Funding Notice: FY26 Small Business Innovation Research – Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Phase I

View the full funding opportunity: Connectwerx
Funding Amount: $50,000,000

Background Information

On October 30, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the Fall 2026 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Topics. Managed by the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC), DOE programs will award funding across multiple phases to American small businesses developing innovative technologies that strengthen U.S. energy and national security. 

Eligibility

In order to receive either a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) award, the proposing organization must qualify as a Small Business Concern (SBC), defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a company that is for-profit, with 500 or fewer employees.

Topic Areas 

This funding opportunity has 25 topic areas that span grid innovation, nuclear detonation detection, cybersecurity, and other areas with strong commercial potential. 

Under Topic 9, Innovative Technologies for Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy, DOE's Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO) is seeking proposals that will bring new cutting-edge technology to the marketplace for the recovery and use of coal, oil and gas, and geothermal resources.

 Additional guidance documents for HGEO-specific topics are available on HGEO's website here: FY 2026-27 SBIR/STTR Additional Information.

Funding  

DOE intends to make approximately 160 awards totaling up to $50,000,000 for energy innovators. Under Topic 9, Innovative Technologies for Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy, DOE estimates making 14 awards

Key Dates

Additional Information

• View the full funding opportunity on Connectwerx
• Questions, contact sbir-sttr@connectwerx.org

Last Updated: November 5, 2026