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The National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR program, known as America's Seed Fund, is uniquely positioned among federal SBIR programs. NSF funds technologies across all sectors of science and engineering, with a strong emphasis on deep technology with broad societal impact.
For a complete breakdown of funding across all phases, see our guide to SBIR Phase I vs Phase II vs Phase III.
NSF funds innovative technology across broad areas:
NSF uses a unique two-step process that differs from other SBIR agencies:
Before submitting a full proposal, you must first submit a Project Pitch through the NSF SBIR website. The pitch is a brief (3-4 page) description of your innovation. NSF reviews pitches on a rolling basis and typically responds within 2-4 weeks with either an invitation to submit a full proposal or feedback on why the pitch was not suitable.
If your pitch is invited, you submit a full proposal through Research.gov. Full proposals are reviewed on set deadlines, typically in June and November.
NSF evaluates proposals on two main criteria, and understanding these helps you avoid common SBIR application mistakes:
NSF prioritizes truly novel technologies. Incremental improvements to existing products are less likely to be funded. Your proposal must clearly articulate what is new and different about your approach compared to existing solutions.
NSF strongly values evidence of customer discovery. Demonstrating that you have spoken with potential customers and validated market need significantly strengthens your proposal. NSF even offers I-Corps programs to help with this.
NSF looks for teams with deep technical expertise. Include detailed bios that demonstrate relevant scientific and engineering credentials.
Prepare your NSF SBIR budget carefully. NSF is strict about allowable costs. Ensure your budget aligns with NSF's cost principles and your proposed technical plan.
Complete your SAM.gov registration and Research.gov account well before the deadline.
NSF SBIR is competitive, with success rates typically around 15-20% for Phase I. However, the Project Pitch system means that only invited proposals are reviewed, which can improve your effective success rate if your pitch is strong.
| Feature | NSF | NIH | DoD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submission | Project Pitch first | Open submission | Topic-specific |
| Review | Panel + mail | Study sections | Internal + external |
| Phase I Amount | $275K | $275K | $50K-$250K |
| Focus | All science/tech | Health/biomedical | Defense needs |
NSF also funds STTR grants for companies partnering with research institutions.
NSF's Innovation Corps program provides entrepreneurship training and customer discovery support. Completing I-Corps can strengthen a subsequent SBIR proposal.
PFI grants support technology translation from universities and can complement SBIR funding.
NSF's unique pitch system and emphasis on deep innovation require a tailored approach. An experienced SBIR consultant can help you navigate the process and maximize your chances. SBIR grants are non-dilutive funding that does not need to be repaid.
Contact MJP Grant Consulting to discuss your NSF SBIR strategy and get started with a free consultation.
