NSF Announces Pilot for Startups and Small Businesses to 'Fast-Track'
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering a new funding opportunity for startups and small businesses. This pilot program allows companies to apply for a single, multi-year award of over $2 million to develop new products based on previous NSF-funded research. This streamlined process aims to get innovations to market faster by eliminating the need for multiple funding applications.
SBIR/STTR Fast-Track solicitation eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the SBIR/STTR Fast-Track pilot, startups and small businesses must:
Receive an official invitation via the Project Pitch process to submit a Fast-Track proposal.
Propose research and development stemming from research funded by NSF within five years before the proposal submission date.
Have completed formal customer discovery training not more than two years prior to the Fast-Track proposal submission date — see the solicitation for details.
Have a core team in place at the time of proposal submission; Fast-Track proposals cannot be based on "to be hired" personnel.
More information about program requirements and submission deadlines can be found in the SBIR/STTR Fast-Track pilot solicitation.
Have questions? Check out our FREE upcoming webinar on July 11! Join us for an exclusive webinar with Larta Institute and discover how SBIR and Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) funding can boost your early-stage innovation and commercialization efforts. Learn how to access and leverage these valuable resources to overcome challenges in securing growth capital. And of course, ask all your questions!