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SBIR and STTR Funding

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) are federally funded programs that include small businesses in the nation's research and development (R&D) arena. In an effort to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship, the highly competitive programs encourage small businesses to engage federal research and development (R&D) with the potential for commercialization. SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from commercialization.

The SBIR and STTR programs include joint venture opportunities between small businesses and nonprofit research institutions—including research universities like Case Western Reserve.

CWRU faculty may participate in projects funded by these programs under certain circumstances. The Office of Research and Technology Management provides leadership in shaping, interpreting and implementing CWRU research-related policies, procedures, and guidance. For more information refer to our guide: "Applying for NIH SBIR and STTRs: How to Set Yourself (and Your Company) Up for Success" 

Requirements for both SBIR and STTR Grants

  1. The subcontract documents must be routed through SpartaGrants following standard procedures. Get training on how to use SpartaGrants.
  2. The CWRU faculty member who is principal investigator (PI) of the subcontract to CWRU may not be the signing official for the Small Business Entity (SBE).
  3. The faculty member must meet CWRU eligibility criteria and adhere to SBIR/STTR guidelines to be the PI on the proposal. Review the CWRU-specific guidelines.
  4. The proposal must clearly state the relationship and any equity interests between CWRU and the SBE.
  5. The PI must complete and submit the SBIR and STTR questionnaire. 
  6. Roles of CWRU staff and students must be clearly defined in the budget justification and scope of work (SOW). 
  7. The SBIR/STTR proposal must clearly state the CWRU space and resources that will be required for execution of the project. 
  8. The indirect cost rate (IDCs) for SBIR/STTR subcontracts to CWRU must be at the federally negotiated rate. 
  9. The CWRU PI must provide a copy of the solicitation and full proposal in SpartaGrants at time of submission.