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/ General/Open Call Tech R&D (15)
Funding for startups and researchers exploring cutting-edge tech projects - especially in energy, AI & biotech innovation.
Small Business Innovation Research FY2025 Phase II
Due soon
Mar 14, 2025
3 weeks from now
Max Award
$690,000
The US Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) invites small businesses to submit research proposals for the FY 2025 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. This program, established in 1982 and extended through 2025, aims to stimulate technological innovation, strengthen the role of small businesses in federal R&D, and increase the commercialization of innovations. Only FY 2024 NOAA SBIR Phase I awardees are eligible to apply for Phase II funding under this NOFO. Phase II focuses on further developing research from Phase I that shows potential for commercial application, with awards of up to $690,000 over a 24-month period. Applicants should be aware that NOAA prioritizes projects related to manufacturing, energy efficiency, and renewable energy, in alignment with its mission. Eligibility requirements include being a small business concern (SBC) and having the principal investigator primarily employed by the SBC. Additionally, applicants must complete mandatory fraud, waste, and abuse training. This funding opportunity is a follow-up to the FY 2024 Phase I awards, and only those awardees are eligible to apply for Phase II.
FY 2025 Phase I Release 2
Due soon
Feb 27, 2025
Next week
Max Award
$1,850,000
This is the Department of Energy's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program Phase I Release 2 Topics for FY 2025. The opportunity includes topics across multiple DOE offices including Cybersecurity, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Environmental Management, Fossil Energy & Carbon Management, Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation R&D, Nuclear Energy, and Electricity. The maximum Phase I award amount ranges from $200,000-$250,000 depending on the topic, with Phase II awards typically up to $1. 1-1. 6 million. Most topics accept both SBIR and STTR applications.
NOAA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program- FY25 Phase I
Closed
Jan 15, 2025
Last month
Max Award
$190,000
The Department of Commerce (DOC) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) invites small businesses to submit research proposals under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. Established in 1982 and extended through various legislative acts, the SBIR program aims to stimulate technological innovation, meet federal research and development (R&D) needs, and increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from federal R&D funding. This funding opportunity is specifically for FY 2025 Phase I applications, focusing on feasibility research to determine the scientific, technical, and commercial merit of proposed projects. Successful Phase I projects may be eligible to apply for Phase II funding, which supports further R&D and prototype development. Applicants should be aware that only small business concerns (SBCs) that meet specific size, ownership, and other requirements are eligible. The primary employment of the principal investigator must be with the SBC, and the R&D work must be performed in the United States. NOAA encourages participation from businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and women-owned SBCs. The program also prioritizes projects related to manufacturing innovation and energy efficiency or renewable energy systems, in alignment with NOAA's mission. Applicants must register in the SBA Company Registry and complete mandatory fraud, waste, and abuse training as part of the application process.
Inspiring Generations of New Innovators to Impact Technologies in Energy 2024 (IGNIITE 2024)
Closed
Mar 29, 2024
11 months ago
Max Award
$500,000
The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is offering a funding opportunity with an approximate total of $10 million, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. This initiative aims to support innovative energy research projects, with individual federal awards not exceeding $500,000. The program is designed to foster advancements in energy technologies, addressing critical technical challenges and promoting the development of groundbreaking solutions. Applicants must register and submit their application materials through the ARPA-E eXCHANGE platform, adhering to the specified submission deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to review the detailed guidance on compliance and responsiveness criteria, as well as the required application forms and content, as outlined in the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). The program includes multiple stages, such as the submission of concept papers, full applications, and replies to reviewer comments. Modifications to the FOA, including deadlines and evaluation criteria, are highlighted within the document. This funding opportunity is open to a wide range of applicants, and detailed eligibility criteria can be found in Section III. A of the FOA.
NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Fast-Track Pilot Programs
Active
Nov 5, 2025
9 months from now
Max Award
$1,555,000
The NSF SBIR/STTR Fast-Track pilot programs aim to expedite the transition of innovative technologies from research and development to market application through startups and small businesses. This funding opportunity is designed for companies with a complete R&D team and NSF-funded research lineage, providing a streamlined pathway from Phase I to Phase II funding. The program supports a wide range of technology sectors and encourages proposals from diverse populations and geographic locations. Applicants must have completed customer discovery training and demonstrate a strong commercialization potential, including a clear product-market fit and a structured business plan. The program includes a two-stage review process for Phase II transition, ensuring that only projects with significant progress and commercial traction advance. This highly competitive opportunity offers approximately 36 awards, with an estimated total funding of $56 million, subject to the availability of funds.
Spurring Projects to Advance Energy Research and Knowledge Swiftly (SPARKS)
Active
Sep 30, 2029
4 years from now
Max Award
$500,000
The Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) has announced the availability of funding through the Spurring Projects to Advance Energy Research and Knowledge Swiftly (SPARKS) program. This funding opportunity is part of ARPA-E's mission, as established by the America COMPETES Act of 2007 and its subsequent amendments, to enhance the economic and energy security of the United States. The goal of this program is to support early-stage applied research that explores innovative new concepts with the potential for significant advancements in energy technology. The SPARKS program aims to provide flexible funding for analyses, exploratory research, and proof-of-concept projects that can inform the development of focused technology programs. Applicants should be aware that this funding opportunity is open continuously and will accept applications until it is closed or replaced by a modified FOA, which is anticipated to occur annually, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. The program encompasses multiple technical categories, including grid technologies, transportation, buildings and construction, electricity generation and storage, carbon capture, sequestration, and utilization, industrial efficiency and decarbonization, and other energy technologies. Eligible applicants include individuals, domestic entities, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), among others. The maximum federal share per award is $500,000, with a performance period not exceeding 18 months.
Vision OPEN 2024
Closed
Oct 29, 2024
4 months ago
Max Award
$10,000,000
The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), a division of the Department of Energy (DOE), is offering a funding opportunity under the Vision OPEN 2024 program. This initiative is rooted in the America COMPETES Act of 2007 and its subsequent amendments, which aim to enhance the economic and energy security of the United States. The program seeks to support the development of energy technologies that reduce energy imports, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, manage radioactive waste, and bolster the resilience of energy infrastructure. ARPA-E focuses on high-risk, high-reward research that can lead to significant advancements in energy technology. The Vision OPEN 2024 program is designed to address critical areas in the energy transition towards net-zero emissions by 2050. Applicants can submit proposals under three main goals: GHG-free abundant primary energy, an intermodal energy superhighway, and carbon as a sustainable building block of the future. Each goal is divided into specific topics and subtopics, such as rapid deployment of GHG-free energy, novel energy transport systems, and scalable polymer design. The program anticipates making 30-50 awards, with individual awards ranging from $250,000 to $10 million, and a performance period of up to 36 months. This funding opportunity is open to new submissions and encourages innovative projects that require proof-of-concept R&D efforts.
InnovateMass
Due soon
Mar 17, 2025
3 weeks from now
Max Award
$350,000
The InnovateMass program, created by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC), aims to support the development and market introduction of new clean energy technologies or innovative combinations of existing technologies. This funding opportunity is designed to facilitate demonstration projects that address the energy and climate challenges facing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Successful applicants will collaborate with critical partners and a technical consultant to develop and execute a project workplan, ensuring the project meets the qualifications of "clean energy" or "clean energy research" as defined by Massachusetts law. Applicants should be aware that the program requires a detailed project workplan, which must be approved by MassCEC. The grantee is responsible for all project decisions and deliverables. The program allows for flexibility in the completion dates of deliverables, provided that prior written approval is obtained from MassCEC. This opportunity is part of MassCEC's ongoing efforts to validate and demonstrate clean energy technologies, making them viable for investment and mass production.
NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Programs
Active
Nov 5, 2025
9 months from now
Max Award
$305,000
The NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I program is designed to support startups and small businesses in overcoming challenges associated with technological innovation. This funding opportunity aims to help these businesses create proof-of-concept or prototype solutions by addressing technical risks. Proposals are evaluated based on three merit review criteria: Intellectual Merit, Broader Impacts, and Commercialization Potential. Intellectual Merit focuses on advancing knowledge through fundamental science or engineering research, while Broader Impacts consider the societal benefits and contributions to specific desired outcomes. Commercialization Potential assesses the market disruption potential and value proposition of the proposed technology. Eligible small businesses must submit a Project Pitch and receive an official invitation to apply. The program offers up to $305,000 in R&D funding for projects lasting 6-18 months. This funding is inclusive of all costs and encourages participation in the Innovation Corps (I-Corps). The program does not support clinical trials or proposals involving Schedule I controlled substances. Applicants should be aware that this is a highly competitive program, and only a fraction of proposals receive funding each year.
FY 2024 Phase I Release 2
Closed
Mar 12, 2024
11 months ago
Max Award
$1,850,000
The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) is offering funding opportunities through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for Fiscal Year 2024. These programs, established under the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 and subsequent legislation, aim to increase private sector commercialization of technology developed through DOE-supported research and development (R&D), stimulate technological innovation, and encourage participation by women-owned and minority-owned small businesses. The funding is available for both Phase I and Fast-Track (combined Phase I and Phase II) grant opportunities, with maximum award sizes of $200,000 or $250,000 for Phase I and $1,300,000 or $1,850,000 for Fast-Track, depending on the specific topic. Applicants should be aware that Phase I grants are intended to evaluate the scientific or technical merit and feasibility of ideas with commercial potential and/or substantial application in support of DOE mission research. Only awardees of Phase I grants under this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) are eligible to submit a Phase II application. Fast-Track grants expedite the decision and award process for applications with high commercialization potential, combining Phase I and Phase II into one application. The DOE encourages awardees to seek commitments from private sector or Federal non-SBIR/STTR funding sources in anticipation of Phases II and III. The program also emphasizes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and offers Technology Transfer Opportunities (TTO) for leveraging DOE-developed technologies.
Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs Phase II
Active
Mar 25, 2025
Next month
Max Award
$650,000
The SBIR and STTR Phase II funding opportunity, reauthorized and modified by the SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022, aims to support small businesses in continuing their research and development efforts initiated under Phase I. This program is designed to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small businesses in meeting federal research and development needs, and increase the commercial application of federally supported research results. The program also emphasizes the participation of socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses. Applicants must have previously received a Phase I grant to be eligible for Phase II funding. The program requires applicants to disclose any financial ties or obligations to foreign countries of concern, as part of a due diligence process to assess security risks. The USDA SBIR/STTR programs offer ten solicitation topic areas, including climate-smart agriculture, food science and nutrition, and rural and community development, among others. The anticipated funding for FY 2024 and FY 2025 is approximately $19. 5 million annually for SBIR and around $2. 6 million to $3. 25 million for STTR Phase II.
FY 2025 Phase I Release 1
Closed
Oct 8, 2024
4 months ago
Max Award
$250,000
The Department of Energy (DOE) is offering funding opportunities through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for Fiscal Year 2025. These programs aim to increase private sector commercialization of technology developed through DOE-supported research and development, stimulate technological innovation, and encourage participation by women-owned and minority-owned small businesses. Phase I grants will be awarded to small businesses with a maximum award size of $200,000 or $250,000, depending on the specific topic, and will have a period of performance of up to 12 months. Successful completion of Phase I is a prerequisite for applying for Phase II funding, which will be available approximately 9. 5 months after the start of the Phase I grant. Applicants should be aware that the SBIR and STTR programs have distinct requirements, with STTR grants necessitating substantial cooperative research collaboration between the small business and a single Research Institution. The DOE also emphasizes the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in its funding programs. Additionally, the Technology Transfer Opportunity (TTO) allows small businesses to leverage technology developed at DOE Research Institutions. Approximately $24,000,000 is expected to be available for new awards, with an anticipated 110 awards to be made. This funding opportunity is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds and future-year budget authority.
Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy technologies with Untapped Potential (SCALEUP) Ready
Active
Sep 29, 2029
4 years from now
Max Award
$20,000,000
The ARPA-E funding opportunity aims to advance innovative technologies from their current state to validated commercial viability. This program is designed to support projects that demonstrate significant potential in performance, yield, conversion, throughput, scale, cost, and efficiency metrics. The goal is to bridge the gap between early-stage research and market-ready solutions, ensuring that promising technologies can achieve commercial success. Applicants should be aware that this opportunity requires a comprehensive project plan, including a techno-economic analysis and a detailed budget. The program also emphasizes the importance of commercialization partners and a clear path to market, addressing both entry and long-term commercialization factors. Eligible applicants must provide evidence of previous market validation efforts and a compelling customer value proposition. The program includes multiple technical categories of interest, and applicants must align their proposals with these specified areas.
FY 2024 Phase II Release 2
Closed
Apr 30, 2024
10 months ago
Max Award
$1,650,000
The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) is inviting eligible Phase I and Phase II awardees to apply for Phase II awards under this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). This funding opportunity is part of the DOE's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs, which aim to support research and development (R&D) efforts that align with DOE objectives and promote commercialization of innovative technologies. The historical context for this funding stems from several legislative acts, including the U. S. Department of Energy Organization Act, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which collectively emphasize the importance of fostering innovation and supporting small businesses in the energy sector. Applicants should be aware that this FOA includes opportunities for Initial Phase II, Second Phase II (Phase IIA and Phase IIB), and Third Phase II (Phase IIC) awards. Each type of award has specific eligibility criteria and objectives, such as completing R&D tasks, extending the scope of original projects, and transitioning innovations towards commercialization. Notably, only awardees from specific previous FOAs are eligible to apply for Second and Third Phase II awards. Additionally, the DOE emphasizes the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in its programs, encouraging participation from women and socially or economically disadvantaged individuals. Approximately $125,000,000 is expected to be available for these awards, with maximum award sizes varying by phase and topic.
NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II Programs
Active
Nov 5, 2025
9 months from now
Max Award
$1,250,000
The NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II funding opportunity aims to support small businesses in advancing their science- and engineering-based innovations from Phase I to commercial deployment. This program builds on the initial Phase I efforts, which focus on determining the intellectual merit and broader impact of the innovation, as well as assessing its commercial feasibility. The goal of Phase II is to continue the research and development initiated in Phase I and push the technology towards market readiness, addressing technological innovation challenges. Eligible applicants must have completed an NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I award within the past 6 to 24 months. The program emphasizes the importance of intellectual merit, broader impacts, and commercialization potential, requiring a detailed Commercialization Plan and Phase I Technical Narrative. The funding amount for Phase II can be up to $1,250,000, typically covering a 24-month project period. This opportunity is highly competitive, and applicants are encouraged to demonstrate strong product-market fit and a compelling vision for revenue generation based on their innovation.