Which Federal Agencies Participate in the SBIR/STTR Programs?

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are vital initiatives run by the U.S. government to foster innovation and facilitate the commercialization of new technologies. 

These programs provide funding opportunities to small businesses, enabling them to engage in federal research and development (R&D), committing up to $3bn to America’s innovation every year!

They span across various industries, including healthcare, defense, energy, space exploration, education, and environmental sustainability. Each participating federal agency administers its own funding opportunities, focusing on specific R&D priorities aligned with its mission. As a result, small businesses can access targeted funding to develop solutions for national challenges, from medical breakthroughs to advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity.

We explore the eleven participating federal agencies that contribute to SBIR/STTR and the type of projects they fund.*

*Please note that the U.S. government routinely makes changes in the funding landscape, and the examples given are suggestions, not an absolute list and are subject to other variables, such as market and eligibility requirements. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official SBIR website.

As of April 2025, the following federal agencies participate in the SBIR program:

National Science Foundation (NSF)

The NSF funds broad scientific and technological innovation. In fact, you may be eligible if you’re working on a project across nearly all technology areas and markets. This includes artificial intelligence, energy, medical devices, robotics, semiconductors, and more.

You might qualify for NSF funding if you’re working on:

• Quantum or high-performance computing
• Biotechnology and medical devices
• Artificial intelligence
• Next-generation communication networks

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) — which includes agencies like the NIH, FDA, and CDC — funds groundbreaking healthcare and biomedical innovations with the potential to save lives and improve public health. These technologies focus on advancing medical research, enhancing diagnostics, and developing more effective treatments.

You might qualify for HHS funding if you’re working on:

• New cancer treatments
• Wearable health monitors
• AI-driven diagnostic tools
• Gene-editing therapies
• Advanced prosthetics

Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA funding focuses on areas such as forest resources, plant and animal production and protection, conservation of natural resources, food science and nutrition, rural development, aquaculture, biofuels, and biobased products.

You might qualify for USDA funding if you’re working on:

• Drought-resistant crops
• AI-driven farm monitoring
• Plant-based meat alternatives
• Eco-friendly pesticides
• Smart irrigation systems

Department of Commerce (DOC)

The DOC supports technologies aligned with the missions of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 

You might qualify for DOC funding if you’re working on:

• Advanced climate modeling software
• Precision weather prediction tools
• Marine conservation tech
• Next-generation cybersecurity encryption

Department of Defense (DOD)

The DOD funds cutting-edge technologies that enhance national security and defense operations by improving intelligence, surveillance, communication, and threat detection. These innovations must demonstrate a clear application for strengthening military readiness, protecting critical infrastructure, or advancing defense capabilities.

You might qualify for DOD funding if you’re working on:

• AI-driven battlefield analysis
• Advanced body armor
• Autonomous military drones
• Space-based defense systems
• Cybersecurity solutions

Department of Education (ED)

This federal agency supports educational technology innovations that improve learning outcomes by enhancing engagement and accessibility. These technologies aim to bridge learning gaps, provide tailored instruction, and create more inclusive educational environments.

You might qualify for ED funding if you’re working on:

• AI-powered tutoring systems
• Virtual Reality (VR) classroom experiences
• Personalized learning apps
• Assistive technologies for students with disabilities

Department of Energy (DOE)

Investing in cutting-edge innovations, the DOE funds tech that advances clean energy, enhances cybersecurity, and pushes the boundaries of scientific computing. Essentially, the technology must improve energy efficiency, strengthen national security, and drive breakthroughs in computational science.

You might qualify for DOE funding if you’re working on:

• Next-generation solar panels
• Hydrogen fuel cells
• Energy-efficient battery storage
• AI for power grid management

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funds innovations that strengthen public safety, such as through improved disaster response and enhanced national cybersecurity. These technologies focus on protecting critical infrastructure, improving emergency preparedness, and countering emerging security threats.

You might qualify for DHS funding if you’re working on:

• AI-driven threat detection
• Drone-assisted search and rescue
• Advanced biometric authentication
• Chemical or biological hazard detection

Department of Transportation (DOT)

The Department of Transportation (DOT) funds innovations that enhance transportation safety, modernize infrastructure, and advance smart mobility solutions. The goal is to reduce environmental impact and create safer, more resilient transportation networks.

You might qualify for DOT funding if you’re working on:

• Self-driving vehicle technology
• Hyperloop systems
• AI-powered predictive maintenance for roads and bridges
• Electric aviation

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funds innovations that promote environmental sustainability, reduce pollution, and protect public health. EPA technologies are designed to improve air and water quality, reduce waste, and support the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

You might qualify for EPA funding if you’re working on:

• Water purification systems
• Carbon capture technology
• Pollution-tracking drones
• Biodegradable packaging solutions

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) offers funding for small businesses that are working to build and commercialise technologies focused on advancing NASA’s mission to explore the unknown in air and space.

You might qualify for NASA funding if you’re working on:

• AI-driven space navigation,
• Next-gen spacesuits
• 3D-printed habitat construction on Mars
• High-efficiency propulsion systems

No. All of the above agencies participate in the SBIR program, but only six participate in the STTR program:

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Each participating agency administers its own SBIR/STTR program, designating R&D topics in its solicitations. Small businesses that align their innovations with these priorities can access non-dilutive funding to develop and commercialize groundbreaking technologies.

For expert guidance on crafting a winning SBIR/STTR application, Grantify provides proven expertise to help businesses secure funding.