Funding

Discipline(s): All

Faculty have access to a powerful federal resource that can help turn ideas into innovations—and it’s also a great opportunity to share with entrepreneurial business partners.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs—collectively known as America’s Seed Fund—award more than $4 billion annually in competitive, non-dilutive funding to small businesses developing cutting-edge technologies. These programs encourage partnerships between academia and industry to translate research into commercial solutions that strengthen the nation’s innovation ecosystem.

How SBIR and STTR Differ

While the two programs share the same purpose—stimulating innovation and commercialization—there are key differences:

• SBIR allows small businesses to apply independently; university collaboration is optional.
• STTR requires collaboration with a research institution, creating a formal partnership between the business and faculty researchers.

Why it Matters for Faculty

SBIR/STTR programs can serve as a powerful mechanism for faculty to:

• Translate research discoveries into commercial applications
• Establish or collaborate with small businesses to advance technology development
• Access early-stage funding without giving up equity
• Contribute to economic growth through university–industry partnerships

A Resource for Faculty and Their Business Partners

Whether you’re a faculty member looking to commercialize your research or you collaborate with a small business ready to develop new technology, SBIR/STTR programs can provide the funding needed to move ideas forward.

Faculty are encouraged to share this opportunity with local or regional entrepreneurs who may be seeking funding to advance innovative R&D projects. These federal programs support projects across a wide range of disciplines—from health and energy to defense, transportation, and education through federal agencies such as the NIH, NSF, DOE, and NASA.

Program Benefits

• Non-dilutive funding – no equity or ownership is required.
• Support for innovation and commercialization – progress from feasibility to product development.
• Prestige and validation – awarded through competitive peer review by federal agencies.
• Opportunities for university collaboration – faculty can contribute research expertise, facilities, and technology.

To learn more, click here or share this flyer with business partners.