The Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs (SBIR/STTR): A Pilot Emphasis on Scientific Instrumentation, offered by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), invests in startups and small businesses developing next-generation instrumentation, novel experimental platforms, and other scientific equipment to advance scientific discovery and strengthen the American scientific and engineering enterprise.

Overview

NSF is initiating a pilot emphasis area within its SBIR/STTR programs to support enabling technologies that include next-generation instrumentation and scientific equipment. This pilot prioritizes investment in infrastructure necessary for new fields of scientific discovery, including instrumentation for AI-driven discoveries. The program funds across enabling technology areas and market sectors; it does not solicit specific technologies for procuring goods and services. NSF takes no equity, and awardees keep full ownership of their company and intellectual property.

Funding and Benefits

• Program Funding: $40,000,000
• Expected Awards: 86
• Funding Instrument Type: Grant
• Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
• Maximum per Company for R&D: Up to $2.0 million
• Opportunity Number: 26-511

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants: Other (Miscellaneous)

Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by firms qualifying as a small business concern. The size limit of 500 employees includes affiliates. The firm must be in compliance with the SBIR/STTR Policy Directive and the Code of Federal Regulations. For STTR proposals, the proposing small business concern must also include a partner research institution in the project.

• Phase I: Proposers must obtain an official invitation to submit a proposal by submitting a Project Pitch. Invitations are valid for the next two submission deadlines. A maximum of two Project Pitches per company per 12-month period is allowed, and no more than 3 Project Pitches for the same project/technology.
• Phase II: Only NSF Phase I SBIR/STTR awardees are permitted to submit a Phase II proposal. Proposals must be submitted between 6 to 24 months after the start date of the relevant Phase I award.
• Fast-Track: Proposers must obtain an official invitation via a Project Pitch. A full proposal must be submitted within four months of the Fast-Track Project Pitch invitation.
• Supplemental Funding: All active SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees are invited to participate in supplemental funding opportunities, including Phase IIB.
• Strategic Breakthroughs: SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees are eligible to submit Strategic Breakthrough proposals upon recommendation of their cognizant Program Officer.

Who May Serve as PI: The primary employment of the Principal Investigator (PI) must be with the small business at the time of award and for the duration of the award. Primary employment is defined as at least 51 percent employed by the small business.

Application Process

Applicants must go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates. For Phase I and Fast-Track, potential proposers must submit a Project Pitch and receive an official response from program staff before submitting a full proposal.

Deadline and Timeline

• Closing Date: July 27, 2026
• Posted Date: May 22, 2026
• Archive Date: April 5, 2031

Contact Information

Grantor Contact: NSF grants.gov support
Email: grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov

Additional Information: NSF Publication 26-511