NIH Small Business Technology Transfer Grant (Parent STTR [R41/R42] Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, administers the Small Business Technology Transfer program to stimulate technological innovation by small businesses and to foster collaboration between commercial entities and nonprofit research institutions. This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based small business concerns in developing and commercializing scientific innovations that have the potential to improve public health outcomes. The program is structured to bridge the gap between early-stage research and market-ready products, with a particular emphasis on collaborative research partnerships. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support a broad range of biomedical, behavioral, and health-related research and development activities. The program spans feasibility studies through later-stage development and is designed to move promising technologies toward commercialization. Applicants may propose projects across numerous health-related domains, including but not limited to mental health, cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, and emerging biomedical technologies. The funding supports activities necessary to validate concepts, refine prototypes, and generate data required for further investment or regulatory advancement. Funding provided under this opportunity may be used for research and development costs associated with the proposed project, including personnel, equipment, supplies, and subcontracting with nonprofit research institutions. The program requires a formal collaboration between the small business and a research institution, ensuring that both scientific rigor and commercial viability are addressed. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, which lowers barriers for small businesses seeking to participate. However, applicants must adhere to all federal grant regulations and NIH-specific policies regarding allowable costs and reporting requirements. Eligibility is restricted to United States small business concerns as defined by the Small Business Administration. Foreign organizations and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply, although certain unfunded international collaborations may be permitted under NIH policy. Applicants must demonstrate both technical capability and a clear commercialization pathway, and they must establish a formal partnership with a nonprofit research institution to meet program requirements. The application process requires submission through federal grant systems, typically involving registration in systems such as Grants.gov and compliance with NIH submission guidelines. Applicants must prepare detailed proposals including research plans, commercialization strategies, budgets, and supporting documentation. Applications are evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, innovation, feasibility, and the potential for commercialization and public health impact. Peer review panels assess proposals using NIH’s established criteria. The application timeline includes a posted date of May 28, 2026, with a current closing date of April 5, 2027. This program operates on a recurring basis, typically following standard NIH submission cycles. Applicants should monitor deadlines carefully and ensure timely submission of all required materials. Award decisions are generally made following peer review and administrative evaluation, with project periods varying depending on the phase and scope of the research. For assistance, applicants may contact NIH SEED, the Small Business Education and Entrepreneurial Development office, via email. This office provides guidance on program requirements, eligibility, and application procedures. The program represents a significant opportunity for small businesses to leverage federal funding to advance innovative health technologies toward commercialization while collaborating with leading research institutions.