XL EagleSTTR (Small Business Technology Transfer)
STTR stands for Small Business Technology Transfer. STTR is like SBIR, but the small business must formally partner with a nonprofit research institution, such as a university or federal lab. It also runs in phases from feasibility to commercialization.
The small business must do at least 40 percent of the work, and the research institution at least 30 percent. A written agreement must spell out who owns the intellectual property.
Why it matters to a small contractor
If you have ties with a local university or technical college lab, STTR can pair their research strength with your field know-how.
Example
A small paving company teams with a state university lab to test recycled-plastic asphalt. Under STTR, the company does 50 percent of the work and the university does 40 percent.
STTR: common questions
What is the biggest difference from SBIR?
STTR requires a formal research institution partner. SBIR does not.
Who owns the invention?
That is set in the required agreement between the small business and the research institution.
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