Advancing Innovation: Improving Commercialization in SBIR and STTR Programs
This Act aims to improve commercialization activities within the SBIR and STTR programs. It requires the consideration of commercialization likelihood during the peer review of applications and mandates the designation of Technology Commercialization Officials within federal agencies. Additionally, the bill expands technical and business assistance to include cybersecurity support and establishes a prioritized patent examination program.
Key points
Project Evaluation Focus: Federal agencies must consider the likelihood of commercialization, in addition to scientific merit, when awarding SBIR/STTR grants. Peer review must include at least one reviewer with commercialization expertise.
Increased Business Assistance: The funding limits for Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) are set at not more than 6,500 USD in Phase I and 50,000 USD in Phase II. These funds can be used for hiring staff, training, and cybersecurity assistance.
Technology Commercialization Official: Each federal agency must designate an official to guide grant recipients in transitioning technologies to commercial Phase III and identifying new markets.
Patent Acceleration: The SBA Administrator, in agreement with the USPTO, will establish a prioritized patent examination program for SBIR and STTR recipients.
Status:
Introduced
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