USDA/NIFA – PhII SBIR/STTR NOFO Released

The SBIR & STTR at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offer competitively awarded grants to qualified small businesses to support high quality research related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture that could lead to significant public benefits.

The USDA SBIR/STTR programs, Assistance Listing number 10.212, support scientific excellence and technological innovation through investment of Federal research funds to build a strong national economy by stimulating technological innovation in the private sector; strengthening the role of small business in meeting Federal research and development needs; and increasing the commercial application of Federally supported research results. Further, the objective of the STTR program is to stimulate formal cooperative partnerships of ideas and technologies between small businesses and partnering research institutions (e.g., Universities and Federal laboratories).

Estimated Total Program Funding

$24,750,000

Deadline

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026

Eligibility:

Applications may only be submitted by eligible Small Businesses.
See USDA/NIFA PhII SBIR/STTR NOFO for additional information.

Posted Date:  Thursday, October 1, 2026
For more Information Contact:  SBIR/SSTTR (SBIR/STTR) Contact
Closing Date(s):  FY 2026: November 17, 2026    &    FY 2027: September 21, 2027 5PM EST
Contact for Electronic Access Problems:  grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
Funding Opportunity Number:  USDA-NIFA-SBIR-012221
Assistance Listing Number:  10.212
Range of Awards:  $600,000 – $650,000
Anticipated Program Funding:
FY 2026:          SBIR – $19,500,000          STTR – $5,250,000
FY 2026:          SBIR – $19,500,000          STTR – $5,250,000
Percent of Applications Funded:  50%
Topics:          Advanced Technologies
                       Small Business

USDA NIFA invests in research, education and outreach that keeps American agriculture productive, profitable and at the forefront of innovation. Through partnerships with the Land-grant University System, NIFA leverages more than 10,000 scientists, educators and Extension professionals to turn discovery into real-world solutions for farmers, ranchers, families and communities.
USDA is an equal opportunity lender, provider and employer.