Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) administers the U.S. Department of Agriculture�s (USDA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, both of which focus on projects that enhance American agriculture, rural health care, rural communities and the environment. USDA SBIR/STTR PROGRAMS 1.) Stimulate technological innovations in the private sector; 2.) Strengthen the role of small businesses in meeting Federal research and development needs; 3.) Increase the commercialization of innovations derived from SBIR/STTR-supported private sector research and development efforts; and 4.) Foster and encourage participation by emerging and undercapitalized small businesses.

Phase I is open to any eligible small independent US business. Phase II is open only to previous Phase I awardees. The SBIR/STTR Phase I and Phase II NOFOs outline the specific eligibility requirements that are in place to ensure that the funds go only to small, independent US businesses. The regulations include restrictions about 1.) the type of firm; 2.) its ownership structure; and 3.) the firm�s size in terms of the number of employees. See the program NOFO for more details about the SBIR/STTR eligibility requirements.

General application instructions are listed in the NIFA Grants Application Guide. Program-specific instructions are listed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The NOFO overrides the Application Guide if there is a discrepancy between the two documents. Applicants must apply electronically through Grants.gov; no other method or response is accepted. The application forms package for this funding opportunity must be accessed through Grants.gov. Part III of the NIFA Grants Application Guide explains how to access a specific application forms package. Parts II and III of the NIFA Grants Application Guide contain resources to assist grant applicants and detailed information regarding the Grants.gov registration process. NIFA evaluates each application in a two-part process. First, each application is screened to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements set forth in the NOFO. All administrative requirements must be met in order for the application to proceed to the next level of review. Second, a scientific peer-review process will be used to technically evaluate applications that have met the administrative requirements using a review panel. After each peer review panel has completed deliberations, the responsible NIFA program staff will either recommend an application for support from available funds or decline an application due to insufficient funds or unfavorable review. See the program NOFO for more information.

Fiscal year 2025: Phase I Award examples: 1. A Portable Situational Awareness Toolset for Wildfires Suppression and Team Management 2. Squalene Produced from US Soybeans 3. A Nickel-Binding Feed Additive for Improved Feed Efficiency & Productivity in Cattle 4. Cost-effective Monitoring Platform for Optimal Nutrient Application 5. Innovative Food Processing Utilizing Whole Apples to Produce a Novel Drink, Reducing Food Waste and Enhancing Nutritional Value 6. AMA: An AI-Driven Special Education Support Platform for Education in Rural Communities. 7. Induced polyploidization in larviparous oysters: Developing a commercially viable Hawaiian oyster 8. Consolidated Bioprocessing of Corn Stover to Ethanol Augmented by Spontaneous Particle Expansion Cotreatment 9. Improving Small Farm Profitability Using Directed Energy Weed Management 10. Cotton Picker Spindle Design and Manufacturing Processes There were no FY25 Phase II awards issued.