What is the difference between sttr and sbir

The aim of a Phase I project should be to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the proposed innovation and thereby bring the innovation closer to commercialization. Projects that focus on incremental improvements on existing products will not be funded. However, in many cases, preliminary data can strengthen the case that the small business could demonstrate technical feasibility with the proposed Phase I research and development.

NSF encourages proposals from a diversity of small businesses. Conversely, companies with significant history will be evaluated based on their track record of prior technology development and commercialization. NSF encourages proposals from a diversity of entrepreneurs - new and seasoned.

What is most important is that the team is committed to bringing the technological innovation to market. The lack of a commercialization track record does not disadvantage a team, as long as the proposers can show a path to successful commercial outcomes. The aim of the Phase I project should be to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the proposed innovation and thereby bring the innovation closer to commercialization.

Typically, an expected outcome of a Phase I project is not a product that is fully ready for market launch. The required deliverable at the end of an SBIR Phase I grant is a report that summarizes the project's technical accomplishments.

Phase I outcomes take many forms depending on the technology area and stage of the research. This is because a Phase I project should aim to de-risk the technical aspect or aspects of the innovation that are most important to future commercial success. Is there a "fast-track" option to skip to Phase II? May a small business submit multiple Phase I proposals during the same submission cycle?

Although funding rate is a common question, generally, these data should not be relied upon too heavily in making a decision whether or not to submit a proposal. The possibility of receiving an award increases significantly with the fit of the project for the program and quality of the project and commercial opportunity proposed.

The submission of an identical or overlapping proposal to both NSF and another agency is possible see Question 16 , if a project seems like it could be appropriate for both NSF and another agency.

How are the programs different? Can a small business apply to both programs? Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies.

These topics and subtopics are NOT restrictive but give a general sense of the types of proposals solicited. Proposers may submit overlapping proposals to different agencies, but NSF will not make awards that duplicate research funded by, or anticipated to be funded by, other agencies.

It is very important to note potential overlap on the cover page of the NSF proposal. If a proposer fails to disclose that another Federal Agency has received this proposal or an equivalent or overlapping proposal on the proposal cover page, the proposer could be liable for administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions.

If a proposal is selected for award by NSF and another agency, the cognizant agencies will work together to determine which agency will fund the work. If a proposing small business elects to partner with a university or research institute as part of an STTR Phase I proposal, must the partner also be part of that Phase II proposal?

See Question 51 or the solicitation for budget requirements that may help determine which program is more appropriate. What options are available for pre-submission feedback, and what should be expected from this feedback? Small businesses with questions or a need for more advice about whether to submit may complete our short executive summary form - a program director will get back to you shortly. This summary should not include highly proprietary information though its contents will not be shared outside NSF.

The Program Directors will be able to answer questions and provide feedback to help determine whether or not the project is a good fit. Like applying for any funding, be it angel investment, venture funding, state funding, etc. Must the proposing legal entity be formed at the time of the Phase I proposal submission?

The proposing small business should be a legal entity at the time of proposal submission. A legal entity is required to complete all of the necessary registrations. Phase I applicant small businesses, however, need not have commenced company operations at the time of submission. What are the responsibilities of the PI?

Does the PI need to have a PhD? Can the PI be a graduate student? The PI is often the technical lead on the project. However, another leader on the project may be named as PI as long as he or she is capable of tracking and communicating technical progress on the award.

The PI is responsible for communicating with the cognizant Program Director and staff during the course of the award and monitors the performance of the project to assure adherence to performance goals, time schedules or other requirements as appropriate to the project or the terms of the grant. Many PIs have no graduate training. However, the PI MUST be more than 50 percent legally employed by the proposing small business by the time of the award and for the entire duration of the Phase I project.

NSF normally considers a full time work week to be 40 hours and considers employment elsewhere of greater than Additionally, anything that prevents an individual from meeting this legal employment requirement including residency status or university policy will make that individual ineligible to be PI.

The minimum level of effort for the PI is one person-month per six months of project duration. One solicitation is published in March, with a June deadline, and another is published in September, with a December deadline.

The minimum amount of time between the publication of the solicitation and the deadline for proposals will be 90 days. Explore our support for awardees. An official website of the United States government Here's how you know. Federal government websites often end in. Small Business Funding. Small Business Program Basics. Find Funding. How to Apply. Prepare Your Application. Commercialization Enhancement Programs. Funding to Diversify Your Workforce.

Academic Entrepreneurship and Product Development Programs. Search Technologies from Academic Centers and Hubs. SEED Staff. Diversifying the Entrepreneurial Workforce. Small Business Program Phases Description Phase I A Phase I award helps you focus on the feasibility, technical merit, and commercial potential of your research project. You may submit your application for a Phase II award up to six receipt dates after your Phase I budget period expires.

So STTR is not always a consideration. In general, the SBIR program will be a better opportunity in the following situations:. First, when you submit an SBIR proposal you can include another company — large or small, as a subcontractor to enhance the capability of your team.

In this case an SBIR would be the most appropriate choice. Please note that the reason for this concern is that if a small business participates in an STTR it is required that the small business and the not for profit entity establish an agreement which details the allocation of intellectual property. A final reason to consider SBIR is if the personnel at the research institution would prefer to participate in the project as an independent consultant rather than as representatives of the university or Federal Laboratory.

Please keep in mind that only five agencies have an STTR program. The STTR program would be the better choice in the following situations:.