Research
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Did You Know?
In fiscal year 2010, the SBIR program awarded:
4,146 Phase I grants totaling $539,000,000.
1,845 Phase II grants totaling $1,431,512,000.
The STTR program awarded:
625 Phase I grants totaling $73,092,155
256 Phase II grants totaling $174,315,283
Source: SBIR/STTR website
Who Can Apply?
Only United States small businesses are eligible to participate in the SBIR and STTR programs. Business must meet all of the following criteria at the time of Phase I and II awards:
Organized for profit, with a place of business located in the United States;
At least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens of, or permanent resident aliens in, the United States, or
At least 51 percent owned and controlled by another for-profit business concern that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens of, or permanent resident aliens in, the United States; and;
No more than 500 employees, including affiliates.
For Corporations:
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant
An opportunity for collaboration
The Fundus Camera is an example of how SBIR funding, and collaboration between a private company and University of Rochester researchers, can propel exciting new technology 鈥 in this case, a pen-sized device that could dramatically improve access to vision-related health care across the globe.
Based on a patent invented by UR researchers Steven Feldon and Geunyoung Yoon, Lumetrics Inc., a Rochester manufacturer of precision thickness measurement technology, has developed a digital diagnostic ophthalmic device for inspecting the human retina and documenting the findings. Lumetrics received a $99,963 Phase I SBIR grant in April 2010 to demonstrate the feasibility of the project, then a $972,375 Phase II SBIR grant two years later to further refine the camera.Feldon, who is director of the Flaum Eye Institute, and Yoon consult with the company on the project. 鈥淭he collaboration with the University Rochester and its Flaum Eye Institute is an incredible opportunity for Lumetrics and will lead to new jobs at our company and expanded purchasing for our local talented supplier community,鈥 Lumetrics CEO John Hart said.
蘑菇传媒 SBIR and STTR programs
In 2012 alone, New York State received 261 SBIR/STTR awards, with 26 in the Greater Rochester area.
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research and Development (R&D) that has the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR enables small businesses to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization.
The program is structured in three phases: Phase I is to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of the proposed R&D efforts and to determine the quality of performance of the small business awardee prior to providing further federal support in Phase II. In Phase III, which is not federally funded, the business pursues commercialization based on Phase I/II R&D activities.
Small businesses may collaborate with a research institution in Phase I and Phase II.
at (585) 276-6600 or by email at URVenturesInfo@ur.rochester.edu.
Regional small businesses can seek assistance from for incubator space and assistance with the SBIR/STTR application process.
Additional Resources
Here are websites describing SBIR/STTR funding opportunities offered by key federal agencies:
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Commerce
Department of Education
National Aeronautics and Space Administration