Small Business Innovation Research
Purpose. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program
stimulates technological innovation and commercial applications by increasing
opportunities for small science and technology-based firms to participate
in federally supported research and development. Initiated at NSF in 1977,
SBIR now spans 10 federal agencies.
How it works. NSF annually solicits SBIR grant proposals and
categorizes them into 26 topic areas covering all research fields supported
by NSF. Proposals are evaluated competitively, giving primary consideration
to scientific and technical merit and potential for commercialization.
Implemented in three phases, projects are first funded for a six-month
feasibility study under Phase I. If determined eligible, they may receive
funding for the principal research effort under Phase II. In Phase III,
which does not involve SBIR funding, grant recipients pursue commercial
applications of the resulting research.
Budget. Each government agency with an R&D; budget of more than
$100 million is congressionally directed to spend 2.5 percent of its budget
on the SBIR program. NSF's SBIR budget for 1997 is $50 million.
Proposals. NSF expects to receive 2,000 new SBIR Phase I proposals
in June, 1997, issue about 100 Phase II awards by October and award about
200 new projects by December. Recently the funding levels for Phase I
and II awards were raised: Phase I awards can be up to $100,000; Phase
II, up to $400,000.
Examples. Government-wide, successful projects have produced
new scientific instrumentation, advanced materials, environmental services
and computer applications. NSF-funded SBIR projects include artificial
intelligence controls for aircraft, grade K-6 educational software, flat-screen
display technology, robot vision and an optical system for precision photolithography.
Federal agencies participating in SBIR. National Science Foundation;
National Institutes of Health; National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
Environmental Protection Agency and the Departments of Defense, Energy,
Agriculture, Commerce, Education and Transportation.
NSF SBIR web page
See also related NSF Tipsheet.
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