The NIH Small Business Technology Transfer Grant (Parent STTR [R41/R42] Clinical Trial Optional) supports United States small business concerns (SBCs) that partner with a nonprofit research institution to bring scientific innovations to the marketplace. The programme funds feasibility studies through later-stage research and development (R&D) needed to develop a commercial product.

Overview

The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programme, administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a major source of early-stage funding for U.S. technology development and commercialization. Awards are made to small businesses that formally collaborate with a nonprofit research institution, such as a university. The Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) may be employed by either the small business or the partnering nonprofit research institution, but the award is always issued to the small business.

Projects may be supported through Phase I (establishing technical merit and feasibility), Phase II (continuing R&D toward commercialization), Direct to Phase II, or Fast-Track. After Phase II, NIH expects small business concerns to fully commercialize the product or technology using non-SBIR/STTR funds.

Funding and Benefits

Funding Instrument: Grant

Award Ceiling: None

Award Floor: None

NIH is required to set aside 0.45% of its extramural research budget for the STTR programme. Award amounts and durations are determined through the application and review process.

Eligibility

Only United States small business concerns (SBCs), as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA), are eligible to submit applications. Each application must include a formal collaboration with a nonprofit research institution.

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply. Unfunded international collaborations or unfunded foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, may be allowed.

Research Areas

Applications must fall within the mission of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers. The NIH mission encompasses fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability. Areas of interest include research into the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and cure of human diseases; processes of human growth and development; biological effects of environmental contaminants; understanding of mental, addictive, and physical disorders; and programs for the collection, dissemination, and exchange of information in medicine and health.

Application Process

Applicants must follow the SBIR/STTR (B) Instructions in the How to Apply – Application Guide. Applications may be submitted through one of the following options:

• NIH ASSIST system: Prepare, submit, and track the application online.
• Institutional system-to-system (S2S) solution: Prepare and submit to Grants.gov and track in eRA Commons.
• Grants.gov Workspace: Prepare and submit the application and track in eRA Commons.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact program staff prior to applying to help choose the best funding opportunity for the project.

Deadline and Timeline

Posted Date: May 28, 2026

Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): August 5, 2026

Application Due Dates: Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization on the following dates:

• September 5, 2026
• January 5, 2027
• April 5, 2027

Expiration Date: April 6, 2027

No late applications will be accepted.

Contact Information

NIH SEED (Small business Education and Entrepreneurial Development)
Email: SEEDinfo@nih.gov
Phone: 301-402-2541