What is STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer)?
A federal program similar to SBIR that requires small businesses to partner with a research institution for R&D funding.
The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program is closely related to SBIR but requires the small business to formally collaborate with a nonprofit research institution (such as a university or federal lab). Federal agencies with R&D budgets exceeding $1 billion must allocate 0.45% to STTR.
The key difference from SBIR is the mandatory partnership: the small business must perform at least 40% of the work and the research institution at least 30%. This structure is designed to bridge the gap between basic research conducted at universities and commercial application by small businesses.
STTR follows the same three-phase structure as SBIR. Five federal agencies participate: DoD, DOE, HHS/NIH, NASA, and NSF.
Related Terms
A federal program that reserves a portion of agency R&D budgets for competitive awards to small businesses conducting innovative research.
SAM.govThe System for Award Management — the official U.S. government website where businesses register to bid on federal contracts and where agencies post opportunities.