Program Phases and Funding Levels

Phase I: Feasibility and Proof of Concept

• Establish technical merit and feasibility of proposed R&D
• Demonstrate the ability of the small business to grow and operate successfully
• SBIR: typically $150,000 for total costs over six months; may not exceed $314,363*
• STTR: typically $150,000 for total costs over one year; may not exceed $314,363*
  *For specific topics, NIH may exceed these total award amounts

Phase II: R&D

• Continue R&D initiated in Phase I toward commercialization
• Commercialization plan is required
• SBIR and STTR: typically $1 million for total costs over 2 years; hard cap $2,095,748*
  *For specific topics, NIH may exceed these total award amounts

Fast Track

• Combined application for both Phases I and II
• Allows single peer review process
• Budget amount follows typical Phase I and Phase II

Direct-to-Phase II: R&D

• Apply directly for Phase II funding
• Must demonstrate feasibility through research completed under other funding sources
• Only open to SBIR

Commercialization Readiness Pilot (CRP)

• Continue R&D to transition from SBIR/STTR to commercialization
• Provides funding and technical assistance for R&D not supported through Phase II /IIB grants
• SBIR and STTR: typically up to $4,191,495 for total costs up to 3 years

Phase IIB

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