Phase I

Also called: SBIR Phase I, STTR Phase I, feasibility phase, concept phase, R43 (NIH SBIR), R41 (NIH STTR)

The first SBIR/STTR award stage, which funds a short project to test the technical merit or feasibility of an idea or technology before larger development funding.

SBA calls Phase I the concept phase: it supports exploration of the technical merit or feasibility of an idea or technology.

A Phase I award is normally the entry point to Phase II, because agencies typically limit Phase II to Phase I awardees. Some agencies also offer Direct to Phase II or Fast-Track routes.

At NIH, the Phase I activity codes are R43 for SBIR and R41 for STTR. At NSF, a Phase I proposal requires an invitation obtained through a Project Pitch.