The U.S. Department of Energy’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are competitive non-dilutive funding programs that support American small businesses in developing innovative technologies with strong commercial potential. These programs are managed by the DOE Office of Technology Commercialization.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide a structured pathway (illustrated below) to help innovative small businesses transform promising technologies into commercially viable solutions. Companies begin by applying for a Phase I award to demonstrate technical feasibility, with opportunities to compete for follow-on funding in subsequent phases as projects mature. Go/no-go decision points between the Phases allow for evaluation of technical progress and commercial potential before advancing to the next stage, ensuring resources are focused on the most promising innovations.

DOE is partnering with their Partnership Intermediary, ConnectWerx, to host the next round of applications for the SBIR/STTR program. New participants will submit a single application (for Phase I) to enter the program, and, if selected, may then advance through subsequent phases at their own pace by successfully meeting established milestones and performance criteria. There will also be a Phase II application for participants with existing Phase I or Phase II Awards to enter into the new program format.

Continue exploring the Application Hub to learn more about the upcoming Phase I and Phase II opportunities and how to apply. For additional information about the SBIR/STTR program, please visit the DOE SBIR/STTR Website.

1. Log into the Acquisition Management Portal (AMP) – Coming Soon! In the meantime, please request an account to access AMP.
2. Click “Respond” from the “Open Solicitations” section to access the application, then click “Proceed” in the pop-up box
3. Fill out all required information indicated with a red asterisk (*)
4. Upload any required files
5. Click “Submit Application” in the top-right corner to submit your proposal for evaluation under the applicable funding opportunity

Explore the resources below to support your application journey.

• Applicant Resources: Learn how to get started with a Phase I SBIR/STTR application, build a successful team, and more.
• Required Registrations: There are three essential registrations that small businesses must complete to apply for an SBIR or STTR award.
• Commercialization Resources: Commercialization is a central goal of the DOE SBIR/STTR programs, and DOE offers wraparound commercialization support to assist awardees on their path to market.

Please view our Resources and FAQs page to access additional information.