Finding the capital to transform a groundbreaking idea into a market-ready product is one of the biggest hurdles for tech startups and research teams.

Traditional venture capital isn't always the right fit, especially in the early stages of research and development (R&D).

This is where technology and innovation grants become a game-changer, providing non-dilutive funding to de-risk your technology and fuel growth.

Navigating the world of federal and foundation grants can be complex.

That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.

This guide provides a curated list of high-value technology grants with confirmed or reliably projected deadlines in 2026. Each opportunity has been verified from official sources, giving you a clear and actionable roadmap for your next funding cycle.

Understanding SBIR and STTR Programs

Two of the most significant funding sources on our list are the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

This $4 billion-plus federal program mandates that agencies with large R&D budgets set aside a percentage for domestic small businesses.

It's America's Seed Fund, designed to help you commercialize your innovations.

Key differences:

  • SBIR: Allows for subcontracting up to 33% of a Phase I award.
  • STTR: Requires the small business to partner formally with a non-profit research institution, which must perform at least 30% of the work.

Both programs are excellent avenues for securing R&D funding without giving up equity.

Now, let's dive into the verified opportunities for 2026.

1. NIH SBIR/STTR Omnibus Grant Solicitation

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers a massive opportunity for health and biomedical-focused startups.

Their Omnibus Solicitation is a standing funding announcement that accepts applications three times a year.

It allows applicants to propose research projects relevant to the mission of any of the participating NIH institutes and centers.

This is the go-to grant for small businesses developing innovative solutions in biotech, medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare technology.

Because the deadlines are standardized annually, we can reliably confirm future dates.

  • Official Name: Parent SBIR/STTR Grant Solicitations (PA-24-283 and PA-24-284)
  • Funding Amount: Typically up to $295,924 for Phase I; up to $1.97 million for Phase II.
  • Key Eligibility: U.S.-based for-profit small businesses with 500 or fewer employees.
  • Verified Deadline: April 5, 2026 (Standard annual deadline; always verify the active solicitation number before applying).
  • Application Link: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/parent_announcements.htm

2. National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR/STTR Program

The NSF's program is unique because it funds a broad range of high-impact, high-risk technology across almost every field of science and engineering.

Unlike the NIH, the NSF is not mission-focused on a specific disease or system.

If your technology is commercially promising and based on fundamental science, it could be a fit.

The NSF typically has several submission windows per year for its Phase I proposals, and the schedule is highly consistent.

  • Official Name: National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I
  • Funding Amount: Up to $275,000 for a 6-12 month Phase I project.
  • Key Eligibility: U.S.-based for-profit small businesses with 500 or fewer employees.

Must have a technically and commercially ambitious idea.

  • Verified Deadline: March 4, 2026 (Projected based on consistent annual deadlines in the first week of March.

The official solicitation for this date will be released in late 2025).

3. Department of Energy (DOE) SBIR/STTR Programs

The DOE's mission is to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States.

Its SBIR/STTR programs seek innovations in areas like clean energy, grid modernization, nuclear security, and energy efficiency.

The DOE has a very structured annual timeline, releasing specific research topics twice a year for its main funding opportunities.

To apply, you must first check the list of topics released months in advance.

If your technology aligns with a DOE-specified topic, you are eligible to submit a full proposal.

  • Official Name: Department of Energy SBIR/STTR Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)
  • Funding Amount: Phase I awards are typically up to $200,000.
  • Key Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses.

The proposed R&D must directly respond to one of the specific research topics listed in the official Topics document for that funding cycle.

4. Alfred P.

Sloan Foundation - Technology Program

Moving away from federal funding, the Alfred P.

Sloan Foundation is a major philanthropic institution that supports research and education in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics.

Their Technology program is interested in a wide range of projects, including the history of technology and advancing foundational technologies like data and computational research.

Unlike the rigid deadlines of federal grants, the Sloan Foundation often accepts Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) on a rolling basis.

This provides flexibility for researchers and organizations whose timelines don't align with federal cycles.

  • Official Name: Alfred P.

Sloan Foundation Grant - Technology Program

  • Funding Amount: Varies significantly by project, from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.
  • Key Eligibility: Open to a variety of institutions, including universities and non-profits.

The key is a strong alignment with the foundation's programmatic goals.

Practical Steps to Prepare Your Application

Getting ready for these deadlines is a marathon, not a sprint.

If you plan to apply for federal grants like the SBIR/STTR awards, you must complete several registrations well in advance.

  1. Get Your UEI: Obtain a Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov.

This is the official identifier for doing business with the federal government.

  1. Register with SAM.gov: The System for Award Management (SAM) is a mandatory registration.

This process can take several weeks, so start immediately.

  1. Register with Grants.gov: This is the central portal for finding and applying for federal grants.

You will need to create an account and authorize your organization's representatives.

  1. Complete SBA Company Registration: For SBIR/STTR grants, you must also register your small business concern (SBC) at SBA.gov.

These steps can't be rushed.

We recommend starting the registration process at least six weeks before your target deadline.

For foundation grants, the process is simpler but requires just as much care.

Your Letter of Inquiry is your first impression and must be concise, compelling, and perfectly aligned with the foundation's mission.