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SBIR/STTR reauthorized through 2031 with new $30M breakthrough awards

Signed into law April 13, 2026, the reauthorization extends the SBIR and STTR programs through September 30, 2031, ending the recurring short-term lapses. It also creates new Strategic Breakthrough Awards of up to $30 million as a post-Phase II mechanism, with agencies required to make awards within 90 days of receiving proposals.

Why this matters for founders

Deep-tech founders now have five years of program stability plus a large new non-dilutive award tier to bridge the Phase II-to-commercialization gap.

Source: Fox Rothschild

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