NSF SBIR/STTR Startup Grants
Official funding support offered by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Offset costs with up to Phase I: Up to $275,000 | Phase II: Up to $1,000,000.
How does a business qualify for the NSF SBIR?
To qualify for the NSF SBIR/STTR Startup Grants, a business must be incorporated in the United States and demonstrate active operations. The program offers up to Phase I: Up to $275,000 | Phase II: Up to $1,000,000 in non-dilutive capital, which is categorized under a Competitive funding difficulty level. Applicants must ensure they meet all technical benchmarks and file using official channels before funds are fully allocated for the fiscal period.
Provides non-dilutive funding to early-stage startups developing highly innovative, high-risk technologies with deep commercial market potential.
Key Features
| Funding Limit | Phase I: Up to $275,000 | Phase II: Up to $1,000,000 |
| Program Agency | National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| Funding Type | Grant |
| Jurisdiction | USA Federal |
Deadlines & Difficulty
| Difficulty | Competitive Match |
| Deadline Status | Rolling Intake |
| Official Portal | Visit Official Site |
💡 Expert Insider Tips
- •Routine software engineering, e.g. building a standard mobile app or dashboard using existing tools, is instantly rejected. NSF wants to fund unproven science.
Related Resources & Guides
SBIR Deep-Tech Grant Application Guide
Navigate Phase I and Phase II technical risk writing models.
USA Federal Grants Application Steps
How to set up SAM.gov entity details and submit clean applications.
Determine Your Funding Match Probability
Our pre-qualification review analyzes program requirements, stacking possibilities, and alignment to minimize filing rejections.
Funding Eligibility Estimator
Calculate potential matching grants and tax credits for your business profile.
Official Program Alignment
FSI Digital reviews eligibility standards in accordance with official guidelines. We never guarantee funding; all approvals are subject to official government program review.