SEMSCIO

ACTIVE SBIR/STTR DEADLINES — Summer/Fall 2026

🚗 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) — Deadline: July 7, 2026
DOT's FY26 SBIR Phase I solicitation is open now. Ten topics span FHWA, FRA, FTA, NHTSA, and PHMSA. Awards range from $200,000–$300,000. Expected award notifications in September.

🏥 ARPA-H — Solution Summary Deadline: July 10, 2026
ARPA-H has released a draft solicitation covering 7 topic areas, accepting Phase I, Direct-to-Phase II, or Fast Track proposals.

Solution Summary due: July 10, 2026
If invited: full submissions due September 9, 2026 (Technical Oral Presentation, Cost Proposal, and Task Description Document)

🔬 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF) — Deadline: July 27, 2026
NSF's Project Pitch portal re-opened June 2. Submit your Project Pitch Now! Full proposals are due by July 27. The next full proposal deadline is November 4, 2026.

Submit via: seedfund.nsf.gov

🧬 NIH SBIR/STTR — Deadline: September 8, 2026
NIH has posted forecasted solicitations on Grants.gov, with new funding opportunity announcements expected to go live imminently. The next standard proposal deadline is September 8, 2026 (the standard September 5 date shifts due to the Labor Day holiday).

Note: NIH is now accepting Direct-to-Phase II STTR awards — a new option worth considering if you have an eligible project.

Monitor: grants.gov

🛡️ DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DoD) — Rolling Deadlines Through October 2026
DoD has multiple active rolling solicitation windows:

FY2026 Release 2 — July 22, August 19, September 23, and October 21
Army xTech/CSO — August 28, 2026
DARPA SBIR XL (4 topics: Rydberg sensors, sleep wearables, closed-cycle power, host-pathogen prediction) — Opens June 24, closes July 22
Submit via: dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions

⚡ DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) — Expected October/November 2026
DOE Phase I topic announcements are expected in June/July 2026 with proposals due in October/November 2026.

Important update: DOE has eliminated the Letter of Intent requirement for Phase I applications — making the process more accessible than in previous cycles. Stay tuned for topic releases.

🌾 USDA / NOAA / NIST — TBD
These agencies have not yet posted FY2026 SBIR/STTR solicitation dates. I am monitoring and will alert you as soon as deadlines are announced.

BEFORE YOU SUBMIT — TWO THINGS TO CHECK TODAY

1. Your SAM.gov registration. If your registration lapsed during the program disruption you cannot submit a proposal — regardless of how strong it is. Check your status today at sam.gov before anything else. a.co/d/07HCPTvs

2. Your grant proposal. Reviewers are more selective than ever after months of disruption. The proposals that win in this cycle will be technically rigorous, commercially compelling, and structured exactly the way agencies expect.

If you are starting from scratch or strengthening a previous submission, my 30-Day Grant Writing Challenge walks you through building a complete, competitive proposal section by section — from innovation narrative to commercialization plan to R&D milestones to budget.

30-Day Grant Writing Challenge → grants.semscio.com/30-day-grant-writing-challenge/

2 days ago | [YT] | 2

SEMSCIO

One of the most common mistakes first-time SBIR and STTR applicants make is treating these programs like a single funding source with one set of priorities. But here's what you need to understand: eleven different federal agencies run their own SBIR programs, and five of those also run STTR. Each one has its own mission, its own research priorities, and its own idea of what a winning proposal looks like.

That means the agency you choose to apply to matters just as much as the quality of your science.

The Major Players

The Department of Defense is the largest SBIR funder in the federal government. Its focus is squarely on national security — cybersecurity, advanced materials, weapons systems, autonomous technologies, and communications. If your innovation has defense or dual-use applications, DoD is worth a serious look.

The Department of Health and Human Services (NIH) is the agency most biomedical and health-focused startups will know best. NIH funds research into diseases, treatments, diagnostics, medical devices, health IT, and public health. If your technology improves human health outcomes in any meaningful way, HHS and NIH are your most natural home.

The Department of Energy funds work in clean energy, energy efficiency, advanced manufacturing, and nuclear security. If you're working in climate tech, battery technology, grid innovation, or materials science, DOE is a strong candidate.

NASA funds space exploration, aerospace systems, Earth sciences, and planetary research — including robotics, sensors, and AI that support NASA missions.

The National Science Foundation takes a different approach. NSF is less focused on a specific sector and more focused on the strength and commercial potential of the underlying science. Their programs back early-stage, high-risk technologies across virtually every scientific discipline — making NSF one of the most accessible entry points into federal funding for technical founders.

The Six SBIR-Only Agencies

Beyond the big five, six additional agencies participate in SBIR only: USDA for agriculture and rural innovation, the Department of Commerce through NOAA and NIST for manufacturing and climate tools, the Department of Education for edtech and learning tools, the Department of Homeland Security for cybersecurity and emergency response, the Department of Transportation for smart infrastructure and highway safety, and the EPA for environmental technologies and sustainability.

How to Find the Right Fit

Start at SBIR.gov — the central portal where all participating agencies post their solicitations. Read the current solicitation topics carefully. Look at past awardees to understand what each agency actually funds. And whenever possible, attend agency outreach webinars. Program managers will often tell you exactly what they're looking for.

The founders who win federal funding are the ones who do their homework — who find the right agency, read the solicitations carefully, and write proposals that speak directly to what that agency is trying to accomplish.

If you're ready to go deeper on SBIR and STTR strategy, I've written the practical guide that walks you through the entire process — from eligibility to proposal to award.

🧠 Free Founder Resources & Guides 👉 semscio.com/free-ebooks/

📘 The Startup's Guide to Winning Non-Dilutive Funding 👉 semscio.com/books/

🎓 Explore All Courses & Programs 👉 semscio.com/courses/

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2

SEMSCIO

With the SBIR and STTR programs now officially reauthorized, agencies are actively releasing new solicitations. Here is what is open right now:

🎓 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (ED/IES) SBIR — Deadline: June 29, 2026

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ED/IES released its FY2026 solicitations targeting novel education technology products. Awards are $250,000 for 9 months.

• Phase IA and Phase IB proposals due: June 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT

• Direct to Phase II proposals due: June 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT

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✈️ AFWERX (Air Force & Space Force) — Deadline: June 24, 2026 + Monthly Releases

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AFWERX has an active Specific Topic window open now:

• DoW SBIR 26.BZ Release 2 (Air & Space Force) — closes June 24, 2026

Phase I awards range from $75,000–$150,000. Companies with a prototype-ready solution and a signed Customer Memorandum can apply directly for Phase II awards up to $1.25 million (Direct to Phase II).

──────────────────────────────────────

🚗 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) — Deadline: July 7, 2026

──────────────────────────────────────

DOT's FY26 SBIR Phase I solicitation is open now. Ten topics span FHWA, FRA, FTA, NHTSA, and PHMSA. Awards range from $200,000–$300,000. Expected award notifications in September.

──────────────────────────────────────

🏥 ARPA-H — Solution Summary Deadline: July 10, 2026

──────────────────────────────────────

ARPA-H has released a draft solicitation covering 7 topic areas, accepting Phase I, Direct-to-Phase II, or Fast Track proposals. The Solution Summary is due July 10, 2026. If invited, full submissions (Technical Oral Presentation, Cost Proposal, and Task Description Document) are due September 9, 2026.

──────────────────────────────────────

🔬 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF) — Project Pitch Deadline: July 27, 2026

──────────────────────────────────────

NSF's Project Pitch portal re-opened June 2. Submit your Project Pitch by July 27 to be considered for an invitation to submit a full Phase I proposal. Full proposals for those already holding invitations are due November 4, 2026.

──────────────────────────────────────

🏥 NIH SBIR/STTR — Deadline: September 8, 2026

──────────────────────────────────────

The next standard proposal deadline is September 8, 2026. Note that NIH is now also accepting Direct-to-Phase II STTR awards — a new option worth considering if you have an eligible project.

──────────────────────────────────────

🏛️ DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DoD) — Rolling Deadlines Through October 2026

──────────────────────────────────────

DoD has multiple active rolling solicitation windows:

• FY2026 Release 2 — June 24, July 22, August 19, September 23, and October 21

• Army xTech/CSO — August 28, 2026

• DARPA SBIR XL Opens June 24, closes July 22

As always, I am happy to help you identify the best-fit opportunities, review your proposal strategy, or assist with preparation. Please do not hesitate to reach out!

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

SEMSCIO

Which Federal Agency Should You Apply To for SBIR or STTR Funding?


One of the most common mistakes first-time SBIR and STTR applicants make is treating these programs like a single funding source with one set of priorities. But here's what you need to understand: eleven different federal agencies run their own SBIR programs, and five of those also run STTR. Each one has its own mission, its own research priorities, and its own idea of what a winning proposal looks like.

That means the agency you choose to apply to matters just as much as the quality of your science.



The Major Players



The Department of Defense is the largest SBIR funder in the federal government. Its focus is squarely on national security — cybersecurity, advanced materials, weapons systems, autonomous technologies, and communications. If your innovation has defense or dual-use applications, DoD is worth a serious look.



The Department of Health and Human Services (NIH) is the agency most biomedical and health-focused startups will know best. NIH funds research into diseases, treatments, diagnostics, medical devices, health IT, and public health. If your technology improves human health outcomes in any meaningful way, HHS and NIH are your most natural home.



The Department of Energy funds work in clean energy, energy efficiency, advanced manufacturing, and nuclear security. If you're working in climate tech, battery technology, grid innovation, or materials science, DOE is a strong candidate.



NASA funds space exploration, aerospace systems, Earth sciences, and planetary research — including robotics, sensors, and AI that support NASA missions.



The National Science Foundation takes a different approach. NSF is less focused on a specific sector and more focused on the strength and commercial potential of the underlying science. Their programs back early-stage, high-risk technologies across virtually every scientific discipline — making NSF one of the most accessible entry points into federal funding for technical founders.



The Six SBIR-Only Agencies



Beyond the big five, six additional agencies participate in SBIR only: USDA for agriculture and rural innovation, the Department of Commerce through NOAA and NIST for manufacturing and climate tools, the Department of Education for edtech and learning tools, the Department of Homeland Security for cybersecurity and emergency response, the Department of Transportation for smart infrastructure and highway safety, and the EPA for environmental technologies and sustainability.



How to Find the Right Fit



Start at SBIR.gov — the central portal where all participating agencies post their solicitations. Read the current solicitation topics carefully. Look at past awardees to understand what each agency actually funds. And whenever possible, attend agency outreach webinars. Program managers will often tell you exactly what they're looking for.



The founders who win federal funding are the ones who do their homework — who find the right agency, read the solicitations carefully, and write proposals that speak directly to what that agency is trying to accomplish.



If you're ready to go deeper on SBIR and STTR strategy, I've written the practical guide that walks you through the entire process — from eligibility to proposal to award.



🧠 Free Founder Resources & Guides 👉 semscio.com/free-ebooks/

📘 The Startup's Guide to Winning Non-Dilutive Funding 👉 semscio.com/books/




🎓 Explore All Courses & Programs 👉 semscio.com/courses/

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

SEMSCIO

Did You Know 11 Federal Agencies Give Out SBIR Grants? Here's What Each One Funds: Most founders think SBIR is one program with one set of rules. It's not — and understanding the difference between agencies could be the single most important thing you do before writing your first proposal.

Eleven federal agencies run their own SBIR programs. Five of those also run STTR. Each one has its own mission, its own priorities, and its own application process. Here's a breakdown of every participating agency and what they fund.

Department of Defense (DoD)

The largest SBIR funder. Focuses on cybersecurity, weapons systems, advanced materials, autonomous systems, and communications technologies. Includes sub-programs for the Army, Navy, and Air Force — each with their own specific technology needs.

Department of Health and Human Services / NIH

Funds biomedical research, disease treatment, medical devices, diagnostics, health IT, and public health. The most active agency for founders in the life sciences, biotech, and medical device space.

Department of Energy (DOE)

Funds clean energy, renewable energy, energy efficiency, advanced manufacturing, and nuclear security. A strong fit for climate tech, materials science, and energy storage startups.

NASA

Funds spacecraft systems, robotics, sensors, AI, and Earth and planetary sciences. Both SBIR and STTR are available, meaning research institution partnerships are an option.

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Funds early-stage, high-risk science across every discipline. NSF evaluates both the scientific strength and the commercial potential of your work — making it one of the most accessible agencies for technical founders at the earliest stages.

USDA

Funds agricultural innovation, food safety, bioenergy, and rural development technologies.

Department of Commerce (NOAA & NIST)

Funds advanced manufacturing, measurement science, climate monitoring tools, and environmental data technologies.

Department of Education

Funds edtech, learning tools, assessments, and accessibility solutions — particularly for underserved communities.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Funds cybersecurity, border security, emergency preparedness, and disaster response technologies.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

Funds smart transportation systems, highway safety, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Funds technologies that improve air and water quality, reduce waste, and advance environmental sustainability.

The Multi-Agency Opportunity

Here's something most founders don't realize: if your technology has applications across more than one sector, you may be eligible to submit to more than one agency — as long as each proposal is fully customized to that agency's specific priorities and you disclose any similar submissions.

A health monitoring wearable, for example, could be relevant to NIH for clinical research and to DoD for military health applications. But a copy-paste proposal sent to both will be rejected by both. Every submission must speak the language of the agency receiving it.

If you want a step-by-step system for identifying the right agency, building your proposal strategy, and winning non-dilutive funding, start here:

🧠 Free Founder Resources & Guides
👉 semscio.com/free-ebooks/

📘 The Startup's Guide to Winning Non-Dilutive Funding
👉 semscio.com/books/

🎓 Explore All Courses & Programs
👉 semscio.com/courses/

3 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 1

SEMSCIO

SBIR & STTR Explained: What They Are, Who Can Apply, and How to Get Started: If you're a startup founder or technical entrepreneur doing research-driven work, there are two federal funding programs you need to know about: SBIR and STTR. These programs collectively distribute billions of dollars every year to small businesses developing innovative technologies — and unlike venture capital, they don't require you to give up a single percent of your company.

Here's everything you need to know to get started.

What Is SBIR?

SBIR stands for Small Business Innovation Research. It's a federal program that funds small businesses to carry out early-stage research and development. The goal is to help innovative ideas move from concept to commercialization — with the federal government backing the financial risk. The SBIR program alone distributes $3.28 billion annually across eleven participating agencies.

What Is STTR?

STTR — Small Business Technology Transfer — works on the same principle as SBIR, with one critical addition: your small business must formally partner with a nonprofit research institution. That means a university, a federally funded research center, or a teaching hospital. The partnership isn't optional — it's built into the structure of the program. Your company still leads the work, but you co-execute the research with an academic or nonprofit partner.

Five agencies participate in STTR: the Department of Defense, HHS/NIH, the Department of Energy, NASA, and the National Science Foundation.

What Makes These Programs So Valuable?

Both programs provide what is called non-dilutive funding — meaning you receive capital without giving up equity, decision-making power, or ownership of your intellectual property. You keep your company. You keep your IP. You still get the funding you need to develop your technology.

For early-stage technical founders, this is one of the most powerful funding tools available anywhere.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility comes down to four core criteria.

First, your business must be a for-profit U.S. organization with its primary place of business in the United States, operating primarily domestically or meaningfully contributing to the U.S. economy.

Second, your business must be organized as a recognized legal entity — a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation, joint venture, association, trust, or cooperative.

Third, your business must be more than 50% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens. There is a separate pathway for businesses majority-owned by venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms — but that pathway only applies to SBIR, not STTR.

Fourth, your business — including all affiliated entities — must have no more than 500 employees.

What About the Principal Investigator?

Every SBIR and STTR project requires a Principal Investigator — the person who leads and oversees all the technical and scientific work. In SBIR, the PI must spend more than 50% of their working time at the small business during the project period. In STTR, the PI can be based at either the small business or the partnering research institution — giving academic researchers more flexibility to lead projects without leaving their institution.

Eligibility Is Reviewed Twice

One detail many applicants miss: eligibility isn't just checked at the time of application. NIH and other agencies review it again at the time of your Phase I award and again when Phase II funding is on the table. If your ownership structure, employee count, or business organization changes between phases, it could affect your standing. Getting your eligibility right from the beginning — and maintaining it — is essential.

How to Get Started

Begin at SBIR.gov. Browse the participating agencies and their current solicitations. Identify the agencies whose missions align with your technology. Read the specific topic areas they're funding this cycle. And before you write a single word of your proposal, make sure your business meets every eligibility requirement.

The opportunity is substantial. The process is learnable. And for technical founders with strong science and a clear commercialization path, SBIR and STTR can be the most valuable capital you ever raise.

I've spent over a decade helping more than 175 deep-tech startups across energy, biomedical devices, advanced manufacturing, materials, and software navigate exactly this process — from eligibility to proposal to award.

If you're ready to build your funding strategy the right way, here's where to start:

🧠 Free Founder Resources & Guides
👉 semscio.com/free-ebooks/

📘 The Startup's Guide to Winning Non-Dilutive Funding
👉 semscio.com/books/

🎓 Explore All Courses & Programs
👉 semscio.com/courses/


Dr. Colleen Spiegel is a PhD Engineer, NSF SBIR reviewer, founder of Semscio, and author of multiple books for technical founders.

Subscribe at youtube.com/@semscio for weekly content on entrepreneurship, engineering, grant funding, and building deep-tech businesses.

3 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 1

SEMSCIO

New Video Alert — What is SBIR and STTR?

If you are a startup founder looking for funding without giving up equity — this one is for you.

I just posted a brand new 15-minute breakdown of everything you need to know about the SBIR and STTR federal funding programs including:

✅ What they are and how they work
✅ Key differences between SBIR and STTR
✅ Who qualifies and what stage of business is eligible
✅ Common myths that stop startups from applying
✅ How these programs bridge the funding gap for early stage companies

I have spent over 10 years helping startups win federal funding and I break it all down in plain language.

📚 Get my book: The Startup's Guide to Non-Dilutive Funding
Amazon: a.co/d/0a15FxEr
Digital Store: hub.semscio.com/products/digital_downloads/the-sta…



🎓 Free SBIR Intro Course: hub.semscio.com/products/courses/basics-of-sbir-st…



🛒 Browse all my books and courses: hub.semscio.com/


📧 Work with me: semscio.com/contact/



🆓 Subscribe to my Free Founder System — get instant access to exclusive ebook downloads to help you launch and grow your startup:
semscio.com/free-ebooks/



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Drop a comment below — are you currently exploring federal funding for your startup? 👇

1 month ago | [YT] | 2