The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will be opening the 2013 SBIR program solicitation for phase I projects on July 14. The maximum value of the award has been increased to $100,000. To be eligible for the grant-based program, all research applications must be submitted to grants.gov by Sept. 6.
Topics range from air, water and soils to food science and nutrition and more. The complete topic list is included in the solicitation, so read it carefully to make sure you meet all the requirements. Special consideration will be given to applications that address one of five challenges identified by NIFA, which include global security and hunger, climate change, sustainable bioenergy, childhood obesity and food safety.
The USDA’s registration process is complex and lengthy, so participants are encouraged to start early. The solicitation can be found on the USDA SBIR website at: www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/sbir_rfa.html
For more information, review our online resources or join us at an SBIR Circle, held regularly in ATDC room 207 at Technology Square, 75 Fifth St NW. Please check the ATDC calendar for specific dates and times.