New Funding Opportunity for Small Business Innovation Research Program

Deadline to apply: Monday, December 18, 2023

ACL's National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) is announcing a new funding opportunity for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.  

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase I

The purpose of the SBIR Program is to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small business in meeting federal research or research and development needs, and improve the return on investment from federally-funded research for economic and social benefits to the nation. The goal is to improve the lives of people with disabilities through research and development of products generated by small businesses — and to increase the commercial application of NIDILRR-supported research results and development products. All SBIR projects funded by NIDILRR must address the needs of individuals with disabilities and promote their health and function, community living, or employment outcomes.

The objective of Phase I is to determine the scientific or technical merit and feasibility of proposed research or research and development efforts that appear to have commercial potential. This feasibility is a prerequisite for further support in Phase II. Phase I awards are for periods of up to six months.