Where To Start? Phase I Versus Direct to Phase II SBIR/STTR Grants
As your team evaluates Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant options, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Phase II awards may have caught your attention. With Phase II grants offering significantly higher funding amounts than Phase I, it’s natural to wonder if your team should skip Phase I and aim directly for a Phase II application. But is this the right strategy for your team? In this post, we'll break down the decision, examine key milestones that define your project’s readiness, and explore how Blue Haven Grants Consultants can help you navigate the SBIR/STTR process and maximize your chances of securing the funding your project needs.
Key Differences Between Phase I and Phase II
Phase I SBIR/STTR grants exist to support the demonstration of technical feasibility of your innovation to create the product/service solving your identified problem. This phase helps your team demonstrate that your idea is technically viable and commercially promising. In contrast, Phase II builds on that foundation, providing more significant funding to support further research, development, and refinement of the innovation.
Applying directly to Phase II may seem appealing if you have strong preliminary data demonstrating the technical feasibility of your technology to create you proposed product/service, but are you truly ready?
Data Collection
Have you gathered enough data to show that your technological solution works? If your project is still in the exploratory stages, where you're gathering basic scientific data, then Phase I is most likely the best starting point. However, if you've moved beyond basic research and have solid applied data, you may be ready for Phase II.
Feasibility
Phase II grants are intended for companies that have already demonstrated feasibility. Without a Phase I project demonstrating feasibility, you will need to make the case to NIH reviewers that feasibility has been established. Good hallmarks of this might include the completion of pilot studies that demonstrated proof-of-concept. Other studies or trials might also be strong indicators.
Additionally, having strong IP protections, such as patents, might indicate to the NIH that your technology is sufficiently refined to be considered a feasible solution to a problem.
Problem Definition
No matter which phase you're targeting, you must clearly define the problem your innovation addresses. Make sure you have a grounded and quantifiable problem to address. Even if your team is going directly to Phase II, Blue Haven’s Significance-Innovation Analysis™ can assist in refining your problem statement to ensure it resonates with NIH reviewers.
Blue Haven Grant Consultants Can Help
Skipping Phase I might seem tempting if you're eager to scale your innovation, but a thoughtful, milestone-driven approach can increase your chances of securing long-term funding. With our extensive experience in SBIR/STTR applications, Blue Haven Grant Consultants can give you the edge you are looking for. Whether you're pursuing Phase I or Phase II, we provide tailored support to ensure your application aligns with NIH expectations. And with our Payment Upon Award™ model, your company faces no upfront costs. You pay us only when you receive funding, minimizing your financial risk while maximizing your chances of success.
If you're unsure which path is right for you, schedule a free consultation with our team. We’ll help you determine which phase is best for your project and guide you through the entire NIH SBIR/STTR grant process.