KY'S SBIR/STTR Advantage

KY Innovation offers comprehensive programs to help companies apply for, win and match federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants and contracts. The SBIR/STTR programs are known as America's Seed Fund for good reason. They provide a vital source of non-dilutive capital in the form of federal grants and contracts for promising technologies, while allowing innovators to maintain intellectual property and positioning them well to receive private follow on funding. KY Innovation can be a key partner in helping you compete. To learn more about the federal SBIR/STTR programs, visit sbir.gov.

KY SBIR/STTR MATCHING FUNDS PROGRAM

Innovators that receive SBIR or STTR awards can benefit from additional funding to bridge the gap between Phase I and Phase II, as well as to speed up the commercialization process. The Kentucky SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Award Program is a non-dilutive, reimbursable grant, awarded on a competitive basis. The grant will match up to $100,000 for a Phase I project, and up to $150,000 for a phase two project. Applicants must be recipients of a SBIR/STTR award, a for-profit company, and based in, or willing to re-locate to, Kentucky.

700
Jobs Created

218
Filed Patents

$130M
Awarded

$160M
Private Funding

APPLY FOR KY MATCHING FUNDS

Kentucky offers two Matching Funds application windows per year. The Spring round is usually open March through April, while the Fall round is usually open September through October. Application windows are open for eight weeks. This website will be updated at the beginning of each application window. Information about the program is included in the guidelines below. Applicants need to follow the application instruction requirements for the correct open round and submit the full application with supporting documents to sbir@kyinnovation.com

FEDERAL SBIR/STTR SUPPORT

GET FREE ASSISTANCE TO PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

The SBIR/STTR programs provide valuable funding, but are often complex and challenging to navigate. We can help. Along with our partners, we offer a range of free, expert services to educate and assist with grant application and submission.

PROPOSAL ACCELERATORS & INCUBATORS

KY Innovation partners with the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation and its Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation (KSEF) and APEX Accelerator, providing agency specific accelerator and incubator programs to prepare companies for federal SBIR/STTR funding.

MICRO-AWARD

In addition to guidance on preparing your application, KSEF administers Kentucky's Micro-Award to companies pursuin SBIR/STTR funding. These awards, previously referred to as Phase 0, can cover costs associated with preparing a federal proposal. To learn more about micro-Awards or to set up a consulation about possible funding visit KSEF's website