STTR
STTR is the acronym for Small Business Technology Transfer.

Small Business Technology Transfer
STTR is a U.S. government program designed to stimulate technological innovation and facilitate the transfer of technology from research institutions to the marketplace. The program is highly relevant to businesses, especially those in the technology and innovation sectors. Here’s a breakdown of STTR for professionals in business, sales, marketing, and tech:
Unlike its sister program SBIR, STTR requires small businesses to formally collaborate with a research institution (like a university or federal lab) in the early stages of R&D. Funding structure:
- Phase I: Typically up to $256,000 for 1 year to establish feasibility
- Phase II: Up to $1,000,000 for 2 years to develop and validate the technology
- Phase III: Commercialization (uses non-STTR funds)
Additional Requirements
- Eligibility: Small businesses (fewer than 500 employees) that are at least 51% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens.
- Participating Agencies: Five federal agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), participate.
- Intellectual Property: The small business retains the rights to any IP developed through the program.
- Commercialization Focus: While research is a key component, the end goal is to bring innovative technologies to market.
- Networking Opportunities: Participating in STTR can open doors to valuable connections in academia, government, and industry.
- Credibility Boost: Winning an STTR grant can enhance a company’s credibility with investors and potential partners.
Understanding STTR can be valuable for professionals in business development, sales, and marketing when working with or targeting early-stage tech companies or academic spinoffs. For those in tech, it represents a potential funding source for innovative ideas that require significant R&D before commercialization.