Small Business Innovation Research — Phase I

Summary

This programme funds the earliest stage of a deep-technology company, where the question is whether an idea works at all rather than whether it can be sold. An award covers roughly six to twelve months of feasibility work: building the prototype, running the experiment, or gathering the evidence that a later development round would depend on. The money is a grant, so it takes no equity and carries no repayment obligation. Applicants do not need preliminary results, existing revenue or an academic affiliation, which makes it one of the more accessible federal entry points for a technical founder. Review weighs both technical merit and commercial potential, so a strong application explains the science and names the customer. Companies that complete this stage successfully are eligible to apply for substantially larger follow-on funding.

Quick answers

What is this grant?

A federal seed grant for small businesses developing a technology product. It funds the feasibility stage — proving the technical approach works — before larger development funding is sought.

Who can apply?

US-registered small businesses with fewer than 500 employees and majority US ownership. The principal investigator must be primarily employed by the company at the time of award.

How much funding is available?

Awards range from about $50,000 to $305,000 depending on the scope of work proposed. The funding is a grant, so it is non-dilutive and is not repaid.

Can a startup with no revenue apply?

Yes. There is no revenue requirement and no preliminary results are needed. The programme is designed for companies at the point where technical feasibility is still an open question.

Who can apply

Small businesses registered in the United States, with fewer than 500 employees and majority US ownership. The principal investigator must be primarily employed by the applicant at the time of award.

About this grant

Phase I supports the early feasibility stage of a research-driven product. Awards fund the work needed to show that a technical approach is sound before larger development funding is sought. Projects across software, hardware, materials and biotechnology are eligible, and no preliminary results are required at the point of application.