Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders - Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

Program objective

The overarching objective is to support Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs directly relevant to individuals with deafness or disorders of human communication in the areas of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language by engaging domestic small business concerns in federal research and development that has the potential for commercialization. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program: To expand and improve the SBIR program; to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development; and to increase small business participation in Federal research and development. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program: To stimulate and foster scientific and technological innovation through cooperative research and development carried out between small business concerns and research institutions; to foster technology transfer between small business concerns and research institutions; and to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development.

As published in the SAM.gov Assistance Listing.

No open or forecasted opportunities are currently posted under this listing. Programs often post notices on an annual cycle — see recently closed opportunities below for timing.

Eligible applicants (program level)

• ✓Territorial
• ✓For-Profit Organization
• ✓Tribal
• ✓State
• ✓Local
• ✓Small Business Person

SBIR Grants: SBIR grants can be awarded only to domestic small business concerns—entities that are independently owned and operated for profit, are not dominant in the field of the proposed research, and have no more than 500 employees. The principal investigator (PI) must have primary employment (more than half-time) with the small business at the time of the award and for the duration of the project. For both Phase I and Phase II, the research must be performed in the United States or its possessions. Applications are eligible for funding only if they are approved for scientific merit and program relevance by a scientific review group and a national advisory council. STTR Grants: STTR grants can be awarded only to domestic small business concerns that partner with a U.S. research institution for cooperative research and development. The small business must perform at least 40% of the project, and the research institution must perform at least 30%. The research must be conducted in the United States or its possessions. Unlike SBIR, the PI does not need to be primarily employed by the small business. Applications must be approved for scientific merit and program relevance by a scientific review group and a national advisory council to be eligible for funding.

Program-level eligibility from SAM.gov. Each funding notice sets its own requirements.

Frequently asked questions