Leading small business innovation and commercialization in the fight against cancer
What are SBIR & STTR?

The goal of the NCI is to eliminate the suffering and death due to cancer. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs are NCI's engine of innovation for developing and commercializing novel technologies and products to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer.

The SBIR & STTR Programs are one of the largest sources of early-stage technology financing in the United States. We welcome entrepreneurs and small business leaders to this website to explore grant and contract funding opportunities and a new spirit of collaboration with the NCI.

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Tips for Applying


Click here to view online resources that help small businesses prepare their grant applications and contract proposals. Resources include annotated SBIR grant applications, videos with tips for applying for NCI SBIR & STTR funding, and guidance on the electronic submission process.

While there are no actual examples of SBIR contract applications available, the slides from these recent SBIR & STTR Program information sessions provide valuable insight into the application process. In addition, visit the How to Apply section on the SBIR Web site for examples of SBIR grant applications. Please note that all contract applications must be submitted via paper application.

Latest Announcements

NCI SBIR & STTR Programs to Present at BIO

Staff from the NCI SBIR & STTR Programs will present at the BIO 2009 International Convention next week (May 18–21) in Atlanta, Georgia. Session topics will include information about government funding resources and a discussion of the opportunities and challenges faced by private companies working in the public health space.



NCI SBIR & STTR Funding Opportunities


New Grant Funding Opportunities from the NCI

The NCI has announced new funding opportunities for the small business community in technology development for a number of different areas, including the detection and evaluation of chemical and biological carcinogens; the support of integrative cancer biology research; and the detection and characterization of low abundance proteins, peptides, or micro RNAs. [Read More]


New Stimulus Funding Opportunities for the NCI SBIR/STTR Community

The NCI SBIR Development Center is pleased to announce the availability of a new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding opportunity for the NCI small business community. Click on the link below for more information.


New NCI SBIR Phase II Bridge Award Forthcoming

The NCI SBIR Program will soon announce the new issuance of the SBIR Phase II Bridge Award RFA. The new Bridge Award more than triples the amount of funding available through the NCI SBIR Program to support the next stage of development for previously funded SBIR Phase II projects in the areas of cancer therapies and cancer relevant imaging technologies. Check back regularly for updates. [Read more]


Employment Opportunities

NCI is seeking highly motivated applicants with strong industry or venture capital experience for positions within the NCI SBIR Program. Click here to learn more.