On March 4th the NSF has released their second FY-2011 SBIR solicitation. Topics included in this solicitation are:
- Biological and Chemical Technologies (BC)
- Education Applications (EA)
- Electronics, Information and Communication Technologies (EI)
- Nanotechnology, Advanced Materials, and Manufacturing (NM)
Phase I awards of up to $150,000 for 6 months are allowed and it is anticipated that 150 awards will be made. (Pending available funds)
The NSF is a leader in funding cutting edge R&D with real potential for commercialization. In other words, you need to be developing a product for an identified market, not simply investigating a new idea. Part of the NSF research proposal is a commercialization plan. In this section of the application they want you to describe the competition and market landscape, and even estimate your anticipated market share. Letters of Support from commercialization partners are encouraged and will strengthen your application.