National Science Foundation · · Instrument: Grants
SBIR/STTR Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs: A Pilot Emphasis on Scientific Instrumentation (NSF 26-511)
NSF's SBIR/STTR pilot emphasis on scientific instrumentation funds startups and small businesses building enabling technologies such as next-generation instruments, novel experimental platforms and other scientific equipment, including instrumentation needed for AI-driven discovery. The total anticipated budget is up to $40,000,000. Phase I awards are up to $305,000 over 6 to 18 months, Phase II awards up to $1,250,000 and Fast-Track awards up to $1,555,000. Phase I and Fast-Track proposers must first obtain an invitation through a Project Pitch, and Phase II is limited to NSF Phase I SBIR/STTR awardees. Proposals are submitted through Research.gov, not Grants.gov, and are due at 5 pm submitting organization's local time on November 4, 2026, March 4, 2027 and July 7, 2027. NSF takes no equity in awardees.
Who can apply
- Eligibility
No separate eligibility field is recorded. Check the program summary and the funder's terms.
- Location
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- Funding
Funding classification
- Instrument
No separate instrument field is recorded. Check the program summary and the funder's terms.
- Capital form
No separate capital form field is recorded. Check the program summary and the funder's terms.
- Allocation method
No separate allocation method field is recorded. Check the program summary and the funder's terms.
- Selection
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Round history
| Round | Window | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2027 deadline | Deadline: July 7, 2027Deadline ahead | Not stated | nsf.gov |
| March 2027 deadline | Deadline: March 4, 2027Deadline ahead | Not stated | nsf.gov |
| November 2026 deadline | Deadline: November 4, 2026Deadline ahead | Up to $40,000,000 total anticipated budget for the pilot emphasis | nsf.gov |
| July 2026 deadline | Deadline: July 27, 2026Closed | Not stated | nsf.gov |
Past rounds stay on the page, so you can see how often this program opens.
Funding evidence
Detailed funding records are not yet recorded for this program.
Read the program’s recorded facts and sourcesSources
Awards
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