1. Up to $1.1 million from DOE SBIR/STTR
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will release the second round of topics for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs on November 12, 2024.
These programs offer funding opportunities for small businesses to engage in research and development on advanced energy-related technologies. Eligible small businesses can apply for Phase I grants, which provide up to $200,000 to support initial R&D efforts over approximately 6-12 months. Successful Phase I projects may then qualify for Phase II grants, offering up to $1.1 million to continue development over a two-year period.
This funding aims to empower small businesses to advance energy innovation, enhancing both technological progress and economic growth in the U.S.
Stay tuned for more details on this transformative funding opportunity here.
2. $4 Million with NIST’s SBIR Program
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers small businesses a unique opportunity to access funding through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Designed to support cutting-edge research and development, the NIST SBIR program aims to foster U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness in key areas such as advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, and IoT.
The SBIR program provides two phases of funding:
- Phase I: Small businesses can receive up to $150,000 for a 6-12 month project to explore the feasibility and technical merit of their idea.
- Phase II: Successful Phase I projects may be eligible for up to $400,000 in funding over a 24-month period for continued R&D and prototype development.
- The Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) NIST SBIR solicitation is anticipated to open in January 2025, with proposal submission deadlines likely occurring around March or April 2025.
Eligible companies must be U.S.-based, independently owned, and operated for-profit entities. If your business is ready to innovate and bring new technologies to market, the NIST SBIR program could be the perfect opportunity to accelerate your growth.
Learn more about how to apply and take your innovation to the next level.
Read more here →
3. Up to $1.8 Million with AFWERX
The AFWERX Direct to Phase II (D2P2) program is an innovative funding initiative designed to accelerate the development of high-impact solutions for the U.S. Air Force.
D2P2 provides an opportunity for small businesses and non-traditional contractors to receive funding for technology prototypes and solutions that align with Air Force needs, bypassing the Phase I feasibility study. The program encourages companies with proven concepts to scale quickly, with a focus on dual-use technologies that have both commercial and defense applications.
Through this fast-tracked process, D2P2 enables quicker deployment of cutting-edge technologies, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within the defense ecosystem.
The next submission deadline is March 6, 2025 where the D2P2 award offers up to $1.8 million in funding over a 27-month period, allowing companies to develop, test, and refine solutions that address critical U.S. Air Force needs.
Read more here.
Featured Winner
Spectacular Labs Awarded awarded $275K for NSF Phase I:
Food Pathogen Detection Technology
Spectacular Labs has been awarded an NSF Phase I grant to develop an automated, portable system for rapid and accurate detection of food pathogens. This innovative technology will enable food producers to conduct in-house testing, reducing both costs and the risk of contaminated food entering the marketplace.
With a user-friendly design, the system will enhance food safety by allowing earlier detection of pathogens, leading to a safer food supply chain. This solution is poised to significantly benefit small to medium-sized food producers by offering affordable, fast, and reliable testing options.
Read more here →