NSF SBIR/STTR Fast-Track
U.S. National Science Foundation·United States
Combined Phase I and Phase II NSF award of up to $1,555,555, requiring a Project Pitch invitation and a heavier PI time commitment than the standard Phase I route.
What you get
“NSF SBIR/STTR Fast-Track proposals may be submitted for up to $1,555,555 in R&D funding, to include $400,000 for the Phase I component, with a duration of 6 to 12 months, and up to $1,155,000 for the Phase II component over an additional 18 to 24 months.”
Can you apply
For Fast-Track: Proposers must obtain an official invitation to submit a proposal. To receive the invitation, potential proposers must submit a Project Pitch and receive an official response from program staff. A full proposal must be submitted within four months of the Fast-Track Project Pitch invitation. Proposals to any of the NSF SBIR/STTR funding opportunities may only be submitted by firms qualifying as a small business concern. Please note that the size limit of 500 employees includes affiliates. The PI must devote the following levels of effort: For Fast-Track: a minimum of three calendar months per six months of performance.
When
Not open yet. The next round is listed below.
Upcoming
- NSF 26-510 March 2027 deadlinecloses 4 Mar 2027 · 217 days left
- NSF 26-510 November 2026 deadlinecloses 4 Nov 2026 · 97 days left
Past rounds
- NSF 26-510 July 2026 deadlineclosed 27 Jul 2026
What U.S. National Science Foundation funds
NSF's SBIR/STTR programs (America's Seed Fund powered by NSF) put non-dilutive federal R&D money into U.S. startups and small businesses turning high-risk deep technology into commercial products. The programs fund across nearly all technology areas and market sectors, including AI and software, and do not solicit specific technologies.
Everything U.S. National Science Foundation funds →Details
Awarded as a fixed amount cooperative agreement. NSF expects roughly 15 SBIR Fast-Track and 3 STTR Fast-Track awards per year. The full proposal must be submitted within four months of the Fast-Track Project Pitch invitation.