NSF restarted its SBIR/STTR deep-tech program (solicitation NSF 26-510) with a $250M FY26 budget, announced May 31, 2026. It adds a Strategic Breakthrough Awards tier of up to $30M for proven Phase II companies and a $40M scientific-instrumentation pilot; Phase I awards top out at $305K. A mandatory Project Pitch precedes full proposals, with the next full-proposal deadline Nov 4, 2026.
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NSF reboots SBIR/STTR with $250M and a new $30M Strategic Breakthrough tier
Why this matters for founders
Deep-tech founders should file a Project Pitch now to unlock non-dilutive Phase I funding—and note the new $30M path to scale later without giving up equity.
Source: ExecutiveGov
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