What are the SBIR/STTR programs?
The SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs are federally supported initiatives designed to boost research and development (R&D) in small businesses. These programs offer funding opportunities for innovative projects with the goal of encouraging small businesses to participate in the development of advanced technological solutions. This includes companies created by students or researchers to commercialize the results of their academic research.
Benefits of Applying to SBIR/STTR Programs
Participating in SBIR/STTR programs offers a wide range of benefits, including:
They provide financial support in the initial phases of projects, ranging from proof-of-concept research to prototype development and market feasibility studies.
The opportunity to receive between $50,000 and $350,000 during the first phase and between $500,000 and $1,000,000 during the second phase to develop the project.
The funds awarded are equity-free, meaning participating companies do not have to cede equity to the federal agency.
They support high-risk projects with high potential impact.
They contribute to economic growth by supporting initiatives that can result in job creation and strengthening of industry. Support from government programs like SBIR/STTR lends prestige and credibility to companies and researchers, which can be beneficial for future collaborations and funding opportunities, including venture capital.
Even if your proposal is not selected for a grant, you will receive valuable feedback from a panel of highly qualified experts, both scientifically and commercially. This feedback allows you to address deficiencies and strengthen your research. The agencies allow you to resubmit your proposal to the same SBIR program once it has been corrected.
SBIR/STTR Program Calls
SBIR/STTR Calls for Proposals from all agencies (except the Department of Defense): https://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/topic/current
Department of Defense Calls for Proposals: https://www.dodsbir.net/
SBIR/STTR and other federal program applications: https://www.grants.gov/search-grants
Agencies with SBIR Programs:
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Department of Commerce (DoC)
Department of Defense (DoD)*
Department of Education (ED)
Department of Energy (DOE)*
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Department of Homeland Security (DHHS)*
Department of Transportation (DoT)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)*
National Science Foundation (NSF)
*They also have an STTR program
For an overview of the initiatives supported by each agency, you can visit the following link: https://www.americasseedfund.us/resources.
Differences between SBIR and STTR
SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research):
Intended for small businesses with innovative, high-risk proposals in a variety of areas, from life sciences to information technology.
Program phases: Phase I (Feasibility Study), Phase II (Prototype Development), and Phase III (Commercialization).
Optionally, funding may be subcontracted to a research center or other organization aligned with the proposed work plan, up to 33% in Phase I and up to 50% in Phase II.
STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer):
Like SBIR, but with a focus on collaboration between small businesses and research entities, such as universities or research centers.
A formal participation of at least 30% with a research institution is required.
In both programs, the small business will always act as both the applicant and the awardee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to have a PhD to be the principal investigator of the project?
No, a PhD is not required. In fact, students and entrepreneurs in general are encouraged to submit these types of proposals. The important thing is to demonstrate the ability to lead the project and achieve the proposed goals.
Is it mandatory to have a registered company when submitting the proposal?
Yes, the company must be legally authorized to do business in the United States. If it is not registered, our resources can assist you in completing this process.
Do I need to have a patent approved by the USPTO?
It is not a requirement but demonstrating to the evaluators that your proposal is based on an original and innovative idea will significantly increase the chances of success. UPR i+c resources are available to assist with prior art searches, thus supporting the originality of the idea. The more evidence of innovation you can provide, the greater the chances of convincing the evaluators.
What happens when intellectual property belongs to the university?
When the intellectual property belongs to the University of Puerto Rico or another entity, the company must obtain a license from that entity. i+c’s assistance in starting a business does not automatically imply a license to use the intellectual property owned by the university. Our resources will facilitate dialogue with the University of Puerto Rico Intellectual Property Office.
Is it necessary to be a U.S. citizen to participate?
The Principal Investigator (PI) must meet the legal requirements to be able to work for the company in the United States, evidenced by citizenship, permanent residency, or an appropriate visa.
Which Puerto Rican projects have received SBIR?
At this link, you can see all the approved proposals to Puerto Rican companies that have participated in SBIR programs, by agency and year: Award Data – Puerto Rico
Where can I find collaborators?
You can register on the SBIR Partnering portal, where you’ll find information on thousands of companies and innovators who have already participated in SBIR programs: https://www.sbirpartnering.com/
Support services available at i+c:
If you are interested in submitting a SBIR/STTR proposal, i+c can help you with the following services:
- Development of a business model and commercialization plan
- Support in the management of intellectual property and patents, including prior-art searches
- Facilitate contact with the University of Puerto Rico Intellectual Property Office and the Puerto Rico Science and Technology Trust
- Assist in the formal registration of your business with the Department of State to ensure your eligibility
- Identify potential collaborating companies
- Edit and review proposals
To learn more about these services or request support, please write to upr.ic@upr.edu
Other resources
Official SBIR/STTR Website
Visit the official SBIR/STTR website to access a wide range of resources related to the Program. Learn about upcoming calls for proposals, obtain detailed information on supporting organizations, and stay up-to-date on upcoming virtual and in-person orientation activities. You’ll also find valuable tutorials and other essential resources to understand and effectively participate in the program. It also features a database of all SBIR/STTR proposal winners by state or territory.
NASA Portal Resource Library
The NASA Portal Resource Library offers a wide variety of resources categorized by Phase 0, Phase 1, and Phase 2+, making it easy to navigate according to the stage of your project. Among the available resources are a checklist summarizing the steps to follow, a comparison of different SBIR programs to determine which ones may be most compatible with your idea, past recordings on how to develop an SBIR/STTR proposal, recommendations, and guidance on connecting with other collaborators, among others.
https://sbir.nasa.gov/resource-library
Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust
They offer a course where you can learn the basics of federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants.
This course is aimed at entrepreneurs, academics, researchers, and university executive directors seeking to strengthen their capital funding strategies or improve their institutions’ capacity to increase equity through intellectual property and technology transfer.
https://prst.wisboo.com/courses/sbir-version-espanol
Colmena 66
Colmena66 is a program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, tasked with facilitating the entrepreneurial process in collaboration with the Network of Business Support Organizations. On their website, you will find a directory of available resources to offer support, announcements of current calls for financial support, inspiring stories from other entrepreneurs so you can learn about their journeys, and announcements about upcoming activities. Register on their portal to learn about upcoming activities.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Regional Office
The SBA regional office, located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, offers free technical assistance to businesses in Puerto Rico to complete the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), required to submit applications for the SBIR/STTR programs. It also provides guidance on obtaining permits and the process for legally doing business in Puerto Rico, among other topics. Register on their notification system to receive information about upcoming business training workshops.