SBIR/STTR at NIDCR

What are SBIR and STTR?
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) research programs as established by law (SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011) are intended to meet the following goals: stimulate technological innovation in the private sector; strengthen the role of small business in meeting Federal research and development (R&D) needs; increase the commercial application of Federally-supported research results; foster and encourage participation by socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns (SBCs) and women-owned business concerns; and improve the return on investment from Federally-funded research for economic and social benefits to the Nation.

The SBIR and STTR programs are structured in three phases, the first two of which are supported using Federal funds. The objective of Phase I is to establish the technical/scientific merit and feasibility of the proposed research and development (R&D) effort. The objective of Phase II is to continue the research or R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. The primary objective of the SBIR and STTR programs is to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal R&D. The objective of Phase III, where appropriate, is for the SBC to pursue with non-SBIR/STTR funds (either Federal or non-Federal) the commercialization objectives resulting from the results of the research funded in Phases I and II. The SBIR and STTR programs differ in two ways, one relates to the Principal Investigator (PI) and the other relates to a research partner. Under SBIR, the PI must be primarily employed with the SBC at the time of award and for the duration of the project period. Under the STTR Program, primary employment is not stipulated so the PI may be from the small business or the collaborating non-profit research institution. With regard to the research partner, SBIR permits, and in fact, encourages, research partnerships. However, STTR requires that the SBC formally collaborate with a non-profit research institution.

For more information see:

• SBIR/STTR Program Descriptions and Research Topics Document
• SBA Approved Waiver Topics
• SBIR/STTR Instructions for NIH Applications 
• Small Business Eligibility Requirements 
• NIH SBIR/STTR Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Ten Steps to Commercializing a Great Idea

Additional Information
For further information about the NIDCR SBIR/STTR Program, please contact:

Orlando Lopez, PhD

Coordinator, SBIR/STTR Program
Director, Dental Materials and Biomaterials

NIH NIDCR
Democracy One, Room 612
6701 Democracy Blvd
Bethesda, MD 20892-4878
United States
Phone: 301-402-4243
E-mail: orlando.lopez@nih.gov