DOE has announced the Fall 2026 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Topics, offering a pathway to more than $200 million in potential funding across multiple phases to accelerate American innovation and commercialization. Focus areas include grid innovation, cybersecurity, nuclear detonation detection, and more.
The announcement also highlights DOE’s streamlined SBIR/STTR application process. With support from DOE’s partnership intermediary, ConnectWerx, small businesses can begin with a project pitch. Those invited to submit a full Phase I application may, if awarded, advance through subsequent phases by meeting established milestones and receiving DOE approval—without a separate Phase II application.
💡 Ready to turn your innovation into impact? Explore DOE’s Fall 2026 Phase I Topics and
submit your pitch by 12/16: https://sbir-sttr.connectwerx.org/
Read the official announcement here: https://tinyurl.com/52pkmnks
Direct Link to opportunity details & topics: https://tinyurl.com/4r4vek4h
The DOE recently consolidated the management of the SBIR/STTR programs to the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC), reflecting DOE’s focus on moving taxpayer-funded research toward real-world impact. The SBIR/STTR programs align directly with OTC’s mission to accelerate commercialization, streamline innovation pathways, and strengthen engagement between small businesses and the DOE National Laboratory system. This transition reinforces DOE’s commitment to improving operational efficiency and investing in technological advancements towards energy dominance. Additional resources and program information will be added to this site as program updates are finalized.
SBIR and STTR are congressionally authorized programs that reserve a portion of federal research funding for U.S. small businesses. Through a competitive, phased process, companies receive funding to establish technical feasibility (Phase I), further develop and prototype their technology (Phase II), and pursue commercialization and follow-on opportunities (Phase III). Participation is limited to for-profit U.S. small businesses that meet Small Business Administration eligibility requirements. DOE coordinates its SBIR/STTR implementation with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Timeline:
- Friday, 10/30: AMP Pitch Applications Open
- Friday, 11/13: Video topic summaries will be available
- Thursday, 11/19 at 3 PM ET: Register for virtual Office Hours Part I with DOE and CWX representatives here.
- Tuesday, 12/1 at 3 PM ET: Register for virtual Office Hours Part II with DOE and CWX representatives here.
- Wednesday, 12/16 at 2 PM ET: Application Closes
Informational “Office Hours” Session(s)
The Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971) was signed into law on April 13, 2026. This Act extends the SBIR/STTR Programs through Fiscal Year 2031.
IPart can review & provide feedback on your DOE SBIR/STTR Project Pitch BEFORE you submit it
for DOE consideration of invitation to submit a full proposal.