DOE offers $37M in small business research grants for 2019

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) opened the second funding opportunity for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs this week, with approximately $37 million in available funding.

“U.S. small businesses are a crucial aspect in driving innovation and creating jobs in our economy,” Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said. “The SBIR and STTR programs are an excellent way for small businesses and the federal government to team up to advance scientific research and development, creating a more secure energy future for America.”

The funds are meant to encourage innovations in research and development. Specifically, those innovations will benefit the various offices of the DOE, from cybersecurity to nuclear energy to environmental management. Each grant will account for six to 12 months, with each business able to receive maximum award amounts of $200,000.

There is an extra incentive beyond the immediate funds, however. Those small businesses that complete their research in this phase will be able to compete for additional funding for 2020 to proceed onto prototype or processes research and development. Those grants will last up to two years and come with maximum award amounts of $1.1 million or 1.6 million.