity-enhancing interfaces that redefine intelligence
Unconventional Sensing & Interaction: Quantum sensors, femtosecond imaging, or technologies enabling new dimensions of perception If your startup is pioneering a new technological paradigm, building something that did not exist before, and pushing the limits of what's possible, the Emerging Technologies topic is your opportunity to secure early-stage funding for world-changing innovation.
Sub-Topics
EM1. Emerging Technologies
-
Environmental Technologies covers a variety of areas of current and emerging commercial significance including environmental sensing, data, and advanced analytics. Please highlight any aspects of the proposed technology or approach that address a problem without a current solution, or one which is underdeveloped.
Sub-Topics
ET1. Conservation, Adaptation and Restoration
ET2. Digital Ecosystem for the Environment
ET3. Emission or Waste Reduction and the Circular Economy
ET4. Food, Regenerative Agriculture, and Energy
ET5. Measurement
ET6. Resiliency
ET7. Sustainable Community Systems
ET8. Water Treatment, Resilience, and Sanitation
ET9. Other Environmental Technologies -
The Human-Computer Interaction (HC) topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel HCI in the context of domains, such as health, education, families, or work to design new computing systems to amplify humans’ physical, cognitive, and social capabilities which translate research-based insights into commercializable opportunities for scalable, real-world application.
Technologies in this portfolio include multimedia and multimodal interfaces, such as haptic, tangible, gestural, spatial, and wearable; brain-computer interfaces; intelligent and interactive user interfaces; affective computing; human state estimation involving interaction; and methods for interaction with artificial intelligence. This topic includes commercialization of computational methods and systems for creating and authoring video, audio, textual, visual, and multimedia forms in support of creative expression and ideation and includes technology-supported human-to-human communication and systems which foster innovation and dismantle barriers to scientific progress in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the development of information, interaction, networks, systems, and other forms of computation in response to human needs, desires, and intentions.Sub-Topics
HC1. Multimedia and Multimodal Interfaces
HC2. HC Computational Methods and Systems
HC3. Smart Integrated Systems
HC4. Human-to-Human Communication Systems via Technology
HC5. Other Human-Computer Interaction Technologies -
The Instrumentation and Hardware Systems topic addresses the research and development of new and improved instrumentation and related systems for a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications. Proposals in this topic may deal with new instruments for use in scientific, industrial, engineering or manufacturing environments, among others. Systems and tools designed for the purposes of detection, manipulation, characterization, measurement, processing, control or monitoring will be considered. A wide variety of applications areas will be considered as part of this topic.
Sub-Topics
IH1. Instrumentation or Hardware Systems for Actuation, Control, and Manipulation
IH2. Instrumentation or Hardware Systems for Detection and Characterization
IH3. Instrumentation or Hardware Systems for Imaging
IH4. Other Instrumentation or Hardware Systems Technologies -
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly evolving field that involves the interconnection and interaction of smart objects (objects or devices with embedded sensors, onboard data processing capability, and a means of communication) to provide automated services that would otherwise not be possible. IoT is not a single technology, but rather involves the convergence of sensor, actuator, information and communication technologies. Emerging IoT implementations will use smaller and more energy-efficient embedded sensor technologies, more sophisticated actuators, enhanced communications and advanced data analytics to collect and aggregate information. These new tools will enable intelligent systems that understand context, track and manage complex interactions and anticipate requirements. Market verticals that are potentially impacted by innovations in this area include connected cities and homes, smart transportation, smart agriculture, industrial IoT, and retail IoT.
Sub-Topics
I1. IoT Communications
I2. IoT Integrated Systems
I3. IoT Sensors and Actuators
I4. Networking
I5. Other IoT Technologies -
The Learning and Cognitions Technologies topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel innovations which disrupt educational norms, challenge conventional methods of content delivery and workforce development with measurable results while remaining firmly anchored in foundational research. They equip individuals for success in emerging industries and undefined roles, bridging the gap between established curricula and the swiftly evolving knowledge landscape.
Technologies in this portfolio include those applying AI in education or workforce development, training tools, upskilling an aging workforce, improving health and wellbeing, as well as technologies as an enabling platform to deliver innovative approaches to learning and cognition development which leverage groundbreaking technological advancements rooted in research.
Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.Sub-Topics
LC1. Advanced Learning Technologies
LC2. Workforce Development and Upskilling
LC3. Advanced Analytics for Learning and Cognition
LC4. Innovative Approaches to Multimodal Learning
LC5. Other Learning and Cognition Technologies -
The Medical Devices topic aims to develop novel medical device platforms, introduce innovative medical technologies or translate emerging scientific principles into health practice. Proposals should be considered leading edge innovations, typically based on a discovery, new approach or new scientific principle to medical devices or technologies.
Limited human subject clinical studies may be acceptable if they are performed in support of feasibility or proof-of-concept objectives. The program does not support proposals to conduct clinical trials for sample size calculations, statistically demonstrate safety or efficacy or the development of pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates. Clinical work performed primarily for regulatory purposes or post market surveillance are also not allowed. Proposals requesting support for clinical trials are noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitation and returned without review.Sub-Topics
MD1. Diagnostic Imaging or Monitoring
MD2. General Medical Devices
MD3. Implantable
MD4. Manufacturing Processes or Prototyping Methods
MD5. Materials (non biological)
MD6. Procedural Technologies or Visualization
MD7. Rehabilitation
MD8. Wearables
MD9. Women's Health -
The Mobility topic encourages novel innovations in the land, air, and sea-based movement of goods and people that improve sustainability and resiliency. Proposals responsive to this topic may include technical breakthroughs that address infrastructure and flow issues in global, urban and rural environments. Interdisciplinary and collaborative innovations to address multiple mobility grand challenges are welcome. All proposed innovations must be capable of a sustainable business model.
Sub-Topics
MO1. Traffic Congestion and Routing
MO2. Safety and Navigation
MO3. Disaster Resilience
MO4. Efficiency
MO5. Supply Chain Transparency and Security
MO6. Labor Shortages
MO7. Accessibility
MO8. Other Mobility Topics -
The Nanotechnology topic addresses the creation and manipulation of functional materials, devices and systems with novel properties that are achieved through the control of matter at a submicroscopic scale (from a fraction of nanometer to about 100 nanometers). This includes, but is not limited to, innovative hierarchical nanostructures, nanolayered structures, nanowires, nanotubes, quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanofibers and other nanomaterials and biomaterials and their composite structures.
Sub-Topics
N1. Nanomanufacturing
-
For projects that do not seem to fit into one of the other technology topic areas, but still meet the NSF SBIR/STTR goals of supporting research and development of deep technology with commercial viability and the potential to benefit society, please pick Other Topics and subtopic OT1. Project pitches and proposals submitted to Other Topics are typically transferred and reviewed in the topic area that best matches the underlying technical innovation. The program does not reject Project Pitches or proposals based on a non-ideal choice of topic areas. The program routinely moves Project Pitches or proposals internally among topic areas that seem to best describe the underlying technical innovation and to ensure the right program officer and reviewer panel sees the project.
Sub-Topics
OT1. Other Topics
-
The Pharmaceutical Technologies topic covers a wide range of technology areas that advance the discovery, formulation, and manufacture of novel drugs, moieties, compounds, products, processes, platforms or services that will improve the selection, quality or price of pharmaceutical and biologic therapies.
The Pharmaceutical Technologies topic is not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy and safety studies, the development of pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates, work on medical devices or schedule I substances, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes. Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable if they are performed in support of feasibility, proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies and must follow NSF policies on research on human subjects. Proposals that request support for clinical studies are noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.
The NSF SBIR/STTR program no longer supports the development of specific therapeutic molecules. Drug Discovery and Manufacturing are still supported by the program.
Subtopics are not aimed at supporting clinical trials, the clinical validation of information technologies, or medical devices or studies performed primarily for regulatory purposes. Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.Sub-Topics
PT1. Drug Discovery
PT2. Pharmaceutical and Biologic Manufacturing
PT3. Other Pharmaceutical Technologies -
The Photonics topic addresses the research and development of new materials, devices, components, and systems that have the potential for revolutionary change in the optics and photonics industries. Photonic technologies can include anything generally operating in or using photons in the electromagnetic spectrum, from gamma rays down to long radio waves. Examples include lasers, various light emitting diode technologies (LED, OLED, QLED), radiation detectors, photonic integrated circuits, optical systems and novel communications technologies.
Sub-Topics
PH1. Advanced Metrology and Sensors
PH2. Advanced Optical Components and Systems
PH3. Communications, Information, and Data Storage
PH4. Lighting and Displays
PH5. Photonic Devices
PH6. Photonic Energy Conversion
PH7. Photonic Materials
PH8. Photonic Metamaterials and Plasmonics
PH9. Quantum Optics and Nanophotonics
PH10. Silicon Photonics and Photonic Integrated Circuits
PH11. Other Photonics Technologies -
The Power Management topic address the development of novel technologies that enable new power and thermal management solutions. Innovations supported could range from device-scale breakthroughs to embedded or standalone systems or grid-scale technologies.
Sub-Topics
PM1. Energy Harvesting Devices and Systems
PM2. Materials and Devices for Power Electronics
PM3. Materials and Devices for Thermal Management
PM4. Novel Power and Thermal Management Sensors
PM5. Power Electronics Circuits and Control Systems
PM6. Power Management Infrastructure and Smart Grid Systems
PM7. Systems for Thermal Management
PM8. Other Power Management Technologies -
This topic focuses on innovations in information and communications technologies that rely fundamentally on quantum mechanical properties and interactions. Typically, such innovations will involve the generation, detection, or manipulation of quantum states to provide faster, more efficient or more secure information processing and communications. Proposals may include innovations at the component, sub-system or system level that result in substantial and usable improvements in the generation, transmission, detection, storage or processing of information, or the security and privacy of information. Proposed innovations must offer the potential for robustness, reliability, scalability and operation at temperatures that are practical within the constraints of the intended application. Innovations at the component and sub-system level should aim for compactness and energy efficiency, consistent with the requirements of the application.
Examples of technology innovations in the quantum computing subtopic could include qubit generation and detection, development of computational models (quantum circuits, etc.), error correction, software, hardware sub-systems and systems and Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) computers. Examples of technology innovations in the quantum communications subtopic could include components such as sources, memories, repeaters, detectors, hardware sub-systems and systems, networks, cryptography and key distribution.Sub-Topics
QT1. Quantum Algorithms
QT2. Quantum Communications
QT3. Quantum Computing
QT4. Quantum Sensing and Metrology
QT5. Quantum Simulation
QT6. Other Quantum Information Technologies -
The Robotics topic covers robot intelligence and experiential learning, particularly in the areas of high-performance processors or hardware that provides situational awareness and improved artificial intelligence. Innovations in voice, obstacle and image recognition, emotional response and hand-eye coordination are encouraged. We encourage proposals describing projects that borrow features from other animal nervous systems and include biologists, neuroscientists and psychologists on their team to exploit new knowledge in the study of the brain and behavior.
NSF also seeks proposals that address next-generation automation; the flexible and rapid reconfiguration of assembly lines allowing mass customization; the use of advanced control, scheduling, modularization, and decentralization with agile, mobile robotic systems that can enable the cost-effective manufacture of small lot-size products; and on-demand parts manufacturing.
Proposals to support the physical and educational needs of individuals with disabilities (e.g., vision, hearing, cognitive, motor related) are sought. Robotic applications in healthcare, smart drones and drone networks are appropriate. Medical devices focused on providing new capabilities to doctors including surgery; robotic exoskeletons to enhance human strength; personal robots with an emphasis on human-centered end use and interaction, personal caregiving and increased autonomy; future of work; flying taxis; reverse engineering the human brain; robot sense, motion, thought, and emotion; human-robot art; and robots of augmentation are welcome.
Subtopics are not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy or safety studies, the development pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates or medical devices, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes. Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.Sub-Topics
R1. Human Assistive Technologies and Bio-related Robotics
R2. Human-Machine Interfaces and Control/Architecture
R3. Robotic Applications
R4. Robotics in Agile Manufacturing, and Co-Robots
R5. Underground or Underwater Robotics for Low-Visibility, Poor-Connectivity or Hidden Topography
R6. Other Robotics Technologies -
The Semiconductors topic addresses the research and development of new designs, materials, devices and manufacturing systems that have the potential for impactful change in the semiconductor and microelectronics industry.
Sub-Topics
S1. Electronic Devices
S2. Electronic Materials
S3. Integrated Circuit Design
S4. Microelectronics Packaging and Systems Integration
S5. Novel Semiconductor-based Sensors
S6. Processing and Metrology Technology
S7. Sustainable Semiconductor Manufacturing
S8. Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Materials
S9. Other Semiconductor Technologies -
The Space topic seeks transformative technologies to create solutions for sustainable space exploration, habitation or industrialization that could also have a positive impact on human lives.
Applicants should address known capability gaps for enabling technologies for the space or terrestrial industries. Proposals in this area may focus upon launch vehicles or satellite and vehicle propulsion systems, in-space research or manufacturing systems and services, human sustainability, spaceflight or exploration infrastructure, data processing and communication technologies, orbital servicing, asteroid mining and microgravity applications.Sub-Topics
SP1. Launch vehicles and propulsion
SP2. Satellite technology
SP3. Spaceflight infrastructure
SP4. Data and communication
SP5. In space services and production
SP6. Human viability and sustainability -
The Wireless topic involves next-generation wireless communication technologies requiring systems with high data rates, low costs and that support a wide variety of applications and services while maintaining full mobility, minimum latency, and long battery life. Devices and subsystems that increase data throughput rates via cell density; increased spectrum; multiple input, multiple output (MIMO); and new “antenna” concepts are encouraged. NSF welcomes proposals involving modulation and demodulation techniques for signal generation and reception through spectral efficiency, noise immunity, jamming immunity, and power efficiency; radio frequency (RF) pollution: devices and circuits; processing algorithms/3D spatial control; and high efficiency devices such as micro-TWT (traveling-wave tube), smart dust and inductive couplers. NSF seeks proposals in the areas of spectrum-related research and development activities that improve the efficiency by which the radio spectrum is used, and the ability of all members of the public to access spectrum-related services. Mobile and automotive radar, smart solar panels, on-panel DC-AC converters, openRAN (Radio Access Networks)-related devices and applications and self-testing and self-networking devices are also of interest.
Sub-Topics
W1. Communication and Networking Technologies
W2. Networked Sensors and Sensing
W3. Wireless Devices and Components
W4. Wireless Systems
W5. Other Wireless Technologies
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Additional benefits described in the solicitation materials include:
Access to external technical and commercialization reviewers
Feedback from NSF experts and review panels
Eligibility for supplemental funding opportunities after Phase II
Ability to apply for additional NSF funding after successful Phase I progress
NSF also notes that access to most Phase I award funds occurs at the time of award notification.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Application process timeline:
Complete the Project Pitch Assessment
Submit a required Project Pitch
Receive a response from NSF in approximately 1–2 months
If invited, submit a full proposal
Undergo proposal review and due diligence
Receive funding decision approximately 5–7 months after proposal submission deadline
Full proposal submission deadlines are:
July 27 2026
November 4 2026
March 4 2027
Proposal submission is due by 5:00 PM submitter’s time on the specified due date.
NSF states:
Proposal review occurs approximately 1–3 months after submission
Additional due diligence may occur approximately 3–5 months after submission
Funding decisions occur approximately 5–7 months after submission
Where does this funding come from?
The funding comes from:
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
America’s Seed Fund
NSF SBIR/STTR programs
The solicitation references:
NSF 26-510: Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs SBIR/STTR: Developing Deep Technologies that Advance U.S. Competitiveness and Security
NSF 26-511: Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs: A Pilot Emphasis on Scientific Instrumentation
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible, companies must:
Be a small business with fewer than 500 employees
Be located in the United States
Have at least 50% ownership by U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Perform all funded work in the United States
Employ a Principal Investigator (PI) at least 20 hours per week
Have the PI commit at least one month (173 hours) of work per six months of project duration
NSF states it does not fund:
Companies majority-owned by multiple venture capital firms
Companies majority-owned by private equity firms
Companies majority-owned by hedge funds
The PI does not need advanced degrees.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
NSF states it looks for companies and projects with:
Strong technological innovation
High-risk, unproven R&D
Significant societal or national impact
Sustainable competitive advantages
Commercial potential and market pull
Scalable business opportunities
Technically qualified and commercially motivated teams
NSF specifically evaluates:
Intellectual Merit
Broader Impacts
Commercial Impact
The solicitation materials state that proposals are reviewed by external technical and commercialization experts in addition to NSF program staff.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Important restrictions and requirements include:
Only one Project Pitch per submission deadline is allowed
Companies with a pending Project Pitch, Open Invitation, or proposal under review must wait before submitting another Project Pitch
All funded work, including consultant and contractor work, must occur in the United States
SAM registration is required before proposal submission
SAM registration can take up to three weeks to complete
Proposal submission is due by 5:00 PM submitter’s time on the specified due date
NSF also notes that:
An invitation to submit a proposal does not guarantee funding
Historical Phase I funding rates have been between 10% and 20%
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
The solicitation materials do not specify a required preparation timeline.
However, NSF states:
Writing a full proposal requires a “significant investment of time and effort”
Companies should begin registration processes “as soon as possible”
SAM registration can take up to three weeks
Research.gov registration can take up to 48 hours
The application process includes:
Completing a Project Pitch
Receiving NSF feedback
Preparing a full proposal if invited
Completing multiple federal registrations
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can help companies:
Assess fit with NSF SBIR/STTR evaluation criteria
Develop a compelling Project Pitch
Position the technical innovation and commercial potential clearly
Draft and manage the full NSF proposal process
Prepare commercialization and market positioning content
Coordinate registrations and submission workflows
Improve competitiveness against NSF review criteria
How much would BW&CO Charge?
Our full service support is available for a flat fee of $9,000 + 5% Success Fee.
Fractional support is $300 per hour.
For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier grant consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.