Small Business Innovation Research FY2025 Phase II (NOAA-OAR-TPO-2025-0002): The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program was originally established in 1982 by the Small Business Innovation Development Act (P. L. 97-219), codified at 15 U. S. C. § 638. It was then expanded and extended by the Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992 (P. L. 102-564) and received subsequent reauthorization and extensions, the most recent of which extends the SBIR program through 2025. (P. L. 117-183). Each Federal agency with an extramural budget for Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) in excess of $100,000,000 must participate in the SBIR program and spend (obligate) a minimum percentage of their extramural R/R&D budgets (obligations) of not less than 3. 2% of such budget in fiscal year 2017 and for the percentage required by statute for each fiscal year after for awards to small business concerns (SBCs) for R/R&D under the SBIR program. The objectives of the SBIR program are to: stimulate technological innovation in the private sector; strengthen the role of small business in meeting Federal R&D needs; foster and encourage participation by businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged persons and women-owned SBCs in technological innovation; and increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from federal R&D funding. Fostering diversity by encouraging the participation of individuals from nationally underrepresented groups in the scientific research workforce is a longstanding interest of Congress, and a key component of NOAA’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (e. g. , Public Law 114-329, American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2017, and https://techpartnerships. noaa. gov/abouttpo/dei-statement/). Increasing participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses is critical to the success of the SBIR program.

The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science invites eligible small businesses to apply for Phase I awards under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These programs aim to increase private sector commercialization of technology developed through DOE-supported research and development, stimulate technological innovation, encourage participation by women-owned and minority-owned small businesses, and improve the return on investment from federally funded research for economic and social benefits to the nation. The funding opportunity supports high-quality research or R&D on innovative concepts related to important mission-related scientific or engineering problems with high potential for commercialization. Applicants must submit their proposals to a specific topic and subtopic, ensuring their applications directly address the subtopic statement. The DOE will evaluate applications for responsiveness to the stated requirements, including the identification of a topic and subtopic, and the sufficiency of information for a meaningful technical review. The program also includes specific requirements for the level of small business participation and collaboration with research institutions, particularly for STTR grants. The anticipated median Phase I award is approximately $200,000, with a period of performance of 6 to 12 months. This funding opportunity is part of the DOE's ongoing efforts to support scientific discoveries and innovations that advance the energy, economic, and national security of the United States.

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.

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.

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.

The Voucher Program, initiated under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to assist the industry in overcoming adoption barriers through targeted voucher projects. This funding opportunity is designed to support the deployment, demonstration, and applied research of clean energy technologies, ensuring that community benefits are prioritized to promote justice, equity, security, and resilience in America's energy landscape. Applicants should be aware that the program opens for voucher provider submissions on June 3rd, with office hours scheduled for June 18th and 20th to address specific voucher opportunities. Submissions are due by July 9th, and selected providers will be notified in July 2024. The program emphasizes the importance of clear, specific capability overviews, competitive pricing, and alignment with Justice40 and DEIA goals. Providers can submit up to three capabilities per voucher opportunity, and the DOE will directly reimburse providers for their work on behalf of voucher recipients.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is seeking a Grantee to implement and administer the Advanced Technology Demonstration and Pilot Project program (ATDPP) for Fiscal Year 2021-22, with potential renewals for the following two fiscal years. This program, backed by $40 million approved by the Board, aims to accelerate the commercialization of innovative and economically viable technologies while supporting the State’s equity and emission reduction goals. Historically, the majority of funds have been allocated to projects in disadvantaged communities or those benefiting priority populations. The selected Grantee will be responsible for implementing projects chosen from the FY 2021-22 technical solicitation. Up to ten percent of the program's funds may be used for its implementation. Eligible applicants must submit their applications electronically to CARB by 5:00 p. m. (PDT) on December 16, 2022. This program is part of a broader legislative framework established by the California Alternative and Renewable Fuel, Vehicle Technology, Clean Air, and Carbon Reduction Act of 2007 (AB 118), which created the Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) to fund clean vehicle and equipment projects, air quality research, and workforce training.

The Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) has announced the SPURRING PROJECTS TO ADVANCE ENERGY RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE SWIFTLY (SPARKS) funding opportunity. This initiative is part of ARPA-E's ongoing efforts to enhance the economic and energy security of the United States by developing innovative energy technologies. The SPARKS program aims to support early-stage applied research that explores new concepts with the potential for significant advancements in energy technology. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing for analyses, exploratory research, and proof-of-concept projects that provide valuable information for future technology development. Applicants can submit concept papers at any time while the FOA remains open, with no specific application deadline. The program offers up to $500,000 in federal funding per award, with a maximum project duration of 18 months. Eligible applicants include U. S. citizens, permanent residents, domestic entities, educational institutions, and nonprofits. The SPARKS program covers a wide range of technical categories, including grid technologies, transportation, buildings and construction, electricity generation and storage, carbon capture, industrial efficiency, and other energy technologies.

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.

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 address the energy and climate challenges facing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by providing grants for demonstration projects. These projects must successfully demonstrate and validate the technology to make it viable for investment and ready for mass production. Applicants should be aware that the program requires collaboration with a Program technical consultant and the development of a detailed Project Workplan, which must be approved by MassCEC. The grantee is responsible for all project decisions and ensuring that the project qualifies as "clean energy" or "clean energy research" as defined by Massachusetts law. The program does not specify if it is recurring or if there are multiple tracks or areas of interest for applicants.

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 2024. This funding is made available under the statutory authority of the U. S. Department of Energy Organization Act and the Small Business Act, with additional support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The primary goal of these programs is to support small businesses in conducting research and development (R&D) that has the potential for commercialization and aligns with DOE's mission-related scientific or engineering challenges. The SBIR/STTR programs aim to increase private sector commercialization of technology, stimulate technological innovation, and encourage participation by women-owned and minority-owned small businesses. Applicants can apply for either Phase I or Fast-Track grants. Phase I grants focus on evaluating the scientific or technical merit and feasibility of ideas, with maximum award sizes of $200,000 or $250,000, depending on the topic. Fast-Track grants combine Phase I and Phase II funding into a single application, with maximum award sizes of $1,300,000 or $1,850,000. The period of performance for Phase I grants will not exceed 12 months, while Fast-Track grants can extend up to 36 months. Only awardees of Phase I grants under this FOA are eligible to submit a Phase II application in the subsequent fiscal year. The DOE anticipates making approximately 260 awards, with an estimated total funding of $65,000,000. The programs also emphasize diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, encouraging participation from socially and economically disadvantaged groups.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The NSF SBIR/STTR program provides funding to support startups and entrepreneurs in transforming scientific discoveries into commercial products or services with societal benefits. This program offers non-dilutive funding for early-stage technologies, focusing on research and development (R&D) efforts. The goal is to advance technological innovations that have significant intellectual merit, broader impacts, and commercialization potential. The program is highly competitive, with only a fraction of proposals receiving awards each year. Applicants should be aware that this funding opportunity is a continuation of the NSF-funded Phase I effort, requiring a report on technical accomplishments and a detailed Commercialization Plan. The program does not have a specific topical focus, allowing a wide range of science- and engineering-based innovations to compete. NSF encourages diverse applicants from various backgrounds and geographic areas. The typical award amount for Phase II proposals is up to $1,000,000, with projects generally running for 24 months.

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.

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.