Program Overview
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.
The DOE recently consolidated the management of the SBIR/STTR programs to the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC), reflecting DOE’s focus on moving taxpayer-funded research toward real-world impact. The SBIR/STTR programs align directly with OTC’s mission to accelerate commercialization, streamline innovation pathways, and strengthen engagement between small businesses and the DOE National Laboratory system. This transition reinforces DOE’s commitment to improving operational efficiency and investing in technological advancements towards energy dominance. Additional resources and program information will be added to this site as program updates are finalized.
SBIR and STTR are congressionally authorized programs that reserve a portion of federal research funding for U.S. small businesses. Through a competitive, phased process, companies receive funding to establish technical feasibility (Phase I), further develop and prototype their technology (Phase II), and pursue commercialization and follow-on opportunities (Phase III). Participation is limited to for-profit U.S. small businesses that meet Small Business Administration eligibility requirements. DOE coordinates its SBIR/STTR implementation with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971) was signed into law on April 13, 2026. This Act extends the SBIR/STTR Programs through Fiscal Year 2031.
Program Structure
| Phase I | Phase II/IIA/IIB/IIC | Phase III |
Feasibility/Proof of Concept 6 to 12 months in duration Awards up to $250,000 | Prototyping and Demonstration Up to 2 years in duration Awards up to $1.6M Note: Teams can receive multiple sequential Phase II awards to continue developing of promising projects | Non SBIR funded Work that derives from, extends, or completes the effort of prior Phase I and II awards
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Resources
DOE plans to open an opportunity for select Phase II topics in spring 2026 for eligible Phase I awardees. Later in 2026 there will be an opportunity to apply for Phase I awards across the latest DOE priority areas. Subscribe here to receive emails with program updates.
Awardees are responsible for managing their projects in accordance with DOE SBIR/STTR Terms and Conditions. Required technical and financial reports for projects awarded prior to 2026 are submitted through DOE’s Portfolio Analysis and Management System (PAMS) and FedConnect.
DOE maintains requirements related to fraud, waste, abuse, and foreign risk management to protect U.S. taxpayer investments. Awardees must disclose relevant affiliations and comply with all reporting and oversight requirements.
Explore the links below to learn about other DOE funding opportunities.
- American Made Challenges incentivizes innovation through prizes, training, teaming, and mentoring, connecting the nation’s entrepreneurs and innovators to America’s national labs and the private sector.
- ConnectWerx administers critical energy opportunities to heighten energy security and strengthen national security ecosystems.
- EnergyWerx administers opportunities such as assisting with deployment of innovative energy solutions and more.
- TechWerx is a hub that connects visionaries, researchers, industry and energy leaders with the opportunities for technological advancement.
DOE will continue to share updates, funding opportunities, and program announcements as the transition to the Office of Technology Commercialization progresses. Sign up to receive email updates and notifications about future funding opportunities and program resources.
FAQs
Yes, DOE first plans to open an opportunity for select Phase II topics in spring 2026. Later in 2026, there will be an opportunity to apply for Phase I awards across a variety of the latest DOE priority areas.
No, currently active projects will not be impacted by this change. All projects awarded prior to March 2026 will continue under the same points of contact.
Yes, recipients of Phase I awards will be able to apply for Phase II awards. Stay tuned for updates by subscribing to the OTC SBIR/STTR newsletter.
DOE SBIR/STTR topics are drawn from the mission areas of the Department. DOE offers opportunities annually. Future SBIR/STTR opportunities will address national challenges in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, critical materials, quantum information science, semiconductors, energy innovation, and more.
The SBIR program was established by Congress in 1982 [Public Law 97-219]. It major goals are to:
- Stimulate technological innovation
- Use small business to meet Federal R/R&D needs
- Increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal R/R&D, thereby increasing competition, productivity, and economic growth
The STTR program was established by Congress in 1992 [Public Law 102-564]. Its major goals are to:
- Stimulate and foster scientific and technological innovation through cooperative research and development carried out between small business concerns and research institutions
- Foster technology transfer between small business concerns and research institutions
DOE is committed to continuous program improvement. You can email SBIR and STTR program feedback and recommendations to sbir-sttr@hq.doe.gov.