What is new at NSF SBIR/STTR is the stated emphasis on “Developing Deep Technologies that Advance U.S. Competitiveness and Security”. NSF at SeedFund.NSF.gov has issued two solicitations. NSF 26-510 and NSF 26-511 are both available, but they differ from past years in that they include multiple types of award, while in the past, Phase I and Phase II solicitations were issued separately and on different calendars. NSF 26-510 is the general SBIR/STTR solicitation with Phase I and Phase II as well as Fast-Track included. Separately, NSF 26-511 is listed as a Pilot Emphasis on Scientific Instrumentation.
Applicants with Project Pitch invitations issued on or after July 3, 2025, and who have not yet submitted a proposal associated with that invitation, will be permitted to submit their full Phase I proposal (or, if permitted, Fast-Track proposal) not later than November 4, 2026.
Phase I awardees whose Phase I award start date was on or after November 6, 2023, and who have not already submitted their Phase II proposal will be permitted to submit their Phase II proposal not later than November 4, 2026.
From the latest solicitation:
Award Information
Estimated Number of Awards: 340
Anticipated Type of Award: Standard Grant up to $305,000
Estimated Number of Awards:
- Approximately 180 awards for SBIR Phase I per year
- Approximately 50 awards for STTR Phase I per year
Phase II Awards
Anticipated Type of Award:
Fixed Amount Cooperative Agreement up to $1,250,000
Estimated Number of Awards:
- Approximately 80 awards for SBIR Phase II per year
- Approximately 10 awards for STTR Phase II per year
I always suggest you look into the program directors and their topics before you select your sub-topics. NSF formerly published that directory on their website, AND included contact information for all PD’s in each solicitation. However, during the 2025/26 SBIR shutdown, those resources went away. So we’ve compiled the most up to date director of NSF program directors that we can at NSF SBIR/STTR Staff Contacts. We continue to update this list as new information becomes available.
To get started with NSF SBIR, visit NSF Proposal Preparation And Submission Instructions
For the latest videos from America’s Seed Fund Summit (July 2026) and America’s Seed Fund Week, visit our post SBIR/STTR Solicitations from NSF, NIH and DoW – a lot of specific help!
If you want advice and support as you build out your team, check out our StartupTherapy™ Resources and Help page!
Designer Investor Resources – Fundamentals of Raising Startup Capital is another summary page of great resources to help you if you are raising capital from investors.
Don’t forget, if you need more help, check out our online course, Develop a Winning SBIR Strategy, and don’t forget your free guide below! It is truly unique in the industry, make sure to grab your copy!
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