SBIR/STTR Matching Fund
SBIR/STTR Matching Fund
FY27 Program Guidelines
The SBIR/STTR Matching Fund, administered by Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN) through the State of Tennessee, aims to advance the development and commercialization of innovative technologies by matching successful Tennessee applications with the SBIR/STTR programs and other competitive federal commercialization programs.
The SBIR/STTR Matching Fund is an essential tool that bolsters entrepreneurship in the state by incentivizing the allocation of federal dollars through the SBIR/STTR programs and other commercialization programs to Tennessee companies pursuing the research and development of innovative technologies with commercialization potential while also providing additional funding to accelerate the development of early stage, job-creating Tennessee companies.
The presence of an SBIR/STTR Matching Fund is a significant factor in retaining and recruiting tech-based startups to the state, as it incentivizes the best and brightest companies and professionals in Tennessee to build their technologies here.
The SBIR/STTR Matching Fund, administered by Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN) through the State of Tennessee, aims to advance the development and commercialization of innovative technologies by matching successful Tennessee applications with the SBIR/STTR programs and other competitive federal commercialization programs.
The SBIR/STTR Matching Fund is an essential tool that bolsters entrepreneurship in the state by incentivizing the allocation of federal dollars through the SBIR/STTR programs and other commercialization programs to Tennessee companies pursuing the research and development of innovative technologies with commercialization potential while also providing additional funding to accelerate the development of early stage, job-creating Tennessee companies.
FY27 Program Guidelines
The presence of an SBIR/STTR Matching Fund is a significant factor in retaining and recruiting tech-based startups to the state, as it incentivizes the best and brightest companies and professionals in Tennessee to build their technologies here.
Company Eligibility
- Company’s Notice of Award must be between July 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026. LaunchTN may also consider awards that fall within 90 days of the eligibility window, or applications from previous program years from companies that have never received an SBIR/STTR Matching Fund award and meet all other eligibility requirements subject to the availability of funds.
- Company should be a pre-IPO startup and small business (less than 500 employees) contributing to the overall economic development of Tennessee. It should be aligned with LaunchTN’s mission to support entrepreneurship and innovation across the state. Publicly traded companies are ineligible for this program.
- Companies must be able to demonstrate a pathway to commercialization.
Company Expectations
- By accepting a Matching Fund award, a company commits to remaining headquartered in Tennessee for at least 24 months post-award, and to semi-annual reporting with LaunchTN.
- Previously awarded companies that do not complete the LaunchTN annual reporting requirement will not be considered for funding.
- Companies agree to participate in LaunchTN’s entrepreneur programming, events, and workshops.
Company Prioritization
- Priority will be given to companies that are first-time applicants to the LaunchTN SBIR/STTR Matching Fund. Companies that have previously received funds will be deprioritized.
- Companies with key focus technologies in the life sciences, advanced energy, agriculture, or mobility industries.
- Companies that received technical assistance in preparing an SBIR/STTR application from LaunchTN that resulted in a federal contract or award through the SBIR/STTR programs.
- Companies located in Tennessee counties with lower levels of SBIR/STTR funding.
- Companies that have licensed technology from research institutions participating in the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC).
- Companies relocating or that have relocated to Tennessee since July 1, 2024.
- Companies that have received an equity investment or commitment from LaunchTN.
Award Information
Award Information
Please note the application will require the following documents to be attached:
- Notice of Award (or, in some cases, Selection Decision Letter) from the granting federal agency
- Winning SBIR/STTR or other federal commercialization grant application
- Use of funds for Matching Fund award
- Company Articles of Incorporation
LaunchTN will match up to a maximum of 50% of the total federal SBIR/STTR award amount. For example, a $100,000 Phase I award will be matched up to $50,000.
- Phase I awards will be matched up to $100,000.
- Phase II awards will be matched up to $300,000.
*Awards will be delivered to companies in two tranches.
Application Details
The FY27 SBIR/STTR Matching Fund application will be open from October 5th to October 16th. Applications can be submitted below during the open period.