Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how small businesses can secure federal grants for research and development through collaborative partnerships with non-profit institutions.
The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program provides federal funding to support research and development projects that are carried out through a partnership between a small business and a research institution.
Who it's for
This program is designed for small businesses that are working in direct partnership with a non-profit research institution.
What you get
You can receive federal grants to fund collaborative research and development (R&D) projects.
What it costs you
To participate, you must establish and maintain a formal cooperative agreement with a university or a research center.
The catch to know
Because you are working with an outside institution, the requirement for a research partner can make it complicated to decide who owns the intellectual property (IP) created during the project.
How to apply
- Identify a non-profit research institution to act as your partner.
- Establish a formal cooperative agreement between your business and the institution.
- Develop a research and development project plan for your collaborative work.
- Check the official agency resources for specific application windows and submission steps.