The SBIR/STTR programs are officially back.
For life science startups, while NIH still needs to release the Omnibus Solicitations, the September application deadline is expected to return, signaling renewed opportunity for early-stage funding.
This follows President Donald J. Trump signing S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, reauthorizing and reforming the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
This legislation, championed by U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Chair Joni Ernst (R-IA) and carried in the House by Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX), marks a major win for innovation.
Since 1982, SBIR and STTR, collectively known as America’s Seed Fund—have invested more than $81 billion into over 34,000 small businesses, helping transform early-stage ideas into market-ready products and services. The U.S. Small Business Administration continues to play a central role in overseeing these programs across federal agencies.
For Ohio’s life sciences ecosystem, this is critical.
“With the SBIR program reauthorized, we are reinforcing a vital pipeline that fuels early-stage innovation and helps life science startups translate breakthrough ideas into real-world impact,” said Willa Bluestone, Director of Policy at Ohio Life Sciences.
This news re-energizes our efforts in Ohio. We will continue to encourage the state legislature to establish a state matching fund, something many other states already offer, to further amplify the impact of federal SBIR/STTR awards and ensure Ohio remains competitive.
To our members: thank you. Your advocacy and outreach to Congress made a difference. This is a big moment for small businesses, innovation, and the future of life sciences in Ohio.
