Adaptive Sensor Management - SBIR Topic DON26BZ03-NV065

Funding Amount:

Est. $315,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

Develop an algorithmic capability for dynamic resource allocation that characterizes existing Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) sensor tasking allocations, the relative magnitude of each sensor’s fire control data contributions to composite tracks, identify sensor resources that could be released for other more impactful tasking without sacrificing current track quality metrics of relevance, and specify existing or potentially new sensor tasking that would benefit most from re-allocation of those resources.

ITAR:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

Description:

Navy aircraft carriers and amphibious warfare (L-class) ships are defended by the SSDS, a combat system comprised of weapons, sensors, communications systems, computers, and other elements working together to detect, track, and engage inbound anti-ship missiles and other threats. SSDS platforms sense their environments and identify tracks of interest by integrating inputs from a variety of sensors, which include rotating, fixed face and fire control or target illumination radars that cover a variety of radar bands, as well as electronic support (ES) sensors that process received Radio Frequency (RF) waveforms. Each of these sensors provides its update to the combat system at different rates. For example, while phased array radars can provide rapid target measurements and schedule beams or dwells across a wide field of view, rotating radars may have much narrower fields of view (FOVs) and provide full rotations only once every several seconds. However, because each sensor strives to maximize performance and provide the information necessary for SSDS to build and maintain fire control quality tracks on targets of interest, there are conditions in which further aggregation of sensor data may provide diminishing returns related to fire control track quality (e.g., continuing to provide updates on certain well-characterized tracks may not offer significant track state covariance reductions or additional fire control quality improvements over its current state). It may be advantageous in these cases to shift some of those sensor tasks to other combat system needs, specifically where those additional tasks could substantially improve track quality on other targets or help improve situation awareness via other means. Nothing available commercially can provide this capability.

The Navy seeks an algorithm-based software solution that automatically detects which sensors are contributing to fire control quality tracks on particular targets, assesses the relative magnitudes of their contributions, identifies conditions in which particular sensor resources could be released for other sensor tasking, and specifies which current or potentially novel sensor tasking would benefit most from allocation of those released resources. Proposed solutions should be dynamic, adaptive, responsive to rapid changes in track hostility characterization (i.e., solvable in real-time or better, minimizing algorithmic worst-case time complexity), and work with heterogeneous combinations of sensor tasking and resource utilization feedback parameters. Solutions must identify each sensor’s capability that is controllable by SSDS (e.g., search sectors, search modes, track-based controls, and cueing capabilities, among others) and leverage those realistic features in a solution for SSDS.

Examples of alternative sensor tasking include but are not limited to: executing surface-, volume-, or sector-specific search patterns; modifying or updating search modes; applying track-based controls; cueing other sensors on a specific target; or other actions. Example algorithmic techniques and fields from which approaches could be derived include stochastic and Bayesian optimization, metaheuristics, model predictive control theory, or others. Proposals using artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches will also be considered, but proposers should note that candidate solutions must be capable of generating resource re-allocation recommendations in scenarios that may be completely novel to the combat system and for which little to no prior exposure has been provided. Finally, proposed solutions should correspond to and be compatible with the existing SSDS Program of Record sensors. The initial solution will focus on mathematical and algorithmic development needed to address interactions between four radars that either are or will be installed on most SSDS platforms: SPS-48, SPQ-9B, MK-9 Tracker/Illuminator, and SPY-6(V)3. Solutions should be demonstrable under low to medium-fidelity modeling and simulation approaches, and the algorithmic solutions included in the proposed solution must be explainable.

Five SSDS Top Level Requirements (TLRs) would be supported by this investigation (note that, in the requirements language below, EW signifies Electronic Warfare, and ES signifies Electronic Support):

• The SSDS Combat System (CS) shall provide a sensor cueing capability that automatically selects and assigns air tracks to specified own ship sensors for the purpose of achieving requisite track confidence and track data quality to support automatic engagement recommendations at maximum range allowed by engagement doctrine. [SSDS_CS_TLR-289]

• The SSDS CS shall perform cued radar search for high-priority ES tracks that meet specified criteria but are not correlated or associated with existing SSDS CS active radar tracks. [SSDS_CS_TLR-291]

• The SSDS CS shall detect resource utilization conflicts between sensors and resolve them based on the sensor resource priorities established. [SSDS_CS_TLR-1300]

• The SSDS CS shall have automated and manual capabilities to request additional target EW data by ES sensor(s) for a specified track to support updates to EW classification. [SSDS_CS_TLR-1607]

• The SSDS CS shall coordinate above water radar activities based on radar capabilities, availability, and tactical and operational conditions. [SSDS_CS_TLR-1631]

Solutions explored during a potential Phase II award must include an expanded set of sensors, the last of which is an ES sensor. The full sensor suite will therefore include SPS-48, SPS-49, SPQ-9B, SPY-6(V)2, SPY-6(V)3, MK-9 Tracker/Illuminator, and SLQ-32(V)6.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

PHASE I

Develop a concept for a dynamic resource allocation software capability that characterizes existing SSDS sensor task allocations and provides a solution that meets all requirements identified in the Description. Show feasibility of the concept using modeling, simulation, analysis, or other methods that are explainable, as well as references from sensor tracking and resource management open literature for resource management inputs. (Note: To support realistic demonstration and candidate solution development, the performer will be provided with a reference combat system architecture example and additional sensor tasking information.) Phase I solutions will be advisory in nature, where recommendations will be provided to sensor and/or combat system operators for evaluation and action. If the Phase I Option is exercised, include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II

Develop a prototype dynamic resource allocation algorithm-based software capability that characterizes existing SSDS sensor tasking allocations based on the results of Phase I, expanding to include the Phase II sensors identified in the Description as well as SSDS-specific fire control quality tracking and sensor resource management details. Phase II will also include a trade study to explore overall system performance where resource allocation actions are automatically taken by the system vice made to human operators for consideration and possible action. (Note: Phase II will require a notional plan for integrating the product into the SSDS combat system.) Deliver the prototype to the Navy.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use through system integration and qualification testing for the prototype hardware capability developed in Phase II. Deliver the prototype to support an IWS 80 critical experiment conducted jointly by the proposer and the combat system engineering agent (CSEA), expected to take place in a live environment with tactical SSDS combat management system (CMS) software. (Note: The transition will require integration of the prototype into the SSDS CMS.)

Dual-use applications to consider are self-driving cars, vehicles, and other platforms equipped with multiple sensors; manufacturing and production quality control systems; and other applications where systems must dynamically prioritize and allocate sensor coverage to maintain maximum system efficiency.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

Manufacturing Technologies for Ryberg-based Atomic Sensors (MANTRAS)-SBIR XL - SBIR Topic DPA26BZ03-DV011

Funding Amount:

Est. $5,000,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

Demonstrate a low-SWaP, ruggedized, and manufacturable platform for real-time measurement, data acquisition, and analysis of wideband RF signals using Rydberg-based atomic sensors.

Description:

Rydberg-based RF receivers are a class of emerging quantum technologies that are potentially capable of reception over an immensely broad carrier band (from HF/UHF to the millimeter-wave regime), high sensitivity, and passive operability within a single compact package.[1] Each of these attributes can, in turn, lend themselves to disruptive applications beyond the capabilities of conventional electro-optic, antenna-based, or plasmonic receivers. While the potential capabilities of Rydberg-based receivers have been validated to an extent within laboratory-scale proof-of-concept demonstrations, there are several technical challenges that need to be addressed en route to a viable DoW-relevant technology. Each of the particular attributes of Rydberg-based sensors that allow for beyond-SoA performance, i.e. all-optical tunability across orders of magnitude in reception frequency, quantum-limited sensitivity, coherent detection within compact vapor cells etc, also require the development of low-SWaP photonic and optolectronic systems for quantum state preparation and measurement; integrated optical frequency combs for wide tunability; and low-latency systems for control, measurement, and spectral analysis. At present, such quantum-enabling technologies have yet to demonstrate the stringent performance requirements needed to supplant larger, laboratory-scale infrastructure. This void has stymied the transition of such quantum devices to widely deployable, low-SWaP technologies as well as the future scalability of such systems to address a growing landscape of applications in atom-based sensing and PNT. In this context, ongoing programs at DARPA[2] are developing integrated photonic architectures ranging from on-chip narrow-linewidth laser sources and amplifiers at wavelengths of relevance to workhorse atomic species; microcomb-driven photonic integrated circuits for the stabilization and distribution of light; low-loss optical modulators and filters that could be harnessed for quantum state preparation, control and interrogation of atoms; and high-speed optical routing and processing architectures. Although the current performance of these enabling technologies is still some distance away from matching the performance of state-of-the-art laboratory-scale components, it is anticipated that continued progress in chip-scale photonics will lead to the maturation of these enabling technologies at a level that can match, and eventually surpass the performance of large-scale laboratory setups. It is also anticipated that the development of such chip-scale or integrated sub-systems can lead to advances and novel capabilities in deployable Rydberg-based quantum technologies that are not currently accessible with conventional antenna-based, electro-optic, or plasmonic techniques. The unique attributes of Rydberg-based RF receivers also pose challenges to the design and performance of control and signal processing architectures that are required to operationalize these systems. To achieve requisite levels of low-latency control, wideband signal processing, and autonomy of Rydberg-based devices, the aforementioned efforts on photonics will need to be complemented by innovative designs of low-latency system-on-chip (SoC) control and signal processing systems.[3] Further, in anticipation of the large landscape of applications for such receivers, it is preferable that such control and signal processing systems are co-designed in an application-oriented fashion, and compatible with an open-system architecture that enables seamless inter-operability of multiple application-specific control and signal processing architectures with the same photonic and optoelectronic system. This solicitation seeks to co-integrate Rydberg photonic systems with flexible low-latency control architectures for real-time measurement and processing of wideband RF signals for a low-SWaP and manufacturable platform for Rydberg atomic receivers.

PHASE I

Proposers wishing to proceed directly to Phase II may do so upon providing documentation of the following proof-of-concept capabilities:1. Laboratory scale performance of Rydberg-based atomic receivers for the proposed application showing performance comparable to, or exceeding, that of conventional antenna-based, plasmonic, or electro-optic receivers. 2. Proof-of-concept signal acquisition and processing algorithms implemented on Rydberg-based receivers. This proof-of-concept implementation does not need to be in a fully integrated ASIC or low-SWaP system, but should be compatible with an eventual real-time implementation in a compact platform that meets the SWaP metrics indicated in the solicitation.

PHASE II

Phase II base will produce a system-level design and laboratory prototype demonstration of a full integrated photonic/electronic control and signal processing system for a Rydberg atomic receiver. To enable appropriate comparisons with the performance of conventional RF systems, proposers may choose a specific application (e.g. wideband spectrum awareness, communications, signal identification and classification etc.) for the demonstration of their fully integrated Rydberg atomic receiver. Proposers should provide appropriate justifications that their proposed integrated Rydberg atomic receiver is amenable to other potential applications through nominal changes to the electronic control/signal processing system with minimal alterations to the photonic/optoelectronic architecture. The full system should target a form factor of <10L and a total power consumption of <50W. The design should be capable of meeting the following metrics for environmental ruggedness and deployability: • Operational temperatures: -10 to 55 ?C• Vibration noise (up to 1 kHz): 0.01 g2/Hz• Radiative emissions as per MIL-STD-461 for the proposer-defined application/platformThe Phase II base period of performance is 12 months and should conform to the schedule indicated below. (i) Schedule/Milestones/Deliverables for Phase II basePhase II base fixed milestones for this program should include:• Month 1: Preliminary report on Phase II base design for the integrated system, and report on acquisition and fabrication schedule for the end-of-Phase II base laboratory demonstration• Month 6: Interim report describing component fabrication, assembly, and testing. The report should include a discussion of any differences between realized component/system performance and the design requirements. • Month 12: Report describing the results of laboratory demonstrations of performance of integrated system for the proposed application, and a comparison to the SoA performance of conventional receivers for the same application. Report should also include preliminary testing and evaluation of the laboratory prototype for environmental resilience as per the metrics enumerated above. Phase II option will build upon the successful Phase II base efforts to demonstrate field testing and performance of a ruggedized and deployable Rydberg receiver system in a realistic operational environment. The Phase II option period of performance is 12 months and should conform to the schedule indicated below. (i) Schedule/Milestones/Deliverables for Phase II optionPhase II option fixed milestones for this program should include:• Month 1: Preliminary report on system-level integration, ruggedization, and real-time signal processing sub-systems of the deployable Rydberg receiver; and a testing schedule for the Rydberg receiver system in an operational environment.• Month 6: Interim report describing system assembly, testing, and performance of the deployable unit with comparisons relative to specifications of Phase II base design. The report should also include test results and evaluation of the deployable unit as per the environmental resilience metrics enumerated above. • Month 12: Final report describing the results of field tests of the integrated Rydberg atomic receiver and performance comparisons against the conventional SoA.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

The development of integrated, low-SWaP quantum systems for applications to sensing and PNT are each of critical relevance to several DoD applications. In addition, these technologies are crucial for various commercial markets including communications, spectrum awareness, design and testing of telecommunications infrastructure, and automation. It is anticipated that the development of scalable, robust and compact platforms for wideband Rydberg-based signal acquisition and processing will inform and enable these, and other, applications.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

Engineering Sleep for Cognitive Performance - SBIR Topic DPA26BZ03-DV012

Funding Amount:

Est. $2,000,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

Develop and demonstrate a wearable, non-invasive, closed-loop system that enhances the restorative functions of sleep. The system must monitor neurophysiological signals in real-time to deliver non-pharmacological stimuli that measurably improve physiological recovery and sustain cognitive performance under conditions of operational stress, such as sleep restriction.

Description:

The ability to sustain cognitive performance and accelerate physiological recovery is critical in demanding operational environments. Severe sleep restriction is known to degrade essential functions by disrupting the brain's natural restorative processes [1], including glymphatic waste clearance [2,3] and synaptic plasticity, which are tightly coupled to specific neurophysiological events during sleep [4].

PHASE I

This topic seeks the development of a wearable, closed-loop system that directly enhances the efficiency and restorative quality of sleep through precisely-timed, non-pharmacological intervention. Proposals should describe a system that integrates sensors to monitor neurophysiological signals in real-time, with the specific goal of identifying slow-wave sleep (SWS) and other key features of the sleep architecture. Upon detection of these opportune moments, the system should deliver precisely-timed, non-invasive stimuli to augment the brain's intrinsic restorative mechanisms. The primary modalities of interest for this intra-sleep intervention are auditory stimulation and/or photic stimulation. The proposed system should be able to demonstrate that the intervention measurably enhances the underlying biological processes, such as by increasing slow-wave activity or improving biomarkers associated with glymphatic clearance. Proposals that also incorporate a synergistic, pre-sleep conditioning modality (e.g., non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation) to prime the neuro-immune state are encouraged. The ultimate goal is a fieldable prototype that improves sleep efficiency and sustains cognitive function. Proposals not focused on a closed-loop, wearable system using targeted sensory stimulation to modulate sleep architecture will not be considered. Phase I fixed payable milestones for this program should include:• Month 2: A report detailing the initial system architecture, selection of hardware/software components, and the proposed biological mechanisms of action. The report must define the preliminary evaluation metrics (cognitive and physiological) and their expected relationship to cognitive resilience and operational readiness.• Month 4: A report on system integration and closed-loop algorithm performance (using simulated or pilot data). • Month 6: An interim demonstration of the working integrated proof-of-concept prototype. Must include a complete human subjects research (HSR) protocol for the Phase II study, demonstrating a study design and statistical power analysis sufficient to detect a 15% improvement in cognitive performance metrics under sleep restriction/stress compared to a sham/control group. Submission of this clinical study protocol to the local Institutional Review Board (IRB).• Month 9: Final report summarizing the Phase I approach and benchtop/usability testing results, including a detailed description of the prototype. The report must detail any additional engineering that needs to be completed (if any) in Phase II to achieve fully functional closed-loop control. Must include a detailed technical Statement of Work (SOW) for the Phase II effort.

PHASE II

This topic is soliciting both Phase I and Direct to Phase II (DP2) proposals. DP2 Feasibility Criteria: Proposers should demonstrate that the scientific and technical feasibility, equivalent to the completion of a Phase I effort, has already been established. This feasibility documentation is a prerequisite for evaluation. To be considered, proposers should provide detailed evidence of a functional, closed-loop neuromodulation prototype. This documentation should substantiate that the existing system is capable of: (1) Real-Time Monitoring: Monitoring and processing relevant physiological signals (e.g., EEG) to identify specific features of sleep architecture in real-time. (2) Closed-Loop Stimulation: Delivering targeted, non-invasive stimuli (e.g., acoustic, photic) in a closed-loop manner, triggered by the detection of specific neurophysiological events. (3) Measurable Biological Effect: Producing a quantifiable, statistically significant modulation of a desired biological process. Evidence should be provided showing that the stimulus successfully engages the target mechanism (e.g., demonstrates enhancement of slow-wave activity, alters a relevant biomarker, etc.) compared to a control condition. This evidence may include peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, patent applications, or other detailed data packages from prior work. The documentation should be sufficient for a thorough technical review and confirm that the core scientific principles have been successfully demonstrated. Phase II: Building upon the demonstrated feasibility, the objectiveof Phase II is to mature the existing prototype into an advanced, integrated system (TRL 6) suitable for rigorous testing and validation in a human study. Performers will focus on optimizing the system's design for robustness, reliability, and user comfort for multi-night use, while advancing the on-board algorithms for sleep stage classification and precise stimulus delivery. The central effort of Phase II will be to conduct a formal validation study under a relevant stressor, such as a multi-day sleep restriction protocol. This study should be designed to demonstrate a statistically significant and operationally relevant benefit compared to a sham or control condition. Primary outcome measures should include both: Cognitive Performance: Quantifiable improvement (>15%) on validated tasks measuring vigilance, processing speed, and/or executive function (e.g., Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST)). Physiological Mechanisms: Evidence of successful target engagement, such as measurable enhancements in sleep architecture (e.g., increased slow-wave activity), or changes in physiological or blood-based biomarkers associated with glymphatic clearance and/or neuroinflammation. By the end of Phase II, performers will deliver the advanced prototype(s), all associated control software/source code, user manuals, and the complete, documented results from the validation study. The final report should include a comprehensive plan for transition, addressing manufacturing readiness, production cost estimates, and reliability data. Phase II fixed milestones for this program should include: • Month 11 (Month 2 of Base): Report detailing machine learning model pre-training and hardware integration of sensors and stimulation arrays. Must provide an initial cost estimate for manufacturing scale-up. Submission of the local IRB-approved protocol to the Office of Human and Animal Research Oversight (OHARO) for secondary review.• Month 14 (Month 5 of Base): Report on validation recordings and model artifact-robustness testing against expert scoring (Cohen’s ? = 0.75 vs. expert scoring). • Month 18 (Month 9 of Base): Report detailing initial data from pilot or human-factors testing to provide an early indication that sleep is being improved. The report must explicitly address the established physiological and cognitive metrics (e.g., initial data indicating a trajectory toward the 15% enhancement in physiological recovery or restorative biomarkers compared to baseline/sham).• Month 21 (Month 12 of Base): Comprehensive Phase II Base report documenting the completed in-lab study. This report must detail the system's efficacy, specifically demonstrating whether the system successfully achieved the targeted cognitive improvement metrics (15% improvement) as measured by the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and Task Switching assessments compared to the sham/control group.Phase II Option fixed milestones for this program should include: • Month 22 (Month 1 of Option): Interim report detailing the progress of the operational environment study. Must include a data quality review from the field, assessing device robustness, protocol compliance in a real-world setting, and preliminary analysis of the primary cognitive and physiological endpoints.• Month 27 (Month 6 of Option): Interim report detailing the progress of the operational environment study. Must include a data quality review from the field, assessing device robustness, protocol compliance in a real-world setting, and preliminary analysis of the primary cognitive and physiological endpoints.• Month 33 (Month 12 of Option): A comprehensive fielding guide, commercialization documentation, and a revised cost estimate for manufacturing scale-up. The Final Report must synthesize both the in-lab and operational environment data, providing definitive proof of the technology’s efficacy in real-world, high-stress conditions by demonstrating whether the system achieved improvement in the cognitive assessments compared to the sham/control group.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

The successful development of this technology is expected to create a transformative, non-pharmacological tool for cognitive sustainment and physiological recovery. Phase III efforts will focus on transitioning the mature technology by securing non-SBIR funding from government partners and/or private sector investors to scale manufacturing, obtain any necessary regulatory clearances, and enter military and commercial markets. Military/DoD Applications: The system could be transitioned to programs focused on warfighter performance and resilience. Potential applications include use in pre-deployment conditioning to build resilience, during operational periods to sustain cognitive function when sleep is limited, and in post-deployment settings to accelerate recovery and support long-term brain health, potentially mitigating risks associated with TBI and neurodegenerative disease. Commercial Applications: This technology has broad commercial potential in clinical and consumer health sectors. Applications include therapeutic devices for sleep disorders, tools for mitigating the effects of shift-work in aviation and commercial transport, performance optimization tools for elite athletes, and consumer wellness devices for individuals seeking to improve their daily sleep quality and cognitive function.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

Expeditionary Closed and Air-Independent Power and Energy (ExCAIPE) - SBIR Topic DPA26BZ03-DV013

Funding Amount:

Est. $2,000,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

The goal of ExCAIPE is to develop closed, electrically rechargeable, high-energy-density and high-power-density batteries that can operate independently of an external air source. Performers are expected to produce prototypes for integration and evaluation in real devices and work closely with end users to ensure that their solutions are compatible with user requirements.

Description:

Electrically rechargeable batteries are of central importance for powering a wide range of military applications, including vehicles, computational assets, and sensing and communication devices. However, endurance is currently limited by the low-energy-density of state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries (~400 Wh/kg). Recent advances in air-breathing battery and fuel cell chemistry have made it feasible to envision electrically rechargeable systems with specific energy many times that of lithium-ion chemistry, potentially dramatically extending range and endurance for electrically powered assets.[1,2] The drawback with these systems is that their reliance on air renders them impractical or impossible to use in applications where free oxygen is depleted or absent, such as underwater, at very high altitudes, or in space.ExCAIPE aims to extend high-energy-density battery advancements to air-independent devices. The chemistry of air-independent batteries is more constrained than that of air-breathing devices, but several options exist in principle for reaching high energy densities.[3,4] DARPA seeks proposals to develop air-independent power sources that can meet or exceed the following metrics:End of Base Phase:• Specific energy of >1 kWh/kg at the cell level, given C/4 rate of discharge• Electrical rechargeability over 500 cycles with total capacity fade limited to <20%End of Option Phase:• Specific energy of >1.5 kWh/kg at the cell level, given C/4 rate of discharge• Loss of no more than 20% of the specific energy at pack level, including casing, battery management system (BMS), and thermal management• Electrical rechargeability over 5000 cycles with total capacity fade limited to <20%• Power density in excess of 1 kW/kg is highly desired but not mandatory.

This SBIR topic is a Direct to Phase 2 (DP2) effort with an 18-month Base Phase and an 18-month Option Phase. The Base Phase will prepare devices for potential testing by stakeholders and end users, and the Option Phase. Exceptional performers may be invited to present their technology to end user stakeholders at DARPA’s ExPEDitions Showcase, to occur roughly coincident with the end of the Base Phase. If performance at this event leads to strong interest from commercial or DoW entities, performers may be selected to continue their work in the Option Phase. The Option Phase will focus on integrating, testing, and evaluating devices in end user applications and refining their performance and design based on this activity. The Option Phase will culminate in a high-visibility Expo, “Powered By DARPA”, which will include demonstrations and technical talks from performers and end users who participated in the Showcase.DARPA will entertain proposals that are completely closed as well as proposals that use water as an oxidizer. However, in the latter case, proposals must outline how the variable composition and impurities in water will be managed (across a range of salinities, temperatures, and pressures, and in the presence of organic and other particulate matter) and how buoyancy changes in the device will be minimized. All devices must show the ability to recharge solely from electrical input.Proposals must show quantitative support for the proposers’ ability to meet the energy, power, and recharge metrics. This can include, but is not limited to, preliminary unpublished or published data, relevant literature claims, or theoretical calculations and estimations. Proposals must also clearly demonstrate that the proposed solution will reach a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5-6 by month 18 of the effort. Proposals must also include information about expected form factor and operational conditions (temperature, pressure, etc.) of their device as well as benchmark ‘starting points’ for the performance of their proposed technology in comparison to the solicitation metrics. These starting points can be taken from current commercial offerings or derived from current component or lab-scale performance measurements.

PHASE I

This topic is soliciting Direct to Phase II (DP2) proposals only. Proposals will be considered for DP2 funding based on documented ability of the proposing team to build air-independent high-energy-density power sources at the lab or benchtop scale. Proposals must clearly demonstrate that the proposed technology can satisfy the following feasibility criteria:• Data showing experimental energy density (based on current lab-scale prototype) and an extrapolation how the system will achieve >1 kWh/kg at the cell level• Data from tests conducted in a controlled environment with zero ambient air to show closed-system capability• Data should be substantiated by mass balance calculations showing that all reactants and oxidizers are contained within the battery’s initial mass• Data showing initial cyclability tests showing capacity retention of >98% for 20 cycles

PHASE II

Phase II fixed milestones for this program should include:Base PeriodPerformers are expected to produce a closed, electrically rechargeable, high-energy-density and high-power-density battery prototype that can operate independently of an external air source. Milestones should include:• Month 3: Report that documents the current battery prototype design and any modification or optimizations to the design that occurred since the beginning of Phase 1 and their rationale. Include the pathway towards delivering the Preliminary Design Review (PDR). • Month 6: PDR that includes a simulation or technical validation of design for battery prototype delivered in Month 9. This will consist of a review meeting to go over a PDR document. The document should contain:o Preliminary designs for the performer’s device.o Market analysis based on specific, identified use cases.o Manufacturability and critical materials analysis.• Month 9: Report that benchmarks current prototype performance against the following program metrics: o Specific energy of >1 kWh/kg at the cell level, given C/4 rate of dischargeo Electrical rechargeability over 500 cycles with total capacity fade limited to <20%• Month 12: Report that includes a detailed task list outlining the optimizations required to achieve performance improvement prior to the benchmark report in Month 15.• Month 15: Report that benchmarks current prototype performance against the following program metrics: o Specific energy of >1 kWh/kg at the cell level, given C/4 rate of dischargeo Electrical rechargeability over 500 cycles with total capacity fade limited to <20%• Month 16: Present a preliminary showcase pitch to assist with preparing for the Showcase. The Government will provide feedback to assist with finalizing the pitch for end users. • Month 18: Showcase participation to highlight the advanced capabilities of the battery prototype and secure a partnership with an end-user. A final report documenting the metrics achieved by the battery prototype in the Base phase and an optimization plan for the Option phase. In addition to the reports described above, performers should have monthly telecons with DARPA.Option PeriodPerformers are expected to integrate their prototype system into an end-user platform. Milestones should include:• Month 3: Report the current battery prototype design and any modification or optimizations to the design that occurred since the end of Phase 1 and their rationale. Include the pathway towards delivering the Critical Design Review (CDR).• Month 6: CDR. Design review for battery prototype to be delivered at month 9. This will consist of a review meeting to go over a CDR document. The document should contain:o Designs for the performer’s device based on feedback from the user-partner during and after the showcase period.o Concrete plan for manufacturing and scale-up, including analysis of materials and manufacturing costs at different scales, and clear statement of the targeted scale post-program.o Preliminary Intellectual Property (IP) landscape analysis and a strategy for IP protection and licensing.• Month 9: Report that benchmarks current prototype performance against the following program metrics: o Specific energy of >1.5 kWh/kg at the cell level, given C/4 rate of dischargeo Loss of no more than 20% of the specific energy at pack level, including casing, battery management system (BMS), and thermal managemento Electrical rechargeability over 5000 cycles with total capacity fade limited to <20%o Power density in excess of 1 kW/kg is highly desired but not mandatory• Month 12: Report that includes a detailed task list outlining the optimizations required to achieve performance improvement prior to the benchmark report in month 15.• Month 15: Report that benchmarks current prototype performance against the following program metrics: o Specific energy of >1.5 kWh/kg at the cell level, given C/4 rate of dischargeo Loss of no more than 20% of the specific energy at pack level, including casing, battery management system (BMS), and thermal managemento Electrical rechargeability over 5000 cycles with total capacity fade limited to <20%o Power density in excess of 1 kW/kg is highly desired but not mandatory• Month 16: Present a preliminary Expo pitch to assist with preparing for the DARPA Expo. The Government will provide feedback to assist with finalizing the presentation for stakeholders. • Month 18: Expo participation to demonstrate the battery prototype integrated into the end-user’s platform. This will include a presentation to Government and commercial stakeholders to facilitate additional transition of the technology developed. A final report documenting the metrics achieved by the battery prototype in the Option phase and transition plan for the device. In addition to reports described above, performers should have monthly telecons with DARPA.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

The end goal of this effort is to demonstrate electrically rechargeable, air-independent power sources at high TRL and with a specific energy in excess of 1.5 kWh/kg. Phase III will be oriented toward transition within DoW/military and further commercialization of the technology. Funding for Phase III is obtained from the private sector or a non-SBIR/STTR Government source. This is to develop the prototype technology into a viable product or service for sale (e.g., a deployable, ruggedized, user-friendly device) in military or private sector markets. The following are the potential commercial and DoW/military applications and use cases:

•  High-endurance, long-range power sources for undersea or space-based military assets, including unmanned undersea vehicles and satellites.

•  Long-lived power sources for ocean or freshwater exploration, surveying, and underwater resource prospecting.

•  Onboard power for civil space exploration, particularly when recharge events are precluded for long periods, such as lunar night.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

Real-Time Pathogen-Host Interactome Prediction - SBIR Topic DPA26BZ03-DV014

Funding Amount:

Est. $1,750,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

Develop and demonstrate a capability to rapidly characterize host–pathogen interactions from pathogen protein sequence alone, enabling timely medical countermeasure prioritization and force health protection against novel or emerging biological threats.

Description:

When novel or emerging pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites) are encountered, characterization of their interactions with human hosts currently requires weeks to months of experimental work, often yielding incomplete understanding. This capability gap limits rapid therapeutic response and countermeasure development. Recent advances in protein language models and large-scale protein-protein interaction (PPI) prediction make computational threat characterization feasible. This topic seeks to develop and validate an operationally deployable capability that can characterize any pathogen—naturally emerging, accidentally released, or engineered—from protein sequence data alone. The system must: (1) predict host-pathogen protein interactions with high accuracy across viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogen classes; (2) demonstrate zero-shot prediction capability on previously unseen pathogens; (3) provide comprehensive functional annotation of both pathogen and host proteins; (4) generate ranked mechanistic hypotheses about infection pathways through automated analysis; and (5) complete core predictions within 15 minutes and full characterization reports within one hour on standard computing hardware. Proposers must demonstrate rigorous evaluation methods to ensure the system generalizes to unseen pathogens rather than memorizing training data. Performance must be benchmarked against established protein interaction databases and validated experimentally using standard binding assay techniques. The end-state capability enables rapid biological threat characterization to support medical countermeasure prioritization and force health protection.

PHASE I

This topic is soliciting Direct to Phase II proposals only. Feasibility Requirements: Proposers must demonstrate that Phase I feasibility has been achieved through prior work. Required documentation includes: • Benchmark Performance Data: Quantified PPI prediction results on at least one pathogen class with rigorous data separation methods • Zero-Shot Validation: Demonstrated recovery of known host-pathogen interactions without training on that specific pathogen system • Pipeline Demonstration: At least one complete end-to-end run from pathogen sequence input to mechanistic characterization report meeting timing requirements • Functional Annotation Capability: Operational tools for protein functional prediction including gene ontology terms, subcellular localization, and pathway enrichment analysis

PHASE II

DP2 Program Structure DP2 Base Period (9 months): Scale and validate the computational pipeline across expanded pathogen coverage including higher-consequence agents. Deliver comprehensive experimental validation of novel predicted interactions. DP2 Option Period (9 months): Complete transition-ready software delivery with full documentation, demonstrate drug repurposing capability, and provide final performance characterization across the full threat spectrum. Phase II represents a major research and development effort that scales the validated Phase I pipeline into a deployable threat-characterization capability, with comprehensive experimental validation, druggability and drug-repurposing demonstration, and extension to higher-consequence pathogens. The Phase II effort culminates in a well-defined deliverable prototype — an end-to-end software pipeline and accompanying validation dataset — that can be transitioned to an operational user. Phase II fixed payable milestones for this program should include: DP2 Base Period • Month 2: Updated system architecture report and expanded pathogen coverage plan • Month 4: Evaluation dataset acquisition report covering higher-consequence pathogens and biological toxins • Month 6: Interim performance report with comprehensive benchmarking results • Month 9: Base period final report with experimental validation of =25 novel interactions (=30% hit rate) and drug repurposing demonstration DP2 Option Period• Month 12: Live demonstration to DARPA with prospective characterization run on Government-selected pathogen • Month 15: Final software delivery with source code and documentation • Month 18: Final report with transition plan and performance characterization

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

Military Applications: Biosurveillance and rapid threat characterization, medical countermeasure prioritization, force health protection for deployed personnel, and intelligence analysis support. Commercial Applications: Drug discovery and repurposing, vaccine target identification, diagnostic biomarker development, veterinary and agricultural biosecurity, and integration with existing bioinformatics platforms.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

Biomanufacturing of Hierarchical Biocomposites for High-Performance Thermal Interface Materials - SBIR Topic DPA26TZ03-DV002

Funding Amount:

Est. $1,800,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

Develop and demonstrate a flexible, polymer-matrix thermal interface material with tunable thermal and mechanical properties, leveraging hierarchical, biocomposite-based microstructures for scalable, sustainable, low-cost thermal management of high-performance electronics and power applications.

Description:

This topic addresses the thermal management challenge of dissipating the large amount of heat generated by today’s high-density microelectronics and power storage systems to ensure and maintain performance, reliability, and safety [3, 4, 6].

Thermal interface materials (TIMs) are a critical component in thermal management. TIMs are designed to fill microgaps and surface irregularities between otherwise bare surfaces of a device and its cooling system. Without a TIM, if two nominally flat and smooth solid surfaces are joined to form a bare contact, surface microroughness can limit the actual area of contact between the two solids to about 1–2% of the apparent contact area [11].

The solid-to-solid conduction through the contact points, along with conduction through the air trapped in noncontact regions, are poor thermal conductors and limit heat transfer from one surface to another. This thermal contact resistance must be reduced by inserting a TIM at the interface to eliminate air voids and fill the gap between the device and cooling system.

The general requirements for a good TIM include:

• Low interfacial thermal resistance

• High thermal conductivity

• Low elastic modulus

• Good adhesion

• Good conformability

• Long-term stability

• Appropriate thermal expansion

This is particularly challenging for mechanically flexible applications because the soft, polymeric materials commonly used as TIM matrices generally have low thermal conductivity (TC) [7, 1], making it difficult to meet thermal management demands.

Drones and electric vehicles present another classic thermal management challenge due to high C-rate battery pack discharge and charge cycles during operation. The drone case may be especially difficult because payload and flight-time constraints often dictate passive thermal management approaches such as heat sinks and air cooling [5], with TIMs serving as a critical component for thermal coupling between the heat sink and battery packaging.

In addition to thermal conductivity demands, power and high-frequency systems often require TIMs that combine high heat conduction with:

• Electrical insulation

• Breakdown resistance

• Low leakage

• Geometric conformity

While traditional thermal pastes and greases perform well under certain conditions, they still face challenges such as insufficient thermal conductivity, aging, and poor reliability when applied in high-frequency, high-power-density applications.

In recent years, significant progress has been made in the design and synthesis of high-performance TIMs. However, balancing interfacial thermal resistance, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties continues to pose a significant challenge.

Biomanufactured and biocomposite filler-type TIMs with simultaneous high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation [8, 9] may be ideal materials to address these requirements while offering a lower-cost, more sustainable supply-chain solution compared to advanced fillers such as boron-based semiconductors and carbon nanotubes.

PHASE I

This topic is soliciting Direct to Phase II (DP2) proposals only.

The Government expects that the small business has already completed a Phase I-type feasibility effort and developed a prototype TIM that addresses, at a minimum, the basic requirements outlined in the objective above.

For this DP2 STTR, a technical report containing Phase I Feasibility Documentation is required to demonstrate that Phase I feasibility has been met. The documentation must contain a detailed description of the technical plan, milestones, and supporting data demonstrating that the proposed technology satisfies the Phase I deliverables and is at an appropriate maturity level for Direct to Phase II funding.

The proposer must substantiate that Phase I-equivalent feasibility has been achieved outside of the SBIR/STTR program.

PHASE II

The Direct to Phase II effort will focus on developing, integrating, and demonstrating a scalable biocomposite thermal interface material capable of balancing high thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, and mechanical flexibility.

Candidate TIMs must demonstrate scalable (bio)manufacturing and structural control of biocomposite filler architectures. The proposed materials must achieve thermal conductivity exceeding current state-of-the-art boron nitride-based soft polymer composite TIMs, specifically greater than 23 W/m-K through-plane thermal conductivity.

The effort should include modeling of processing-structure-property relationships to enable optimization of thermal conductivity while maintaining flexibility. Mechanical properties must be tunable while preserving thermal performance and electrical insulation.

Candidate biocomposite TIMs must demonstrate:

• Tailorable thermal conductivity across an achievable performance range

• Tunable flexibility versus thermal conductivity

• Stable thermal conductivity after 1,000 bending cycles at 100% maximum strain

• Sufficient adhesion, such as performance measured through a 90° peel test

• Modulus and flexibility comparable to common elastomers

Demonstration testing must be conducted using a prototype system operating in a realistic environment. Suitable demonstration platforms include passively cooled lithium-ion battery packs used in FPV drones or electric vehicles operating under high C-rates, as well as state-of-the-art CPUs and GPUs operating at maximum thermal design power (TDP).

Thermal performance will be compared against conventional TIM solutions, including thermal pastes containing metal or metal oxide fillers, phase-change materials, and alumina-based thermal pads.

The objective is to demonstrate that the biocomposite TIM successfully manages thermal loads in conditions where conventional TIMs fail. Examples include maintaining battery pack temperatures at or below 35°C regardless of discharge rate and ambient conditions, or maintaining CPUs and GPUs below maximum junction temperature during peak operation. The biocomposite TIM must provide a statistically significant reduction in device temperature compared to standard TIM technologies.

In addition to technical development, the project must include commercialization and transition planning. Throughout the effort, proposers are expected to engage both commercial and military stakeholders to refine operational requirements and deployment scenarios. Manufacturing scale-up plans and a technoeconomic analysis (TEA) must also be developed.

The final report must include technology transfer documentation identifying pathways for both commercial and military adoption.

Base Milestones

Month 1: Identify candidate TIM compositions, biocomposite designs, processing methods, and a design-of-experiments approach for optimization. Establish target performance metrics.

Month 3: Complete initial processing-structure-property modeling, provide preliminary TEA results, and downselect to final TIM candidates.

Month 6: Conduct initial thermal management testing in real-world systems and validate modeling results.

Month 9: Quantify thermal and mechanical performance, compare results against state-of-the-art alternatives, and provide initial long-term stability data.

Month 12: Demonstrate prototype TIM performance in an operational environment.

Base Deliverables

Month 1: TIM candidate selection and design-of-experiments report.

Month 3: Modeling results and technoeconomic analysis report.

Month 6: Thermal management performance report and model validation results.

Month 9: Laboratory prototype demonstration and report documenting thermal, mechanical, and stability performance.

Month 12: Final Phase II report documenting the prototype TIM composition, microstructural design, materials processing and scale-up approach, thermal and stability performance, operational testing results, validated models, TEA findings, and commercialization and transition plans.

Option Milestones

Month 15: Scale manufacturing to pilot plant quantities.

Month 18: Integrate the high-thermal-conductivity TIM into a battery thermal management system.

Option Deliverables

Month 15: Delivery of 20 grams of high-TC biocomposite TIM and a report documenting pilot plant design, operations, and batch-to-batch consistency in thermal and mechanical performance.

Month 18: Report detailing battery thermal management system integration and resulting performance improvements.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

Successful development of a biomanufactured, high-thermal-conductivity biocomposite TIM could support a broad range of military and commercial applications.

Potential Department of Defense applications include military FPV drones, soldier-worn power systems, ground vehicle power electronics, and directed-energy thermal management systems.

Potential commercial applications include delivery drones, electric vehicle battery packs, data center CPUs and GPUs, and LED lighting systems.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

AFGSC - Handheld Drone Detection Device Prototype

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), through the AFGSC OTA Partnership coordinated by Collaboration Link and Army Contracting Command – Rock Island, is seeking prototype handheld drone detection devices manufactured in the United States. The effort is focused on improving force protection and situational awareness at Priority Level 1 nuclear military installations.

The government is looking for lightweight handheld counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) detection devices capable of detecting, identifying, tracking, and assessing small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) during both day and night operations. Required features include integrated thermal imaging and night vision functionality, range detection over 1,000 yards, onboard storage, and image capture capabilities.

Applications are due by Jun 11, 2026 at 04:00 PM.

How much funding would I receive?

Estimated awards are between $500k - $2m.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding would support the prototyping and potential fielding of handheld drone detection devices with capabilities including:

• Day and night usage

• Drone detection capabilities

• High precision infrared capabilities

• Image capture and recording options

• Range detection over 1,000 yards

• Onboard storage capabilities

• Manufacturing in the United States

The devices are intended to improve installation security posture, enable early threat warning, support security forces response actions, and reduce vulnerabilities posed by commercial and adversarial drone technologies.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Opportunity to prototype technology for Air Force Global Strike Command

• Potential pathway through an AFGSC OTA contracting vehicle

• Exposure to defense and national security end users

• Participation in a rapid down-select process anticipated within 30 days of posting

The solicitation does not specify follow-on production opportunities or additional program benefits.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

The challenge posting opened on May 21, 2026 at 05:00 PM. Applications are due by Jun 11, 2026 at 04:00 PM.

ONI anticipates a rapid down-select within 30 days of posting.

The solicitation does not specify award timing, funding disbursement timing, or project start dates.

Where does this funding come from?

This opportunity is being issued through the AFGSC OTA Partnership. The effort is coordinated by Collaboration Link on behalf of Air Force Global Strike Command’s Rapid Capability Division. Award is expected to be made under the AFGSC OTA in coordination with Army Contracting Command – Rock Island.

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?

The solicitation appears to favor companies with:

• Existing handheld drone detection technology

• U.S.-manufactured products

• Integrated thermal imaging and night vision capabilities

• Long-range detection capability exceeding 1,000 yards

• Experience supporting defense or security applications

• Ability to rapidly prototype and field solutions

The government specifically references concerns related to unauthorized drone incursions at strategic military installations and evolving adversary drone threats.

The posted scoring rubric places the highest weight on:

• Detection and identification performance (20%)

• Thermal and night vision integration (15%)

• U.S. manufacturing and supply chain compliance (15%)

Submissions will be evaluated using a combination of subject matter expert review and One Nation Innovation’s AI-powered rubric generation tools.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and requirements include:

• Devices must be made in the United States

• Responses must be between 2–10 pages maximum

• Respondents must submit through https://gocolosseum.org

• Proposals must include:

  • Proposed Period of Performance

  • Proposed Applicable Documents

  • Proposed Technical Approach

  • Proposed Deliverables

  • Proposed Schedule with Milestones

  • Proposed Payment Schedule

  • Proposed Patents and Data Rights

  • Proposed Costs by Milestone including labor category breakdowns and ROM costs

• Respondents must complete the Agreement Holder’s Representations form

The solicitation does not specify cost share requirements, security clearance requirements, or export control restrictions.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The application appears designed for rapid submission.

Required responses are limited to 2–10 pages and require:

• Technical concept

• Implementation approach

• Company information

• Past performance

• Milestone schedule

• ROM pricing and cost breakdowns

Companies with an existing prototype or mature drone detection capability could likely prepare a submission relatively quickly.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Position your technology against the government’s stated drone threat priorities

• Translate technical capabilities into defense customer language

• Develop a compliant OTA-style white paper submission

• Build milestone-based project plans and ROM budgets

• Strengthen your technical approach and deliverables package

• Support rapid-turn proposal preparation for accelerated timelines

Additional Resources

Learn more about the program here.

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

• Advanced Manufacturing (M)

  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

• Advanced Materials (AM)

  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

• Advanced Systems for Scalable Analytics (AA)

  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

• Agricultural Technologies (AG)

  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

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  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

• Augmented Virtual and Mixed Reality (AV/VR/MR)

  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

• Biological Technologies (BT)

  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

• Biomedical Technologies (BM)

  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

• Chemical Technologies (CT)

  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

• Cloud and High-Performance Computing (CH)

  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

• Cybersecurity and Authentication (CA)

  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

• Digital Health (DH)

  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

• Emerging Technologies (EM)

  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 (ET)

  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

• Human-Computer Interaction (HC)

  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

• Instrumentation and Hardware Systems (IH)

  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

• Internet of Things (I)

  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

• Learning and Cognition Technologies (LC)

  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

• Medical Devices (MD)

  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

• Mobility (MO)

  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

• Nanotechnology (N)

  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

• Other Topics (OT)

  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

• Pharmaceutical Technologies (PT)

  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

• Photonics (PH)

  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

• Power Management (PM)

  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

• Quantum Information Technologies (QT)

  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

• Robotics (R)

  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

• Semiconductors (S)

  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

• Space (SP)

  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

• Wireless Technologies (W)

  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:

1. Complete the Project Pitch Assessment

2. Submit a required Project Pitch

3. Receive a response from NSF in approximately 1–2 months

4. If invited, submit a full proposal

5. Undergo proposal review and due diligence

6. 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.

Additional Resources

Learn more about the program here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Biomarker Discovery and Validation for Alcohol-Related Cardiovascular Diseases

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is encouraging innovative research proposals focused on discovering and validating biomarkers for alcohol-related cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CVD). This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects designed to improve early detection, risk prediction, disease phenotyping, prognosis, and mechanistic understanding of how alcohol exposure contributes to cardiovascular injury and disease progression.

NIH recognizes that alcohol-related cardiovascular disease is frequently underdiagnosed because current clinical assessments, imaging approaches, and commonly used biomarkers lack specificity for alcohol-associated pathology. The initiative is particularly interested in projects that distinguish alcohol-related disease mechanisms from non-alcohol-related or mixed etiologies using advanced biomarker strategies, AI-enabled analytics, multimodal datasets, and longitudinal population studies.

Companies developing cardiovascular biomarker platforms, AI-powered diagnostic systems, digital health monitoring technologies, predictive analytics tools, imaging technologies, EHR-integrated clinical analytics systems, or precision medicine platforms may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include alcohol-associated hypertension, atrial fibrillation, alcoholic cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, multimodal biomarker discovery, molecular phenotyping, digital biomarkers, imaging biomarkers, causal inference modeling, and sex-specific disease susceptibility analysis. NIH is also encouraging projects leveraging longitudinal cohorts, electronic health records (EHRs), Mendelian randomization, machine learning, and integrated multi-omics datasets to improve cardiovascular disease characterization and clinical translation.

Funding is available through the NIH SBIR/STTR Program, which currently provides up to approximately $323,090 for Phase I projects and up to $2,153,927 for Phase II projects, with opportunities for additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported primarily by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), which is seeking transformative innovations that improve alcohol-related cardiovascular disease detection, biomarker science, precision diagnostics, risk stratification, and individualized prevention and treatment strategies.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of cardiovascular biomarker technologies, AI analytics systems, precision diagnostics, digital monitoring tools, and translational cardiovascular research platforms related to alcohol-associated cardiovascular disease.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for alcohol-related cardiovascular disease risk prediction

• Biomarker discovery and validation technologies for alcohol-associated cardiovascular injury

• Multi-omics and systems biology analytics platforms

• Digital biomarker and wearable cardiovascular monitoring systems

• Imaging biomarkers and advanced cardiovascular imaging technologies

• EHR-integrated cardiovascular analytics and phenotyping platforms

• Precision diagnostics distinguishing alcohol-related versus non-alcohol-related CVD

• Predictive analytics for ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and cardiomyopathy

• Longitudinal cohort analysis and causal inference modeling systems

• Mendelian randomization and population health analytics technologies

• Sex-specific cardiovascular disease susceptibility and progression research platforms

• Prognostic biomarker development for disease progression and treatment response

• Clinical decision support systems for cardiovascular risk management

• Remote patient monitoring and cardiovascular digital health technologies

• Molecular pathway analysis and translational cardiovascular therapeutics research

• Integrated imaging, molecular, physiological, and digital biomarker platforms

• Prototype development, translational studies, and clinical validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and manufacturing scale-up activities

Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, cardiovascular imaging research, bioinformatics analysis, longitudinal cohort analytics, clinical trial preparation, wearable integration, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable cardiovascular or digital health solution aligned with NIH priorities.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, awardees gain several strategic advantages:

• Government Validation and Credibility:
  Being selected for an NIH-backed SBIR grant signals technical excellence and alignment with national health and biomedical priorities. This validation builds investor and partner confidence.

• Enhanced Visibility and Market Recognition:
  Awardees are featured in NIH and HHS announcements, helping attract partnerships, media attention, and future contracting opportunities.

• Access to the Federal Innovation Ecosystem:
  Recipients join a national network of researchers and agencies advancing life science innovation, often opening doors to collaborations with NIH laboratories and federal health programs.

• Stronger Commercial and Exit Potential:
  By maturing technology through nondilutive funding, companies strengthen valuation, de-risk commercialization, and increase attractiveness for acquisition or follow-on private investment.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Applications are accepted each year on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th. Funding is received approximately 9 months after submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with statutory set-asides requiring NIH, CDC, and FDA to devote portions of their extramural R&D budgets (3.2% for SBIR, 0.45% for STTR) to support small business innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) that:

• Are organized for profit with a U.S. place of business.

• Have ≤ 500 employees including affiliates.

• Are > 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, qualifying U.S. entities, or combinations thereof.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that demonstrate:

• A clear unmet medical or public-health need,

• Strong scientific rationale and feasibility,

• High commercialization potential, supported by a realistic market and regulatory strategy, and

• Alignment with an NIH Institute’s or CDC/FDA Center’s specific research mission (e.g., infectious disease, digital health, diagnostics, therapeutics, or data analytics).

Competitive applicants often have an early prototype, preliminary data, and a defined path to market adoption.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Companies must complete multiple federal registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, SBA Company Registry) before applying.

• Foreign entities are not eligible.

• Disclosure of foreign affiliations and compliance with national security screening are mandatory. Currently we do not recommend any sort of foreign affiliation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission will likely take 120–200 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Postnatal Human Developmental Stages and Transitions: Relationships to Aging Changes and Outcomes over the Life Course

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is encouraging innovative research proposals focused on understanding how postnatal developmental stages and biological transitions influence health, resilience, disease risk, and aging outcomes across the lifespan. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects investigating how physiological, metabolic, immune, neurobehavioral, and regenerative processes during childhood, adolescence, and maturation shape long-term functional capacity, chronic disease susceptibility, and healthy aging trajectories.

NIH is particularly interested in projects exploring how developmental timing, stage transitions, and biological plasticity influence protective phenotypes, stress responses, tissue repair, cognitive health, immune function, and metabolic regulation. Companies developing AI-enabled developmental analytics platforms, biomarker discovery systems, digital health monitoring tools, longitudinal health modeling technologies, neurodevelopmental assessment systems, precision aging platforms, or resilience-focused therapeutics may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include immune and endocrine maturation, neurodevelopment, metabolic programming, stress-response systems, regenerative biology, developmental biomarkers, sex differences, resilience mechanisms, cancer and aging interactions, complementary and integrative health approaches, nutritional influences, and translational interventions capable of sustaining or mimicking favorable developmental phenotypes into adulthood and aging. NIH is also encouraging projects using longitudinal cohort data, computational biology, multi-omics technologies, digital phenotyping, and translational model systems to improve understanding of life-course health trajectories.

Funding is available through the NIH SBIR/STTR Program, which currently provides up to approximately $323,090 for Phase I projects and up to $2,153,927 for Phase II projects, with opportunities for additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by multiple NIH Institutes and Offices including NIA, NCCIH, NCI, ECHO, OBSSR, and ONR, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve developmental health research, resilience science, aging biology, neurodevelopment, disease prevention, and life-course precision health strategies.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of developmental health technologies, biomarker systems, AI analytics platforms, longitudinal monitoring tools, resilience-focused interventions, and precision aging solutions.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for developmental trajectory and aging-risk prediction

• Biomarker discovery and validation systems for maturational transitions and resilience

• Longitudinal developmental and life-course health analytics platforms

• Neurodevelopmental, cognitive, and behavioral assessment technologies

• Immune, endocrine, and metabolic maturation monitoring systems

• Regenerative biology and tissue-repair research technologies

• Digital phenotyping and wearable monitoring systems for youth and aging populations

• Precision health and resilience-focused intervention platforms

• Computational biology and systems modeling for developmental and aging research

• Sex-specific developmental and disease-risk analytics technologies

• Nutritional status and developmental metabolism assessment platforms

• Complementary and integrative health intervention technologies for emotional resilience

• Cancer survivorship and treatment-related aging trajectory monitoring systems

• Stress-response and psychophysiological regulation analytics platforms

• Multi-omics, exposome, and environmental influence modeling technologies

• Translational therapeutics designed to sustain or mimic favorable developmental phenotypes

• Prototype development, translational studies, and longitudinal validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and implementation scaling activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, bioinformatics analysis, wearable integration, longitudinal cohort analysis, clinical research, biomarker testing, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable developmental health or precision aging solution aligned with NIH priorities.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, awardees gain several strategic advantages:

• Government Validation and Credibility:
  Being selected for an NIH-backed SBIR grant signals technical excellence and alignment with national health and biomedical priorities. This validation builds investor and partner confidence.

• Enhanced Visibility and Market Recognition:
  Awardees are featured in NIH and HHS announcements, helping attract partnerships, media attention, and future contracting opportunities.

• Access to the Federal Innovation Ecosystem:
  Recipients join a national network of researchers and agencies advancing life science innovation, often opening doors to collaborations with NIH laboratories and federal health programs.

• Stronger Commercial and Exit Potential:
  By maturing technology through nondilutive funding, companies strengthen valuation, de-risk commercialization, and increase attractiveness for acquisition or follow-on private investment.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Applications are accepted each year on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th. Funding is received approximately 9 months after submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with statutory set-asides requiring NIH, CDC, and FDA to devote portions of their extramural R&D budgets (3.2% for SBIR, 0.45% for STTR) to support small business innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) that:

• Are organized for profit with a U.S. place of business.

• Have ≤ 500 employees including affiliates.

• Are > 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, qualifying U.S. entities, or combinations thereof.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that demonstrate:

• A clear unmet medical or public-health need,

• Strong scientific rationale and feasibility,

• High commercialization potential, supported by a realistic market and regulatory strategy, and

• Alignment with an NIH Institute’s or CDC/FDA Center’s specific research mission (e.g., infectious disease, digital health, diagnostics, therapeutics, or data analytics).

Competitive applicants often have an early prototype, preliminary data, and a defined path to market adoption.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Companies must complete multiple federal registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, SBA Company Registry) before applying.

• Foreign entities are not eligible.

• Disclosure of foreign affiliations and compliance with national security screening are mandatory. Currently we do not recommend any sort of foreign affiliation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission will likely take 120–200 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Advancing the Science of Prenatal Dietary Supplements

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is encouraging innovative research proposals focused on advancing the science of prenatal dietary supplements to improve maternal health, fetal development, and long-term child health outcomes. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects designed to generate pregnancy-specific evidence for nutrient requirements, biomarker development, supplement formulation, bioavailability, and maternal-child health optimization across pregnancy and early life.

NIH recognizes that many pregnant women experience nutrient deficiencies while others may exceed safe nutrient levels due to inconsistent prenatal supplement formulations and limited pregnancy-specific evidence. The initiative is particularly interested in projects that modernize prenatal nutrition science through biomarker innovation, metabolomics, computational modeling, clinical nutrition studies, and translational supplement formulation research.

Companies developing prenatal nutrition technologies, AI-enabled nutrition analytics platforms, biomarker discovery systems, supplement formulation technologies, metabolomics tools, maternal-fetal monitoring systems, microbiome analytics platforms, or precision nutrition solutions may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include pregnancy-specific nutrient metabolism, micronutrient biomarkers, nutrient bioavailability, dietary supplement formulation science, maternal-child outcomes, fetal neurodevelopment, placental biology, prenatal exposure analytics, environmental interaction modeling, microbiome effects, and maternal cardiometabolic health. NIH is also encouraging projects leveraging stable isotope methods, multi-omics technologies, adaptive clinical trials, in vitro bioaccessibility models, and longitudinal maternal-child cohort data to improve prenatal nutrition recommendations and supplement safety.

Funding is available through the NIH SBIR/STTR Program, which currently provides up to approximately $323,090 for Phase I projects and up to $2,153,927 for Phase II projects, with opportunities for additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by multiple NIH Institutes and Offices including ODS, NIAAA, NIDCR, NIEHS, OBSSR, ODP, ONR, and ORWH, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve prenatal nutrition science, maternal-child health, fetal development, precision supplementation, and long-term health outcomes across the lifespan.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of prenatal nutrition technologies, biomarker systems, supplement formulation platforms, maternal-fetal analytics tools, and precision nutrition solutions.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for prenatal nutrition analytics and risk prediction

• Biomarker discovery and metabolomics technologies for pregnancy-specific nutrient assessment

• Prenatal dietary supplement formulation and bioavailability testing systems

• Stable isotope and nutrient metabolism research technologies

• Maternal-fetal monitoring and longitudinal health analytics platforms

• Precision nutrition and personalized prenatal supplementation systems

• In vitro bioaccessibility and nutrient absorption modeling technologies

• Multi-omics, microbiome, and maternal-fetal systems biology platforms

• Environmental exposure and nutrient interaction analytics systems

• Clinical nutrition trial infrastructure and adaptive study platforms

• Prenatal supplement stability, dissolution, and degradation testing technologies

• Alternative supplement delivery systems including encapsulation, emulsions, powders, and liquid formulations

• Neurodevelopmental, placental, immune, and cardiometabolic outcome monitoring technologies

• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) nutrition intervention platforms

• Craniofacial, dental, and skeletal development nutrition research technologies

• Real-world evidence and maternal-child cohort data integration systems

• Prototype development, translational studies, and clinical validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and manufacturing scale-up activities

Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, bioinformatics analysis, clinical nutrition research, analytical chemistry, toxicology testing, supplement formulation development, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable maternal health or nutrition science solution aligned with NIH priorities.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, awardees gain several strategic advantages:

• Government Validation and Credibility:
  Being selected for an NIH-backed SBIR grant signals technical excellence and alignment with national health and biomedical priorities. This validation builds investor and partner confidence.

• Enhanced Visibility and Market Recognition:
  Awardees are featured in NIH and HHS announcements, helping attract partnerships, media attention, and future contracting opportunities.

• Access to the Federal Innovation Ecosystem:
  Recipients join a national network of researchers and agencies advancing life science innovation, often opening doors to collaborations with NIH laboratories and federal health programs.

• Stronger Commercial and Exit Potential:
  By maturing technology through nondilutive funding, companies strengthen valuation, de-risk commercialization, and increase attractiveness for acquisition or follow-on private investment.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Applications are accepted each year on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th. Funding is received approximately 9 months after submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with statutory set-asides requiring NIH, CDC, and FDA to devote portions of their extramural R&D budgets (3.2% for SBIR, 0.45% for STTR) to support small business innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) that:

• Are organized for profit with a U.S. place of business.

• Have ≤ 500 employees including affiliates.

• Are > 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, qualifying U.S. entities, or combinations thereof.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that demonstrate:

• A clear unmet medical or public-health need,

• Strong scientific rationale and feasibility,

• High commercialization potential, supported by a realistic market and regulatory strategy, and

• Alignment with an NIH Institute’s or CDC/FDA Center’s specific research mission (e.g., infectious disease, digital health, diagnostics, therapeutics, or data analytics).

Competitive applicants often have an early prototype, preliminary data, and a defined path to market adoption.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Companies must complete multiple federal registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, SBA Company Registry) before applying.

• Foreign entities are not eligible.

• Disclosure of foreign affiliations and compliance with national security screening are mandatory. Currently we do not recommend any sort of foreign affiliation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission will likely take 120–200 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for Dietary Supplement and Nutrition research

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is encouraging innovative research proposals focused on developing and validating New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for dietary supplement and nutrition research. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects aimed at replacing or complementing traditional animal models with more human-relevant systems capable of improving prediction of dietary supplement safety, efficacy, metabolism, and long-term health outcomes across the lifespan.

NIH is particularly interested in projects leveraging advanced human-based systems such as organoids, tissue chips, microphysiological systems, computational simulations, multi-omics platforms, and AI-enabled modeling tools to better understand how nutrients and bioactive compounds interact with human biology. Companies developing organ-on-chip systems, nutrition analytics platforms, AI-driven computational biology tools, dietary supplement testing systems, precision nutrition technologies, metabolomics platforms, or translational toxicology systems may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include nutrient absorption and metabolism, bioavailability and bioaccessibility modeling, microbiome interactions, chronic disease prevention, personalized nutrition, dietary supplement-drug interactions, aging-related nutrition changes, multi-organ physiology simulation, developmental nutrition impacts, and systems biology approaches for nutrition science. NIH is also encouraging projects focused on reproducibility, interoperability, longitudinal exposure modeling, and integration of genetics, sex, age, health status, and environmental factors into nutrition-related predictive systems.

Funding is available through the NIH SBIR/STTR Program, which currently provides up to approximately $323,090 for Phase I projects and up to $2,153,927 for Phase II projects, with opportunities for additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by multiple NIH Institutes and Offices including ODS, NCCIH, NEI, NHLBI, NIA, NIDDK, and ONR, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve dietary supplement evaluation, nutrition science, precision health, aging research, chronic disease prevention, and human-relevant biomedical modeling systems.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of nutrition science technologies, organoid systems, computational modeling platforms, multi-omics analytics tools, and human-relevant NAMs for dietary supplement and food research.

Eligible activities may include:

• Organoid, tissue-chip, and microphysiological systems for nutrition and dietary supplement research

• AI and machine learning platforms for nutrition modeling and bioactive compound prediction

• Multi-omics, metabolomics, proteomics, and systems biology analytics technologies

• Computational simulations of nutrient absorption, metabolism, and longitudinal exposure

• Precision nutrition and personalized dietary intervention platforms

• Bioavailability and bioaccessibility testing systems for dietary supplements and processed foods

• Human-relevant toxicology and safety assessment technologies

• Microbiome and gut-brain interaction modeling platforms

• Chronic disease prevention and metabolic health nutrition technologies

• Aging-related nutrition and resilience prediction systems

• Ocular nutrition and vision-health modeling technologies

• Diet-related obesity, diabetes, GI, kidney, and endocrine disease simulation systems

• Nutrient-drug interaction and polypharmacy assessment platforms

• Biomarker discovery and validation systems for nutritional status and disease risk

• Food matrix interaction and multi-ingredient supplement evaluation technologies

• Real-world data integration and longitudinal nutrition analytics platforms

• Prototype development, translational studies, and validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and manufacturing scale-up activities

Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, bioinformatics analysis, organoid research, analytical chemistry, toxicology testing, translational modeling, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable nutrition science or biotechnology solution aligned with NIH priorities.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, awardees gain several strategic advantages:

• Government Validation and Credibility:
  Being selected for an NIH-backed SBIR grant signals technical excellence and alignment with national health and biomedical priorities. This validation builds investor and partner confidence.

• Enhanced Visibility and Market Recognition:
  Awardees are featured in NIH and HHS announcements, helping attract partnerships, media attention, and future contracting opportunities.

• Access to the Federal Innovation Ecosystem:
  Recipients join a national network of researchers and agencies advancing life science innovation, often opening doors to collaborations with NIH laboratories and federal health programs.

• Stronger Commercial and Exit Potential:
  By maturing technology through nondilutive funding, companies strengthen valuation, de-risk commercialization, and increase attractiveness for acquisition or follow-on private investment.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Applications are accepted each year on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th. Funding is received approximately 9 months after submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with statutory set-asides requiring NIH, CDC, and FDA to devote portions of their extramural R&D budgets (3.2% for SBIR, 0.45% for STTR) to support small business innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) that:

• Are organized for profit with a U.S. place of business.

• Have ≤ 500 employees including affiliates.

• Are > 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, qualifying U.S. entities, or combinations thereof.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that demonstrate:

• A clear unmet medical or public-health need,

• Strong scientific rationale and feasibility,

• High commercialization potential, supported by a realistic market and regulatory strategy, and

• Alignment with an NIH Institute’s or CDC/FDA Center’s specific research mission (e.g., infectious disease, digital health, diagnostics, therapeutics, or data analytics).

Competitive applicants often have an early prototype, preliminary data, and a defined path to market adoption.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Companies must complete multiple federal registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, SBA Company Registry) before applying.

• Foreign entities are not eligible.

• Disclosure of foreign affiliations and compliance with national security screening are mandatory. Currently we do not recommend any sort of foreign affiliation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission will likely take 120–200 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Unexplained Anemia in Older Persons: Elucidating Etiologies, Improving Diagnoses, and Identifying and Testing Potential Treatment Strategies

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is encouraging innovative research proposals focused on improving understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of unexplained anemia of aging (UAA) — a major unmet clinical challenge affecting older adults. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary research aimed at uncovering the biological, clinical, and mechanistic causes of anemia in older individuals whose condition cannot currently be explained by existing diagnostic categories.

NIH estimates that approximately 30–50% of anemia cases in adults over age 65 remain unexplained, despite anemia being strongly associated with increased morbidity, mortality, reduced physical function, and diminished quality of life. The initiative is particularly interested in projects that improve identification of novel anemia subtypes, clarify disease mechanisms, develop precision diagnostics, and evaluate targeted therapeutic interventions.

Companies developing AI-enabled diagnostics, biomarker discovery platforms, hematology analytics systems, precision medicine technologies, geriatric care solutions, microbiome analytics, digital health monitoring systems, or novel therapeutic platforms may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include inflammatory and immune-related mechanisms, cellular senescence, clonal hematopoiesis, hormone-related pathways, microbiome interactions, multimorbidity modeling, cancer-related anemia risk, predictive analytics, clinical screening strategies, and intervention studies targeting newly identified anemia subtypes. NIH is also encouraging projects using novel alternative methods (NAMs), computational biology, translational models, and longitudinal epidemiologic studies to better understand aging-associated hematologic dysfunction.

Funding is available through the NIH SBIR/STTR Program, which currently provides up to approximately $323,090 for Phase I projects and up to $2,153,927 for Phase II projects, with opportunities for additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), both of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment outcomes, survivorship, and quality of life for older adults affected by unexplained anemia.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of diagnostics, biomarkers, predictive analytics systems, therapeutics, and translational research technologies related to unexplained anemia of aging (UAA).

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for anemia subtype identification and risk prediction

• Biomarker discovery and precision hematology diagnostic technologies

• Computational biology and multimorbidity analytics systems

• Microbiome and metabolomics research platforms related to aging-associated anemia

• Inflammatory, immune, and cellular senescence pathway analysis technologies

• Clonal hematopoiesis and genomic profiling systems

• Wearable and remote monitoring technologies for geriatric health and anemia progression

• Precision medicine and targeted therapeutic development platforms

• Novel alternative methods (NAMs), organoid systems, and translational disease models

• Longitudinal aging and epidemiological analytics infrastructure

• Clinical screening, recruitment, and trial-matching technologies for older adults

• Cancer survivorship and anemia-related treatment toxicity monitoring systems

• Predictive analytics for therapy tolerance, recurrence, and mortality risk

• Digital health and geriatric care coordination platforms

• Hormone-related and metabolic pathway intervention technologies

• Functional health and quality-of-life monitoring systems

• Prototype development, translational studies, and clinical validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and manufacturing scale-up activities

Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, bioinformatics analysis, preclinical studies, clinical trial preparation, microbiome research, biomarker validation, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable hematology or aging-health solution aligned with NIH priorities.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, awardees gain several strategic advantages:

• Government Validation and Credibility:
  Being selected for an NIH-backed SBIR grant signals technical excellence and alignment with national health and biomedical priorities. This validation builds investor and partner confidence.

• Enhanced Visibility and Market Recognition:
  Awardees are featured in NIH and HHS announcements, helping attract partnerships, media attention, and future contracting opportunities.

• Access to the Federal Innovation Ecosystem:
  Recipients join a national network of researchers and agencies advancing life science innovation, often opening doors to collaborations with NIH laboratories and federal health programs.

• Stronger Commercial and Exit Potential:
  By maturing technology through nondilutive funding, companies strengthen valuation, de-risk commercialization, and increase attractiveness for acquisition or follow-on private investment.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Applications are accepted each year on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th. Funding is received approximately 9 months after submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with statutory set-asides requiring NIH, CDC, and FDA to devote portions of their extramural R&D budgets (3.2% for SBIR, 0.45% for STTR) to support small business innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) that:

• Are organized for profit with a U.S. place of business.

• Have ≤ 500 employees including affiliates.

• Are > 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, qualifying U.S. entities, or combinations thereof.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that demonstrate:

• A clear unmet medical or public-health need,

• Strong scientific rationale and feasibility,

• High commercialization potential, supported by a realistic market and regulatory strategy, and

• Alignment with an NIH Institute’s or CDC/FDA Center’s specific research mission (e.g., infectious disease, digital health, diagnostics, therapeutics, or data analytics).

Competitive applicants often have an early prototype, preliminary data, and a defined path to market adoption.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Companies must complete multiple federal registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, SBA Company Registry) before applying.

• Foreign entities are not eligible.

• Disclosure of foreign affiliations and compliance with national security screening are mandatory. Currently we do not recommend any sort of foreign affiliation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission will likely take 120–200 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Breaking Barriers: Integrating Immunology and Neuroscience to Transform AD/ADRD Research and Bring a Better Understanding of the Aging Brain

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is encouraging innovative research proposals focused on integrating immunology, neuroscience, and aging research to transform understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD). This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects investigating how immune system dysfunction, neuroinflammation, infections, autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and aging-related immune changes contribute to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.

NIH is particularly interested in projects that bridge traditionally separate disciplines — including immunology, neuroscience, infectious disease, computational biology, and environmental health — to uncover novel mechanisms underlying AD/ADRD pathogenesis. Companies developing neuroimmunology platforms, AI-enabled biomarker systems, precision diagnostics, computational modeling tools, organoid systems, immunotherapeutics, microbiome analytics platforms, or neurodegenerative disease monitoring technologies may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include neuroimmune crosstalk, innate and adaptive immune dysfunction, immunosenescence, neuroinflammation, infectious disease interactions, autoimmunity, microbiome effects, exposome-related neurotoxicity, environmental exposure modeling, biomarker discovery, risk stratification, and immunotherapeutic development. NIH is also encouraging projects leveraging organoids, microphysiological systems, human tissues, AI and machine learning, computational neuroscience, and translational model systems to improve understanding of aging brain biology and AD/ADRD progression.

Funding is available through the NIH SBIR/STTR Program, which currently provides up to approximately $323,090 for Phase I projects and up to $2,153,927 for Phase II projects, with opportunities for additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), all of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve neurodegenerative disease diagnostics, immune-based therapies, environmental health understanding, and precision approaches to Alzheimer’s disease and aging brain research.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of neuroimmunology technologies, biomarkers, computational systems, diagnostics, immunotherapies, and translational neuroscience platforms related to AD/ADRD and aging brain research.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for AD/ADRD biomarker discovery and risk prediction

• Neuroimmune interaction and neuroinflammation research technologies

• Immunotherapeutic and vaccine development platforms for neurodegenerative diseases

• Organoid, microphysiological, and human tissue modeling systems

• Computational neuroscience and neuroimmunology simulation platforms

• Microbiome and infectious disease analytics related to neurodegeneration

• Precision diagnostics and early detection technologies for Alzheimer’s disease

• Immunophenotyping and immune-aging monitoring systems

• Environmental exposure and exposome analytics platforms

• Autoimmunity and neurodegeneration biomarker research tools

• Longitudinal cognitive monitoring and digital health assessment systems

• Translational neuroscience and neurodegenerative disease modeling technologies

• Predictive analytics for cognitive decline and disease progression

• Behavioral, social, and environmental factor integration platforms

• Multi-omics and systems biology technologies for aging brain research

• Novel therapeutic target discovery and validation systems

• Prototype development, translational studies, and clinical validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and manufacturing scale-up activities

Funding may also support personnel, laboratory testing, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, computational modeling, bioinformatics analysis, preclinical studies, organoid research, environmental health analytics, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable neuroscience or biotechnology solution aligned with NIH priorities.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, awardees gain several strategic advantages:

• Government Validation and Credibility:
  Being selected for an NIH-backed SBIR grant signals technical excellence and alignment with national health and biomedical priorities. This validation builds investor and partner confidence.

• Enhanced Visibility and Market Recognition:
  Awardees are featured in NIH and HHS announcements, helping attract partnerships, media attention, and future contracting opportunities.

• Access to the Federal Innovation Ecosystem:
  Recipients join a national network of researchers and agencies advancing life science innovation, often opening doors to collaborations with NIH laboratories and federal health programs.

• Stronger Commercial and Exit Potential:
  By maturing technology through nondilutive funding, companies strengthen valuation, de-risk commercialization, and increase attractiveness for acquisition or follow-on private investment.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Applications are accepted each year on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th. Funding is received approximately 9 months after submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with statutory set-asides requiring NIH, CDC, and FDA to devote portions of their extramural R&D budgets (3.2% for SBIR, 0.45% for STTR) to support small business innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) that:

• Are organized for profit with a U.S. place of business.

• Have ≤ 500 employees including affiliates.

• Are > 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, qualifying U.S. entities, or combinations thereof.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that demonstrate:

• A clear unmet medical or public-health need,

• Strong scientific rationale and feasibility,

• High commercialization potential, supported by a realistic market and regulatory strategy, and

• Alignment with an NIH Institute’s or CDC/FDA Center’s specific research mission (e.g., infectious disease, digital health, diagnostics, therapeutics, or data analytics).

Competitive applicants often have an early prototype, preliminary data, and a defined path to market adoption.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Companies must complete multiple federal registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, SBA Company Registry) before applying.

• Foreign entities are not eligible.

• Disclosure of foreign affiliations and compliance with national security screening are mandatory. Currently we do not recommend any sort of foreign affiliation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission will likely take 120–200 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Research on Chatbots and their Usage

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is encouraging innovative research proposals focused on understanding the benefits, harms, safety, and long-term impacts of conversational chatbot technologies in healthcare and health-related settings. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects designed to rigorously evaluate how chatbot design, personalization, safeguards, and patterns of use influence health outcomes, clinical decision-making, autonomy, behavior, and trust across diverse populations and real-world contexts.

NIH recognizes that chatbots are increasingly used for symptom interpretation, chronic disease management, mental health support, caregiving, treatment decision-making, health information access, and social interaction — often without professional oversight. The initiative is particularly interested in projects that move beyond proof-of-concept to investigate causal mechanisms, unintended consequences, misinformation risks, automation bias, dependency, delayed professional care, and safe deployment practices.

Companies developing healthcare chatbots, AI safety platforms, conversational AI systems, digital therapeutics, clinical decision support tools, chatbot evaluation frameworks, governance systems, behavioral analytics platforms, or AI monitoring technologies may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include chatbot safety benchmarking, longitudinal user behavior analysis, AI transparency, guardrails and escalation systems, misinformation mitigation, mental health and substance use chatbot interventions, cancer care support tools, chatbot-human clinical integration, explainable AI systems, conversational AI for older adults and caregivers, and responsible AI frameworks aligned with healthcare interoperability standards such as FHIR and SMART on FHIR.

Funding is available through the NIH SBIR/STTR Program, which currently provides up to approximately $323,090 for Phase I projects and up to $2,153,927 for Phase II projects, with opportunities for additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by multiple NIH Institutes and Offices including NIA, NCCIH, NCI, NIDA, NIDCR, NIMH, NLM, OBSSR, and ODSS, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve safe, ethical, evidence-based deployment of conversational AI and chatbot technologies in healthcare and public health environments.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, implementation, and commercialization of healthcare chatbot technologies, AI safety systems, conversational AI governance platforms, behavioral analytics tools, and clinical decision support solutions.

Eligible activities may include:

• Healthcare chatbot and conversational AI platform development

• AI safety monitoring, guardrails, and escalation systems

• Chatbot benchmarking, validation, and misinformation detection frameworks

• Clinical decision support and symptom interpretation technologies

• Mental health, substance use disorder, and behavioral health chatbot systems

• Cancer care support, patient education, and survivorship chatbot platforms

• Longitudinal user engagement and dependency analytics systems

• Explainable AI, transparency, and responsible AI governance tools

• Conversational AI systems for older adults, caregivers, and vulnerable populations

• AI-enabled risk stratification and safety monitoring technologies

• Digital therapeutics and chatbot-assisted intervention platforms

• FHIR, SMART on FHIR, and healthcare interoperability integration systems

• Behavioral and social science analytics related to chatbot usage patterns

• Human-centered AI design and co-development frameworks

• Clinical workflow integration and provider oversight systems

• Privacy-preserving conversational AI and secure data-sharing infrastructure

• Prototype development, translational studies, and real-world validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and implementation scaling activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, cybersecurity systems, user research, behavioral analytics, implementation science, interoperability integration, stakeholder engagement, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable healthcare AI or conversational technology solution aligned with NIH priorities.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, awardees gain several strategic advantages:

• Government Validation and Credibility:
  Being selected for an NIH-backed SBIR grant signals technical excellence and alignment with national health and biomedical priorities. This validation builds investor and partner confidence.

• Enhanced Visibility and Market Recognition:
  Awardees are featured in NIH and HHS announcements, helping attract partnerships, media attention, and future contracting opportunities.

• Access to the Federal Innovation Ecosystem:
  Recipients join a national network of researchers and agencies advancing life science innovation, often opening doors to collaborations with NIH laboratories and federal health programs.

• Stronger Commercial and Exit Potential:
  By maturing technology through nondilutive funding, companies strengthen valuation, de-risk commercialization, and increase attractiveness for acquisition or follow-on private investment.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Applications are accepted each year on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th. Funding is received approximately 9 months after submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with statutory set-asides requiring NIH, CDC, and FDA to devote portions of their extramural R&D budgets (3.2% for SBIR, 0.45% for STTR) to support small business innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) that:

• Are organized for profit with a U.S. place of business.

• Have ≤ 500 employees including affiliates.

• Are > 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, qualifying U.S. entities, or combinations thereof.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that demonstrate:

• A clear unmet medical or public-health need,

• Strong scientific rationale and feasibility,

• High commercialization potential, supported by a realistic market and regulatory strategy, and

• Alignment with an NIH Institute’s or CDC/FDA Center’s specific research mission (e.g., infectious disease, digital health, diagnostics, therapeutics, or data analytics).

Competitive applicants often have an early prototype, preliminary data, and a defined path to market adoption.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Companies must complete multiple federal registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, SBA Company Registry) before applying.

• Foreign entities are not eligible.

• Disclosure of foreign affiliations and compliance with national security screening are mandatory. Currently we do not recommend any sort of foreign affiliation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission will likely take 120–200 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Strengthening Biomedical Research, Promoting Trust, and Improving Health through Bioethics Research

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is encouraging innovative research proposals focused on strengthening biomedical research, improving public trust in science, and advancing actionable bioethics research across biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and data-driven health research ecosystems. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects designed to integrate ethical principles into emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, genomics, neuroscience, clinical trials, digital health, and data science to improve transparency, autonomy, equity, and long-term public engagement in research.

NIH is particularly interested in projects that address ethical challenges related to AI systems, digital health technologies, informed consent, data sharing, community engagement, participant autonomy, return of research results, privacy, neurotechnology, genomics, and biomedical innovation. Companies developing AI governance platforms, healthcare consent systems, ethical data-sharing infrastructure, digital health ethics tools, research engagement technologies, privacy-preserving analytics systems, or bioethics-focused clinical research platforms may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include AI transparency and generalizability, ethical design of neurotechnology and biomedical AI systems, genomic privacy, informed consent for wearables and electronic health records, community-centered clinical trial recruitment, ethical use of imaging and biometrics, return-of-results frameworks, health equity, data security, responsible AI deployment, implementation science, and trust-building approaches for underserved and vulnerable populations.

Funding is available through the NIH SBIR/STTR Program and related NIH research mechanisms, with opportunities for Phase I and Phase II commercialization support depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by numerous NIH Institutes and Offices including OSP, BRAIN Initiative, NCI, NEI, NHGRI, NHLBI, NIA, NIAAA, NIAID, NIBIB, NIDA, NIDCR, NINDS, ODSS, OBSSR, and others, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that strengthen ethical biomedical research, trustworthy AI, responsible data use, participant engagement, and equitable healthcare innovation.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, implementation, and commercialization of bioethics technologies, AI governance systems, informed consent platforms, data privacy tools, and community-engagement solutions for biomedical research and healthcare innovation.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI governance, transparency, and explainability platforms for healthcare and biomedical research

• Ethical data-sharing and privacy-preserving analytics systems

• Digital informed consent and participant autonomy technologies

• Community engagement and clinical trial recruitment platforms

• Ethical AI and neurotechnology assessment tools

• Genomics, imaging, and biometric privacy infrastructure

• Return-of-results communication and decision-support systems

• Research trust-building and public engagement technologies

• Data stewardship and FAIR/CARE-aligned research infrastructure

• Bioethics analytics and compliance monitoring systems

• Ethical frameworks for wearables, EHRs, linked data, and public health research

• AI bias detection and generalizability validation platforms

• Clinical trial transparency and adaptive research governance technologies

• Neuroethics and brain-computer interface ethics platforms

• Digital health ethics, implementation science, and health equity technologies

• Educational and workforce development tools supporting responsible biomedical innovation

• Prototype development, translational studies, and implementation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and deployment scaling activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, cybersecurity systems, community-engaged research, data governance implementation, usability testing, stakeholder engagement, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable bioethics or healthcare technology solution aligned with NIH priorities.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, awardees gain several strategic advantages:

• Government Validation and Credibility:
  Being selected for an NIH-backed SBIR grant signals technical excellence and alignment with national health and biomedical priorities. This validation builds investor and partner confidence.

• Enhanced Visibility and Market Recognition:
  Awardees are featured in NIH and HHS announcements, helping attract partnerships, media attention, and future contracting opportunities.

• Access to the Federal Innovation Ecosystem:
  Recipients join a national network of researchers and agencies advancing life science innovation, often opening doors to collaborations with NIH laboratories and federal health programs.

• Stronger Commercial and Exit Potential:
  By maturing technology through nondilutive funding, companies strengthen valuation, de-risk commercialization, and increase attractiveness for acquisition or follow-on private investment.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Applications are accepted each year on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th. Funding is received approximately 9 months after submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with statutory set-asides requiring NIH, CDC, and FDA to devote portions of their extramural R&D budgets (3.2% for SBIR, 0.45% for STTR) to support small business innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) that:

• Are organized for profit with a U.S. place of business.

• Have ≤ 500 employees including affiliates.

• Are > 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, qualifying U.S. entities, or combinations thereof.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that demonstrate:

• A clear unmet medical or public-health need,

• Strong scientific rationale and feasibility,

• High commercialization potential, supported by a realistic market and regulatory strategy, and

• Alignment with an NIH Institute’s or CDC/FDA Center’s specific research mission (e.g., infectious disease, digital health, diagnostics, therapeutics, or data analytics).

Competitive applicants often have an early prototype, preliminary data, and a defined path to market adoption.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Companies must complete multiple federal registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, SBA Company Registry) before applying.

• Foreign entities are not eligible.

• Disclosure of foreign affiliations and compliance with national security screening are mandatory. Currently we do not recommend any sort of foreign affiliation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission will likely take 120–200 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Health and Extreme Weather: Advancing Critical Research to Address the Direct and Indirect Health Impacts of Weather-Related Natural Disasters.

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is encouraging innovative research proposals focused on understanding, preventing, and mitigating the direct and indirect health impacts of extreme weather events and weather-related natural disasters. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects designed to improve resilience, strengthen healthcare preparedness, develop evidence-based interventions, and better understand how environmental and meteorological exposures influence human health across the lifespan.

The NIH Health and Extreme Weather (HEW) Program is particularly interested in research addressing health risks associated with heatwaves, floods, hurricanes, droughts, wildfires, harmful algal blooms, extreme storms, humidity, air pollution, and other downstream environmental exposures influenced by weather-related phenomena. Companies developing environmental health technologies, climate-health analytics platforms, AI-enabled predictive systems, remote sensing technologies, wearable exposure monitoring tools, public health infrastructure systems, telehealth platforms, or resilience-focused healthcare technologies may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include environmental exposure modeling, population health surveillance, community resilience interventions, implementation science, disaster preparedness systems, longitudinal health monitoring, environmental data integration, wearable sensors, behavioral health interventions, healthcare continuity technologies, and predictive analytics related to weather-driven disease risks. NIH is also encouraging projects focused on vulnerable populations including children, older adults, pregnant women, first responders, rural populations, outdoor workers, cancer patients, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

Funding is available through the NIH SBIR/STTR Program, which currently provides up to approximately $323,090 for Phase I projects and up to $2,153,927 for Phase II projects, with opportunities for additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by numerous NIH Institutes and Offices including NIEHS, NHLBI, NIA, NIAID, NIMH, NIMHD, NINR, NCI, NIAMS, NCCIH, ODP, ORWH, and OBSSR, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve climate resilience, environmental health monitoring, healthcare preparedness, and population health outcomes related to extreme weather.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, implementation, and commercialization of climate-health technologies, environmental monitoring systems, predictive analytics platforms, public health tools, and resilience-focused healthcare solutions.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for extreme weather health risk prediction

• Environmental exposure monitoring and wearable sensor technologies

• Climate-health analytics and population surveillance systems

• Public health preparedness and disaster response technologies

• Telehealth and healthcare continuity platforms during natural disasters

• Environmental data integration and exposome analytics systems

• Community resilience and implementation science intervention platforms

• Heat stress, wildfire smoke, air pollution, and environmental toxin monitoring tools

• Predictive modeling for infectious disease, respiratory illness, and chronic disease exacerbation

• Remote patient monitoring for vulnerable and high-risk populations

• Behavioral health and mental health intervention systems related to disaster exposure

• Rural and underserved community healthcare infrastructure technologies

• Environmental justice and health disparities intervention platforms

• Cancer survivorship, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological resilience technologies

• Data interoperability and longitudinal climate-health research infrastructure

• Natural disaster recovery and healthcare systems coordination tools

• Prototype development, translational studies, and implementation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and deployment scaling activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, environmental sensing hardware, epidemiological analysis, implementation science research, healthcare systems integration, community engagement, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable environmental health or healthcare technology solution aligned with NIH priorities.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, awardees gain several strategic advantages:

• Government Validation and Credibility:
  Being selected for an NIH-backed SBIR grant signals technical excellence and alignment with national health and biomedical priorities. This validation builds investor and partner confidence.

• Enhanced Visibility and Market Recognition:
  Awardees are featured in NIH and HHS announcements, helping attract partnerships, media attention, and future contracting opportunities.

• Access to the Federal Innovation Ecosystem:
  Recipients join a national network of researchers and agencies advancing life science innovation, often opening doors to collaborations with NIH laboratories and federal health programs.

• Stronger Commercial and Exit Potential:
  By maturing technology through nondilutive funding, companies strengthen valuation, de-risk commercialization, and increase attractiveness for acquisition or follow-on private investment.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Applications are accepted each year on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th. Funding is received approximately 9 months after submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with statutory set-asides requiring NIH, CDC, and FDA to devote portions of their extramural R&D budgets (3.2% for SBIR, 0.45% for STTR) to support small business innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) that:

• Are organized for profit with a U.S. place of business.

• Have ≤ 500 employees including affiliates.

• Are > 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, qualifying U.S. entities, or combinations thereof.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that demonstrate:

• A clear unmet medical or public-health need,

• Strong scientific rationale and feasibility,

• High commercialization potential, supported by a realistic market and regulatory strategy, and

• Alignment with an NIH Institute’s or CDC/FDA Center’s specific research mission (e.g., infectious disease, digital health, diagnostics, therapeutics, or data analytics).

Competitive applicants often have an early prototype, preliminary data, and a defined path to market adoption.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Companies must complete multiple federal registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, SBA Company Registry) before applying.

• Foreign entities are not eligible.

• Disclosure of foreign affiliations and compliance with national security screening are mandatory. Currently we do not recommend any sort of foreign affiliation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission will likely take 120–200 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Quantum Information Science & Technologies for Biomedical Applications

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is encouraging innovative research proposals focused on applying Quantum Information Science (QIS) and quantum technologies to biomedical research, diagnostics, imaging, sensing, therapeutics, and computational biology. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects aimed at leveraging quantum physics principles to dramatically improve the precision, sensitivity, speed, and scalability of biomedical technologies and healthcare systems.

NIH is particularly interested in projects that integrate quantum technologies with classical biomedical systems to enable breakthroughs in disease detection, physiological sensing, biomolecular simulation, imaging, computational modeling, and therapeutic discovery. Companies developing quantum sensing platforms, quantum-enhanced imaging systems, quantum computing software, hybrid quantum-classical AI systems, biointerfaces, microfluidics, or advanced biomedical diagnostics may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include quantum-enhanced imaging, quantum biosensing, lab-on-a-chip diagnostics, quantum algorithms for biomolecular simulation, quantum computing for therapeutic discovery, optoelectronic biointerfaces, neural sensing technologies, quantum-enabled AI and predictive analytics, personalized medicine platforms, and translational quantum biomedical systems. NIH is also encouraging projects focused on portability, scalability, reproducibility, benchmarking against classical systems, and integration with clinical workflows and biomedical data infrastructures.

Funding is available through the NIH SBIR/STTR Program, which currently provides up to approximately $323,090 for Phase I projects and up to $2,153,927 for Phase II projects, with opportunities for additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by multiple NIH Institutes and Offices including NIBIB, BRAIN Initiative, NCATS, NCI, NEI, NHLBI, NIDCR, NIGMS, and ODSS, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that advance quantum-enabled healthcare technologies, diagnostics, computational biology, imaging systems, and biomedical research infrastructure.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of quantum biomedical technologies, quantum computing platforms, sensing systems, imaging tools, diagnostics, and computational biology solutions.

Eligible activities may include:

• Quantum-enhanced biomedical imaging systems

• Quantum biosensing and ultrasensitive diagnostic platforms

• AI-enabled hybrid quantum-classical computational systems

• Quantum algorithms for biomolecular simulation and therapeutic discovery

• Quantum-enabled lab-on-a-chip and microfluidic diagnostic technologies

• Optoelectronic biointerfaces for physiological monitoring and modulation

• Quantum sensing systems for neural recording and neuromodulation

• Portable quantum diagnostics and point-of-care testing platforms

• Quantum imaging for cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, ocular, and craniofacial diseases

• Hyperpolarized MRI, photon-counting CT, and quantum optical coherence tomography technologies

• Quantum computing platforms for predictive analytics and personalized medicine

• Wearable and implantable quantum-enabled biomedical devices

• Biomedical data integration and quantum-enabled AI/ML infrastructure

• Real-time biomarker detection and physiological monitoring systems

• Translational quantum technologies integrated into clinical workflows

• Benchmarking, reproducibility, and scalability frameworks for quantum biomedical systems

• Prototype development, translational studies, and clinical validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and manufacturing scale-up activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, quantum hardware development, cloud computing infrastructure, AI model development, laboratory testing, computational modeling, biomedical imaging research, device prototyping, bioinformatics analysis, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable quantum healthcare or biomedical technology solution aligned with NIH priorities.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, awardees gain several strategic advantages:

• Government Validation and Credibility:
  Being selected for an NIH-backed SBIR grant signals technical excellence and alignment with national health and biomedical priorities. This validation builds investor and partner confidence.

• Enhanced Visibility and Market Recognition:
  Awardees are featured in NIH and HHS announcements, helping attract partnerships, media attention, and future contracting opportunities.

• Access to the Federal Innovation Ecosystem:
  Recipients join a national network of researchers and agencies advancing life science innovation, often opening doors to collaborations with NIH laboratories and federal health programs.

• Stronger Commercial and Exit Potential:
  By maturing technology through nondilutive funding, companies strengthen valuation, de-risk commercialization, and increase attractiveness for acquisition or follow-on private investment.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Applications are accepted each year on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th. Funding is received approximately 9 months after submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with statutory set-asides requiring NIH, CDC, and FDA to devote portions of their extramural R&D budgets (3.2% for SBIR, 0.45% for STTR) to support small business innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) that:

• Are organized for profit with a U.S. place of business.

• Have ≤ 500 employees including affiliates.

• Are > 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, qualifying U.S. entities, or combinations thereof.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that demonstrate:

• A clear unmet medical or public-health need,

• Strong scientific rationale and feasibility,

• High commercialization potential, supported by a realistic market and regulatory strategy, and

• Alignment with an NIH Institute’s or CDC/FDA Center’s specific research mission (e.g., infectious disease, digital health, diagnostics, therapeutics, or data analytics).

Competitive applicants often have an early prototype, preliminary data, and a defined path to market adoption.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Companies must complete multiple federal registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, SBA Company Registry) before applying.

• Foreign entities are not eligible.

• Disclosure of foreign affiliations and compliance with national security screening are mandatory. Currently we do not recommend any sort of foreign affiliation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission will likely take 120–200 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Enhancing Scientific Rigor, Transparency and Replicability

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is encouraging innovative research proposals focused on improving scientific rigor, transparency, reproducibility, and replicability across the biomedical research enterprise. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects that develop new tools, standards, methodologies, training programs, AI-enabled systems, and collaborative frameworks designed to strengthen the quality, validity, and reliability of scientific research outcomes.

NIH recognizes that reproducible and transparent research practices are essential for accelerating biomedical discovery, improving translational success, reducing bias, and maximizing public trust in science. The initiative is particularly interested in technologies and strategies that improve experimental design, metadata quality, protocol standardization, analytical reproducibility, AI validation, data interoperability, and dissemination of rigorous scientific practices.

Companies developing AI-driven research platforms, scientific workflow software, reproducibility analytics systems, metadata infrastructure, laboratory automation tools, benchmarking frameworks, biomedical informatics systems, open science technologies, or research collaboration platforms may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include AI-assisted rigor assessment, FAIR and TRUST-aligned data standards, automated metadata generation, reproducibility benchmarking, workflow traceability, protocol sharing, sex as a biological variable (SABV) frameworks, community-based training systems, common data elements (CDEs), multimodal data harmonization, laboratory automation, digital provenance tracking, and implementation science approaches that improve adoption of rigorous research practices. NIH is also encouraging projects supporting reproducibility in genomics, neuroscience, mental health, environmental health, imaging, clinical trials, aging, substance use research, and AI/ML evaluation frameworks.

Funding is available through the NIH SBIR/STTR Program and related NIH research, education, and conference mechanisms, including opportunities for Phase I and Phase II commercialization support depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by a broad coalition of NIH Institutes and Offices including NINDS, NLM, NIBIB, NHGRI, NCI, NHLBI, NIA, NIMH, NIDA, NIAID, NEI, NCCIH, ORWH, ODSS, ODP, ODS, NIGMS, NIEHS, and many others, all of which are seeking scalable innovations that improve scientific validity, transparency, interoperability, and translational reliability across biomedical research.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, implementation, and commercialization of scientific rigor technologies, AI-enabled research infrastructure, reproducibility analytics platforms, metadata systems, and biomedical data science tools.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning systems for assessing research rigor and reproducibility

• Automated protocol standardization and metadata generation platforms

• FAIR and TRUST-aligned data interoperability infrastructure

• Scientific workflow traceability and provenance tracking technologies

• Benchmarking and validation frameworks for AI/ML models

• Open science and collaborative research platforms

• Common data element (CDE) development and harmonization systems

• Biomedical informatics and multimodal data integration tools

• Laboratory automation and digital workflow capture technologies

• Research reproducibility analytics and variability assessment systems

• Clinical trial design optimization and statistical rigor tools

• Sex as a biological variable (SABV) reporting and analysis platforms

• Genomics, imaging, neuroscience, and environmental health reproducibility tools

• Community training, workforce development, and educational technologies

• Replication study infrastructure and scientific quality assurance systems

• Protocol sharing, versioning, and computational pipeline documentation platforms

• Prototype development, translational studies, and validation research

• Commercialization planning, implementation scaling, and regulatory preparation activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, biomedical data analysis, implementation science, standards development, stakeholder engagement, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable scientific infrastructure or biomedical research technology solution aligned with NIH priorities.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, awardees gain several strategic advantages:

• Government Validation and Credibility:
  Being selected for an NIH-backed SBIR grant signals technical excellence and alignment with national health and biomedical priorities. This validation builds investor and partner confidence.

• Enhanced Visibility and Market Recognition:
  Awardees are featured in NIH and HHS announcements, helping attract partnerships, media attention, and future contracting opportunities.

• Access to the Federal Innovation Ecosystem:
  Recipients join a national network of researchers and agencies advancing life science innovation, often opening doors to collaborations with NIH laboratories and federal health programs.

• Stronger Commercial and Exit Potential:
  By maturing technology through nondilutive funding, companies strengthen valuation, de-risk commercialization, and increase attractiveness for acquisition or follow-on private investment.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Applications are accepted each year on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th. Funding is received approximately 9 months after submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with statutory set-asides requiring NIH, CDC, and FDA to devote portions of their extramural R&D budgets (3.2% for SBIR, 0.45% for STTR) to support small business innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) that:

• Are organized for profit with a U.S. place of business.

• Have ≤ 500 employees including affiliates.

• Are > 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, qualifying U.S. entities, or combinations thereof.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that demonstrate:

• A clear unmet medical or public-health need,

• Strong scientific rationale and feasibility,

• High commercialization potential, supported by a realistic market and regulatory strategy, and

• Alignment with an NIH Institute’s or CDC/FDA Center’s specific research mission (e.g., infectious disease, digital health, diagnostics, therapeutics, or data analytics).

Competitive applicants often have an early prototype, preliminary data, and a defined path to market adoption.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Companies must complete multiple federal registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, SBA Company Registry) before applying.

• Foreign entities are not eligible.

• Disclosure of foreign affiliations and compliance with national security screening are mandatory. Currently we do not recommend any sort of foreign affiliation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission will likely take 120–200 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.

Review solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: GLP-1s: Implications for Nutritional Status and Metabolic Health Outcomes

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is encouraging innovative research proposals focused on understanding how GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) impact nutritional status, metabolism, chronic disease outcomes, and population health. This highlighted topic supports multidisciplinary projects designed to investigate the biological, behavioral, clinical, and societal implications of rapidly expanding GLP-1 use, including both prescription therapies and dietary supplements marketed as “GLP-1 mimetics.”

NIH is particularly interested in research examining how GLP-1 therapies influence nutrient metabolism, body composition, appetite regulation, gastrointestinal function, microbiome composition, metabolic biomarkers, and long-term health outcomes. Companies developing AI-enabled nutrition analytics platforms, metabolic monitoring systems, digital therapeutics, wearable health technologies, precision nutrition platforms, dietary supplement testing systems, or real-world evidence platforms may be strong candidates for funding.

Areas of interest include metabolic health biomarkers, obesity and diabetes management, cancer prevention and survivorship, cardiovascular risk reduction, aging and cognitive outcomes, musculoskeletal health, ocular disease mechanisms, oral health effects, microbiome changes, and lifestyle interventions supporting GLP-1 treatment. NIH is also encouraging projects focused on the safety, composition, efficacy, and biological mechanisms of supplements marketed as GLP-1 mimetics, including interactions with prescription GLP-1 medications.

Funding is available through the NIH SBIR/STTR Program, which currently provides up to approximately $323,090 for Phase I projects and up to $2,153,927 for Phase II projects, with opportunities for additional commercialization and follow-on funding depending on project scope and translational impact.

This highlighted topic is supported by numerous NIH Institutes and Offices including ODS, NCI, NEI, NHLBI, NIA, NIAMS, NIDCR, NIDDK, NINR, ODP, ONR, and OBSSR, all of which are seeking transformative innovations that improve metabolic health, nutrition science, chronic disease prevention, precision medicine, and evidence-based GLP-1 treatment strategies.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of metabolic health technologies, nutrition science platforms, AI analytics systems, digital therapeutics, biomarker tools, and dietary supplement evaluation technologies related to GLP-1 therapies and metabolic outcomes.

Eligible activities may include:

• AI and machine learning platforms for GLP-1 treatment optimization and metabolic monitoring

• Precision nutrition and personalized dietary intervention technologies

• Biomarker discovery and metabolic risk prediction systems

• Wearable devices and remote monitoring technologies for nutrition and body composition

• Digital therapeutics supporting GLP-1 adherence and lifestyle interventions

• Microbiome, metabolomics, and multi-omics analytics platforms

• Dietary supplement testing, formulation, and bioavailability evaluation technologies

• Real-world evidence and longitudinal outcomes research platforms

• Cardiovascular, sleep, and metabolic disease prevention technologies

• Cancer prevention and survivorship intervention systems related to GLP-1 use

• Aging, cognitive health, and neurodegenerative disease research platforms

• Musculoskeletal, bone density, sarcopenia, and fracture risk monitoring technologies

• Oral health, ocular health, and inflammatory response assessment systems

• Behavioral health, appetite regulation, and satiety analytics platforms

• Drug interaction and safety assessment technologies for GLP-1 mimetics

• Clinical decision support systems integrating nutrition and metabolic biomarkers

• Prototype development, translational studies, and clinical validation research

• Commercialization planning, regulatory preparation, and manufacturing scale-up activities

Funding may also support personnel, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, AI model development, laboratory testing, nutritional analysis, wearable integration, clinical research, bioinformatics analysis, intellectual property protection, regulatory strategy, and commercialization activities necessary to advance a scalable and commercially viable healthcare, nutrition, or biotechnology solution aligned with NIH priorities.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, awardees gain several strategic advantages:

• Government Validation and Credibility:
  Being selected for an NIH-backed SBIR grant signals technical excellence and alignment with national health and biomedical priorities. This validation builds investor and partner confidence.

• Enhanced Visibility and Market Recognition:
  Awardees are featured in NIH and HHS announcements, helping attract partnerships, media attention, and future contracting opportunities.

• Access to the Federal Innovation Ecosystem:
  Recipients join a national network of researchers and agencies advancing life science innovation, often opening doors to collaborations with NIH laboratories and federal health programs.

• Stronger Commercial and Exit Potential:
  By maturing technology through nondilutive funding, companies strengthen valuation, de-risk commercialization, and increase attractiveness for acquisition or follow-on private investment.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Applications are accepted each year on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th. Funding is received approximately 9 months after submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with statutory set-asides requiring NIH, CDC, and FDA to devote portions of their extramural R&D budgets (3.2% for SBIR, 0.45% for STTR) to support small business innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) that:

• Are organized for profit with a U.S. place of business.

• Have ≤ 500 employees including affiliates.

• Are > 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, qualifying U.S. entities, or combinations thereof.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that demonstrate:

• A clear unmet medical or public-health need,

• Strong scientific rationale and feasibility,

• High commercialization potential, supported by a realistic market and regulatory strategy, and

• Alignment with an NIH Institute’s or CDC/FDA Center’s specific research mission (e.g., infectious disease, digital health, diagnostics, therapeutics, or data analytics).

Competitive applicants often have an early prototype, preliminary data, and a defined path to market adoption.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Companies must complete multiple federal registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, SBA Company Registry) before applying.

• Foreign entities are not eligible.

• Disclosure of foreign affiliations and compliance with national security screening are mandatory. Currently we do not recommend any sort of foreign affiliation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission will likely take 120–200 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.

Review solicitation here.