Small businesses with big ideas are getting a major boost from NASA. Through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, the agency is investing in small high-tech firms that are developing cutting-edge technologies to support space exploration, scientific discovery, and national economic growth. These programs offer critical funding and partnership opportunities that help small businesses turn bold concepts into commercial-ready solutions—aligning entrepreneurial innovation with NASA’s most pressing research and development needs.
The SBIR and STTR programs are designed not just to fund R&D, but to foster long-term commercialization and job creation. SBIR awards support small businesses conducting early-stage research with strong commercial potential, while STTR projects require collaboration with research institutions—ensuring a smooth transition from lab to market.
Each program operates in three phases. Phase I provides modest funding to test the technical feasibility of an idea. Phase II delivers more substantial investment to refine and prototype the technology. Phase III aims for full commercialization, often opening the door to additional government or private sector contracts—even though it is not funded directly by the program.
For small businesses, participation can be transformative. A contract with NASA through SBIR or STTR not only validates a company’s vision but can also lead to broader partnerships and market access. Entrepreneurs from underrepresented and disadvantaged communities are especially encouraged to apply, as NASA prioritizes inclusive participation in its innovation pipeline.
From space systems and robotics to climate research and human health technologies, these programs fuel the development of tools that serve both NASA’s mission and the nation’s technological edge. As NASA reaches toward the Moon, Mars, and beyond, it’s inviting small businesses to go with it—equipped with the vision, talent, and support needed to make tomorrow’s breakthroughs a reality today.