Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) is a government startup scheme in the US. Sister programme to SBIR that funds US small businesses doing R&D in a formal partnership with a non-profit research institution, which must do at least 30% of the work while the company does at least 40%. It gives non-dilutive, phased awards, was created in 1992, and was reauthorised on 13 April 2026 through 30 September 2031 after lapsing on 1 October 2025.

What it offers

• “Through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, America's Seed Fund awards non-dilutive funding to develop your technology and chart a path toward commercialization.” — sbir.gov
• “As of April 2026, agencies may issue a Phase I award (including modifications) up to $ 323,090 and a Phase II award (including modifications) up to $2,153,927 without seeking SBA approval.” — sbir.gov
• “Each year, Federal Agencies with extramural R&D budgets that exceed $1 billion are required to reserve a certain percentage of the extramural research budget for STTR awards to small businesses.” — sbir.gov
• “Currently, six agencies participate in the STTR program.” — sbir.gov
• “STTR does not fund Phase III awards.” — sbir.gov

Who can apply

• “The primary difference from SBIR is that for STTR, the small business must formally partner with a research institution.” — sbir.gov
• “The STTR program requires that the small business performs at least 40% of the R&D and the single partnering research institution to perform at least 30% of the R&D.” — sbir.gov
• “STTR requires the Small Business Concern (SBC) and its partnering institution to establish an intellectual property agreement” — sbir.gov
• “Established ten years after SBIR, the STTR program is similar, except that STTR awards require small businesses to partner with non-profit scientific and educational research institutions” — sba.gov
• “Is a for-profit entity located in the U.S.” — sbir.gov
• “Has fewer than 500 employees (most applicants have fewer than 10).” — sbir.gov
• “Is owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.” — sbir.gov

Stages

Seed

How to apply

Apply or read the rules on the official site.

About this listing

TrustList compiled this listing from Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)'s official pages in September 2026. The quotes above are its own words. Amounts, deadlines and eligibility rules change, so check the official site before you rely on them.