Science & Research Grants for Small businesses

DARPA - Information Processing Technologies Office · Amount varies

This DARPA program (DICE) seeks to develop theory and algorithms for decentralized coordination of heterogeneous AI agents that can operate under human control in contested environments. Eligibility is broad in principle: all responsible sources capable of meeting the government's needs may submit a proposal, subject to the detailed rules in the BAA, so research organizations and companies may apply. No specific award amount is stated; the deadline is August 25, 2026. Review the BAA for full eligibility and proposal requirements.

DARPA - Defense Sciences Office · Amount varies

This DARPA program (MMoMA) solicits innovative materials-analysis approaches, including surface and bulk analysis of molecular structure, composition, trace elements, and isotope ratios under ambient conditions without special sample preparation. Eligibility is broad in principle: all responsible sources capable of meeting the government's needs may submit a proposal, subject to the detailed rules in the BAA. Research that primarily yields evolutionary improvements is excluded. No specific award amount is stated; the deadline is August 26, 2026.

U.S. National Science Foundation · Amount varies

This NSF PESOSE program supports turning open-source science and engineering research products into secure, sustainable ecosystems, and eligibility is broad: U.S.-based for-profit organizations (including small businesses), non-profit non-academic organizations, federal agencies and FFRDCs, state and local governments, U.S. institutions of higher education, and federally recognized Tribal Nations may apply. PIs generally must be U.S.-resident employees of the applicant; foreign organizations and overseas branch campuses are not eligible. No specific award amount is stated; the deadline is September 1, 2026.

National Institute of Standards and Technology · Amount varies

This NIST program funds research and partnership activities across measurement science areas such as metrology, standards, nanotechnology, AI, advanced communications, and advanced manufacturing. Eligibility is broad, open to higher education, non-profit and for-profit organizations, state and local governments, tribes, hospitals, and foreign public entities and governments; individuals and unincorporated sole proprietors are not eligible. Award amounts are not specified here. NIST encourages minority-serving institutions and community colleges to apply.

Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA · Amount varies

This Department of Defense (CDMRP) Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research Program Idea Development Award funds early-stage, high-risk/high-reward research with the potential to advance outcomes for individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any eligible entity type), subject to clarifications in the announcement, and offers separate categories for established and early-career or transitioning investigators. Preliminary data relevant to DMD are required, and clinical trials are not allowed. No specific award amount is stated.

Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA · Amount varies

This Department of Defense (CDMRP) Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research Program Clinical/Translational Research Award funds advanced translational research moving promising DMD ideas toward clinical application, at two funding levels by project size and complexity. Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any eligible entity type), subject to clarifications in the announcement, and a partnering PI option supports collaborations. Preliminary data are required for all applications, and pilot clinical trials and clinical trial readiness studies are allowed. No specific award amount is stated.

Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA · Amount varies

This Department of Defense (CDMRP) Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program Clinical Trial Award funds clinical trials addressing congressionally directed FY26 topic areas, across three funding levels by trial phase and size. Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any eligible entity type), subject to clarifications in the announcement, so a range of research organizations may apply. Total cost caps run from about $800,000 for a planning phase up to roughly $20M for the largest trials, and animal studies are not supported. Applicants must complete all preclinical lab work before the award start date.

Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA · Amount varies

This Department of Defense (CDMRP) Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program Platform Clinical Translation Award funds translational development and early-phase clinical trials of broadly applicable clinical technologies addressing congressionally directed FY26 topic areas relevant to service members, veterans, and their families. Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any eligible entity type), subject to clarifications in the announcement, and multiple principal investigators are allowed. Total cost caps are about $15M per award, and a PI-convened external advisory board including a patient advocate is required. Funding is milestone-based and contingent on future-year appropriations.

Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA · Amount varies

This Department of Defense (CDMRP) Alzheimer's Research Program Transforming Research Award funds non-incremental research on reducing risk and preventing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, focused on risk factor knowledge or risk reduction solutions. Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any eligible entity type), subject to clarifications in the announcement. Clinical research is allowed but clinical trials and animal research are prohibited, preliminary data are required, and community collaboration is required when prospectively enrolling human subjects. No specific award amount is stated.

Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA · Amount varies

This Department of Defense (CDMRP) Alzheimer's Research Program Transforming Diagnosis Award funds solutions-oriented research that reduces barriers to diagnosis, disease monitoring, and prognosis for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any eligible entity type), subject to clarifications in the announcement. Clinical research is allowed but clinical trials and animal research are prohibited, preliminary data are required, and community collaboration is required when prospectively enrolling human subjects. No specific award amount is stated.

Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA · Amount varies

This Department of Defense (CDMRP) Alzheimer's Research Program Transforming Care Award funds clinical research and clinical trials evaluating interventions and solutions in dementia care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and their care partners. Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any eligible entity type), subject to clarifications in the announcement. Trials solely testing pharmacological interventions and studies using animal models do not meet the intent, preliminary data are required, and community collaboration is required when prospectively enrolling human subjects. No specific award amount is stated.

Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA · Amount varies

This Department of Defense (CDMRP) Kidney Cancer Research Program Idea Development Award funds high-impact, hypothesis-driven research that advances understanding of kidney cancer and aims to improve patient outcomes. Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any eligible entity type), subject to clarifications in the announcement, and a partnering PI option supports two-investigator collaborations. Project teams are expected to have a strong kidney cancer research background. No specific award amount is stated.

DOC NOAA - ERA Production · Amount varies

This NOAA/National Weather Service Broad Agency Announcement invites applications for special projects aligned with the NWS strategic plan and mission. Eligibility is broad and includes higher-education institutions, nonprofits, commercial organizations, international or foreign organizations and governments, individuals, and state, local, and tribal governments, subject to NOAA/NWS statutory authority for each activity. Federal organizations are generally outside the scope. No award amount is stated, and as a BAA it outlines a general framework rather than a single defined award; review the announcement for project-specific details.

DARPA - Biological Technologies Office · Amount varies

DARPA's Biological Technologies Office solicits proposals leveraging biological properties and processes to advance national defense capabilities. Eligibility is broad: all responsible sources capable of meeting the government's needs may submit a proposal, with details in the BAA's eligibility section. Research limited to evolutionary improvements on existing practice is specifically excluded. No specific award amount is stated, so review the full BAA for scope and submission requirements.

DOC NOAA - ERA Production · Amount varies

This NOAA Broad Agency Announcement for the Office of Education seeks applications for special projects tied to NOAA's strategic and mission goals, including education and environmental work. Eligibility is broad: higher-education institutions, nonprofits, commercial organizations, international or foreign organizations and governments, individuals, and state, local, and tribal governments may apply, subject to the statutory authority for the specific activity. Federal organizations cannot be funded. No specific award amount is stated; contact program officials and submit to the appropriate line-office BAA.

Naval Research Laboratory · Amount varies

The Naval Research Laboratory's Long Range BAA supports basic and applied research across many scientific and technical disciplines, including systems, materials science, ocean and atmospheric science, and space technology. Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any entity type), subject to clarifications in the announcement. No specific award amount is stated. Applicants typically submit white papers first; review the full announcement for topic areas and submission steps.

DOC NOAA - ERA Production · Amount varies

NOAA's Broad Agency Announcement seeks applications for special projects tied to NOAA's strategic and mission goals across its line offices. Eligibility is broad: higher-education institutions, nonprofits, commercial organizations, international or foreign organizations and governments, individuals, and state, local, and tribal governments may apply, though eligibility also depends on the statutory authority for the specific activity. Federal organizations cannot be funded through this announcement. No specific award amount is stated, and applicants should review the relevant line-office BAA and contact program officials.

Office of Science · $50K–$5M

The DOE Office of Science runs this open, year-round solicitation supporting research across program areas including advanced scientific computing, basic energy sciences, biological and environmental research, fusion energy, high energy physics, nuclear physics, and isotope R&D. Eligibility is described as unrestricted (open to any entity type), subject to clarifications and to the requirements in 10 CFR 605. Awards range from roughly $50,000 to $5 million. The NOFO remains open until September 30, 2026 or until succeeded by a new issuance.

Office of Naval Research · Amount varies

The Office of Naval Research's FY25 Long Range BAA solicits proposals for science and technology projects advancing Navy and Marine Corps operations. Eligibility is broad: responsible sources from academia, industry, and the research community worldwide may apply, and both small and large businesses are encouraged; HBCUs and minority institutions are encouraged but have no set-aside. Federally Funded R&D Centers and government laboratories are not eligible to receive awards directly, though some teaming arrangements are allowed. No specific award amount is stated.

DOC NOAA - ERA Production · Amount varies

This NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Broad Agency Announcement invites applications for special projects aligned with NOAA's strategic plan and mission. Eligibility is broad and includes higher-education institutions, nonprofits, commercial organizations, international or foreign organizations and governments, individuals, and state, local, and tribal governments, though eligibility for a given activity depends on NOAA's statutory authority. Federal organizations are generally outside the scope. No award amount is provided, and as a BAA this describes a general framework rather than a single defined award; review the announcement for specifics.