SBIR & STTR Agencies We Support
At KeepYourEquity, we support SBIR and STTR funding across all major federal agencies, with deep experience in biotech, deep-tech, and dual-use R&D programs. We focus on agencies where execution, technical rigor, and commercialization matter most.
Core SBIR & STTR Agencies:
Agency
Focus Area
Phase I
Phase II
Best Fit
NIH (HHS)
Biomedical, therapeutics, diagnostics
~$275K
~$1.8M+
Biotech, life sciences
NSF
Deep-tech, AI, engineering
~$300K
~$1.25M
Platform technologies
DOW / DoD
Defense, dual-use systems
~$50K–$250K
~$800K–$1.8M
Aerospace, cyber, hardware
DOE
Energy, climate, materials
~$200K–$250K
~$1M+
Energy and climate tech
ARPA-H
Advanced health innovation
Varies
Varies
High-risk health tech
ARPA-E
Transformational energy
~$100K–$300K
~$1M+
Breakthrough energy
Additional Federal Programs:
Agency
Focus Area
Notes
NASA
Space, robotics, propulsion
Strong for hardware startups
USDA
Agriculture, bio-based products
Agtech, bio-manufacturing
EPA
Environmental technologies
Climate, water, remediation
NIST (DOC)
Standards, manufacturing
Measurement and infrastructure
NOAA (DOC)
Ocean, climate systems
Environmental innovation
DHS
Homeland security
Dual-use technologies
ED (Dept. of Education)
Education technologies
EdTech, accessibility
How to Choose the Right SBIR & STTR Agency
Selecting an agency is a high-leverage decision that dictates your success rate. We evaluate every opportunity based on four critical pillars:
Technical Alignment
How well does your tech match the agency’s specific problem set?
Program Intent
Are they looking for early-stage basic research or late-stage commercialization?
Stage Fit
Does your development timeline align with the agency’s budget cycles?
Commercialization Pathway
Do you have a plan that matches their expected outcome?
The same technology can often fit multiple agencies.
The difference is which one you can actually win.
Ways to Work With KeepYourEquity
We offer multiple engagement models depending on your team, timeline, and budget.
What Makes This Different
Most grant firms operate purely as writers—they take your input and format it. We operate as strategic partners. We understand the science, the agency’s mission, and the commercial pathway that drives a review panel’s decision.
PhD-Level Strategic Review – We don’t just format; we pressure-test the technical rigor and scientific validity of your proposal to ensure it meets the highest standards of peer review.
Commercialization Narratives – We build the Phase II story from day one, showing agencies a clear, de-risked path to market that aligns with federal commercialization goals.
Agency Alignment – Deep historical understanding of specific mission requirements across NIH, NSF, DoD, and DOE to ensure your proposal hits the exact marks reviewers are looking for.
What is the success rate for SBIR Phase I?
Success rates vary by agency, typically ranging from 15% to 20%. Our strategic approach focuses on technical rigor and mission alignment to maximize your competitiveness and significantly improve your odds.
Can I apply to multiple agencies with the same technology?
Yes. A single innovation often fits multiple federal missions (e.g., both NSF and NIH). We help you identify the agency where you have the highest leverage and strongest chance of securing funding.
Do you charge a success fee for grants?
We offer flexible flat-fee and hybrid engagement models depending on your budget and needs. Our core mission is to help you keep your equity while securing the non-dilutive capital required to scale.
How long does the proposal process take?
Most agencies have 2-3 solicitation windows per year. We recommend starting your strategic consultation at least 6-8 weeks prior to a deadline to allow for thorough technical review and narrative alignment.
Start With the Right Strategy
Choosing the wrong agency is the most common reason for failure. We help you identify where you have the highest probability of success by matching your technology roadmap to agency-specific missions and technical priorities. Focus on winning, not just writing.
SBIR STTR Grant Consulting, Grant Writing for Startups, NIH NSF SBIR Training, Federal R&D Funding Strategy, Non-Dilutive Funding Solutions.