SBIR/STTR Collaborations

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide federal grants up to $275,000 in Phase I and $2 million in Phase II for companies developing innovative technologies. The UO has substantial experience supporting companies through these programs across multiple federal agencies. 

UO faculty have successfully collaborated with companies on awards from NIH, NSF, DOE, DoD, and other agencies. Our investigators know how to write competitive technical approaches, conduct research that meets program objectives, and navigate federal reporting requirements. 

Strengthen your SBIR Proposal with UO.

Faculty collaboration adds technical credibility, provides preliminary data through core facility access, and demonstrates research capacity. Oregon companies can access state grants through Business Oregon’s SBIR Program: 

  • Phase 00 and 0 grants – support for application preparation
  • Matching grants – financial support for Phase I winners 

 

 

STTR requires a research institution partner

You need a principal investigator with domain expertise, access to specialized facilities, and an institution that understands federal compliance. We provide all three. 

 

Support we provide

  • Connections to faculty whose expertise strengthens your technical approach. 
  • Letters of institutional commitment and formal collaboration agreements. 
  • Access to core facilities for preliminary data and Phase I research. 
  • Proposal review before submission.
  • Phase I-to-Phase II transition support with continued research collaboration. 

 

 

Woman in a computer lab holding a VR set in her hands.

The licensing advantage

Many deep-tech entrepreneurs need technologies closer to market than typical academic research provides. Licensing UO intellectual property and collaborating through STTR creates a powerful combination. You get proven IP plus ongoing faculty engagement that de-risks development and satisfies federal partnership requirements. Whether you're pursuing your first SBIR/STTR or scaling with Phase II funding, our team will help identify faculty collaborators, structure agreements, and position your application competitively.