NSF SBIR/STTR (America's Seed Fund powered by NSF) 🎁 Program
Up to $2 million of zero-equity seed funding from NSF for deep-tech startups, starting with a short Project Pitch.
| What you get | Up to $2M |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | US small business under 500 employees, 51%+ owned by US citizens or permanent residents, PI majority-employed by the company, R&D in the US; no majority VC/PE ownership; invitation via Project Pitch required. |
| Open in | United States |
| Partner code needed | No: apply directly |
| Deadline | Project Pitch first; invited full proposals by 2026-11-04 under the current notice |
| Terms last checked | 2026-10-11 |
About NSF SBIR/STTR (America's Seed Fund powered by NSF)
What you get
The National Science Foundation runs the most startup-friendly SBIR/STTR door. Its site says it invests up to $2 million in seed funding per company across Phase I and Phase II, takes zero equity, and leaves you in control of your team, direction and IP. Current solicitations are NSF 26-510 (deep technologies for US competitiveness and security) and NSF 26-511 (pilot emphasis on scientific instrumentation).
Who qualifies
A small business with fewer than 500 employees (including affiliates), at least 51% owned and controlled by US citizens or permanent residents. The principal investigator must be more than 50% employed by the company, all R&D must be done in the US, and businesses majority-owned by VC operating companies, hedge funds or private equity are excluded. Full proposals need SAM (with UEI), Research.gov and SBA Company Registry registrations; the Project Pitch does not.
Good to know
You must submit a Project Pitch first (four short sections on the innovation, technical objectives, market and team) and receive an invitation from an NSF programme director before a full Phase I or Fast-Track proposal. Limits: one pending pitch at a time, two pitches per 12 months, two full proposals per fiscal year, and one Phase I or Fast-Track project under consideration at a time. Phase II is only for NSF Phase I awardees, 6-24 months after the Phase I start. NSF's notice says invited Phase I proposals and eligible Phase II proposals can be submitted no later than 4 November 2026 under the current notice.
Verdict
The best first step into SBIR for a deep-tech startup: the pitch is short, the feedback is useful, and the money is equity-free. Pure software without a hard technical risk is a poor fit.
How to apply
- Create an account and submit a Project Pitch on seedfund.nsf.gov (technology, technical objectives, market, team).
- Wait for NSF's reply: an invitation to submit or an explanation of why the project does not fit.
- Register in SAM.gov (UEI), Research.gov and the SBA Company Registry with identical company details.
- Submit your full Phase I (or Fast-Track) proposal under the current solicitation before the stated deadline.
- After Phase I, apply for Phase II between 6 and 24 months after your Phase I start date.
Who it is for
Steps NSF SBIR/STTR (America's Seed Fund powered by NSF) helps with
Pros
- Zero equity, up to $2 million
- Short Project Pitch before any heavy paperwork
- Programme staff give feedback
Cons
- Excludes companies majority-owned by VC or PE firms
- Needs genuine technical risk, not just a product build
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