Initiative overview
Part of NSF's 'America's Seed Fund', the SBIR/STTR programme has funded AI-focused startups since the 1980s, with AI formalised as a dedicated topic area. Phase I awards (up to USD 305,000 for up to 12 months) support feasibility and proof-of-concept work; Phase II awards (up to USD 1,250,000 for up to 24 months) fund continued R&D and commercialisation. The AI topic covers eight subtopics including cognitive science-based technologies, computer vision, conversational and language-based AI, novel AI hardware (e.g. neuromorphic computing), sustainable AI, trustworthy AI (fair, transparent, explainable, privacy-preserving), and edge devices. Applicants must submit a Project Pitch before a full proposal; awards are non-dilutive and require all funded work to be performed in the US. A Fast-Track pilot combines Phase I and Phase II into a single application. Note: programme authorisation lapsed in late 2025, temporarily pausing new Project Pitch submissions.



























