Training and Workforce Development Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

NIH has congressionally mandated set-aside programs for U.S. small businesses to engage in research and development activities that have strong potential for commercialization. Awards are intended to:

  • Stimulate technological innovation.
  • Use small business to meet federal research and development needs.
  • Increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from federal research and development.
  • Foster and encourage participation of individuals underrepresented in the biomedical research workforce in technological innovation.

The NIH SBIR/STTR program consists of two phases:

  • Phase 1 (R41/R43) establishes the scientific and technical merit and feasibility as well as the potential for commercialization of the proposed research.
  • The Phase 2 (R42/R44) grant continues research or research and development (R&D) efforts initiated in Phase 1.

NIH SBIR/STTR grant solicitation announcements and additional information are available on the NIH Small Business Funding Opportunities Web site. You can also find information on the difference between SBIR and STTR application requirements on this website.

Training and Workforce Development Guidance

The goal of NIGMS is to support innovative projects that could benefit the research communities related to its mission. The Division of Training and Workforce Development ​supports the development technologies and tools to enhance the research skills of post-high school individuals in the biomedical research workforce pathway, or to increase the efficiencies of NIGMS research training programs. The technologies may be new products or adaptation of existing products designed to be more efficient, cost-effective, culturally appropriate, and/or user-friendly in promoting the development of the biomedical research workforce. Examples for skills development projects include but are not limited to web-based resources, instructional software, interactive media, research-focused curriculum materials, and active learning toolkits. Projects aimed at enhancing NIGMS training programs include but are not limited to technologies to track career outcomes of students and trainees and/or assist in the evaluation of workforce development programs (e.g., survey instruments and/or training activity tracking systems). Projects that will develop skills of individuals from underrepresented groups (see the NIH's interest in Diversity) or increase the efficiencies of diversity enhancing research training programs are encouraged.

NIGMS does participate in the Commercialization Readiness Pilot (CRP) program designed to facilitate the transition of previously funded SBIR and STTR Phase 2 and Phase 2B projects to the commercialization stage by providing additional support for technical assistance.

A listing of funding announcements is found at the NIGMS small business funding announcements webpage.

For information about the Training and Workforce Development NIGMS SBIR programs, e-mail Sailaja Koduri, Ph.D.

For information about NIGMS SBIR/STTR grants administration and management, email NIGMS_GAB_SBIR@nigms.nih.gov.