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STTR Research Institution Partnership

STTR Research Institution Partnership

Looking to partner with a research institution for cutting-edge research?

Launch Tennessee helps startups and entrepreneurs in the state prepare applications for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These programs provide more than $4 billion each year in non-dilutive funding through participating federal agencies to support early-stage technology development.

From lab to market

The STTR program is designed to foster innovation through cooperative R&D between small businesses and research institutions. It encourages collaboration and the transfer of technology from the lab to the marketplace, leading to the development of new products and services that benefit society.

Why STTR?

While smaller than the SBIR program (with a budget of approximately $450 million each year), the STTR program receives significantly fewer applications and is equally competitive, while offering a unique opportunity for small businesses to tap into the expertise and resources of research institutions. By partnering with a research institution, you can gain access to cutting-edge research, specialized facilities, and talented researchers.

STTR eligibility

To be eligible for STTR funding, you must:
  • Be a for-profit small business located in the United States
  • Partner with a non-profit research institution (e.g., university, federal lab)
  • The small business must be the applicant and awardee, while the research institution acts as a subcontractor
  • The research institution must conduct a minimum of 30% and a maximum of 60% of the research and development work
  • An intellectual property (IP) allocation agreement between the small business and the research institution is required, whether licensing university IP or a joint research agreement indicating IP will be owned by the company

Participating agencies

Not all federal agencies participate in the STTR program. Currently, the following five agencies offer STTR funding opportunities:
  • Department of Defense (DoD)
  • Department of Energy (DOE)
  • Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  • National Science Foundation (NSF)

STTR+How to partner with a Tennessee research institution

Navigating the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program can be complex. Each research institution has its own unique policies and procedures, making it challenging for businesses to identify potential partners and establish successful collaborations. That's where STTR+ comes in. LaunchTN's STTR+ initiative provides clear guidance, connects you with valuable resources, and facilitates partnerships to help you navigate the STTR landscape with confidence.

Ready to tap into the power of collaborative research? STTR+ makes it easy to find the perfect partner for your technology development needs.

Identify a technology

Explore a database of available technologies from TTAC-affiliated institutions

Explore
View university processes

Learn about the STTR policies and procedures of individual TTAC institutions and initiate a partnership request

STTR+ Interest Form

Partner with a research institution

Ready to tap into the power of collaborative research? STTR+ makes it easy to find the perfect partner for your technology development needs.
University of Memphis
Vanderbilt University
Meharry Medical College
Tennessee Tech University
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
University of Tennessee
East Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University
UofM
VU
MMC
TTU
ORNL
UT
ETSU
TSU

Don't see the institution you're looking for?

Don't see the institution you're looking for?

Download a sample STTR policy template or contact Chuck Layne to learn more.

Interested in proposal support?

Connect with LaunchTN through our SBIR/STTR application support page and fill out an interest form.

Application Support

Partner with Meharry Medical College to strengthen your next SBIR or STTR proposal with the insight, innovation, and community commitment of one of the nation’s few historically Black medical schools. With a legacy spanning nearly 150 years, Meharry stands at the forefront of medical education and health research that addresses the needs of historically underserved communities. Our faculty bring deep expertise in biomedical research, behavioral science, public health, and clinical care—with a shared mission to close gaps in health equity through impactful science and innovation.

 

As a proud HBCU and academic health science center, Meharry offers small businesses a unique opportunity to collaborate with a partner that not only delivers rigorous scientific capability but also brings cultural competency, trust, and longstanding community ties to the table. Companies seeking to develop inclusive, relevant, and scalable innovations will find Meharry to be a powerful ally—committed to fostering discoveries that reflect the diversity of the world we live in. Let’s partner to advance health and opportunity—together.

Procedures
To submit an application with Meharry Medical College:

A member of LaunchTN’s staff will reach out and schedule a call to discuss your research proposal, the proposed scope of work of the research institution, available application support, and answer any general questions about SBIR or STTR. LaunchTN will then connect you with your Meharry Medical College champion who will serve as your contact while developing your application. 

Collaborating with Meharry Medical College will require a faculty member to serve as the principal investigator (PI) of the subcontract. This person will lead aspects of the subcontract including personnel and data management, grant reporting, etc.. This is different from the project PI who manages and oversees all aspects of the grant or contract. Some agencies allow the project PI to be employed by the collaborating research institution. This can be an advantage to a company who may lack scientific expertise or desired resources for the completion of the research. Should you desire to have the project PI be from Meharry Medical College, your champion will work with you to determine who will be a suitable and eligible match to lead the proposal execution.

  • The Specific Aims of the grant application (or similar document)
  • The full proposal budget and budget justification for your small business
  • The proposal budget and budget justification for the Meharry subcontract including Meharry’s F & A costs, typed on an Excel facsimile of a PHS 398 budget page.
  • A Grant Submission Form signed by your chosen PI, their chair, their Dean, and the Provost. 
  • A Letter of Intent (sub recipient) to collaborate completed by the small business.
  • An IP Allocation Agreement form outlining ownership of IP created as part of the research proposed. This will be negotiated after the award.

Many projects will require approval and oversight by one of Meharry’s institutional committees once awarded (you do not need to receive approval before submission of a SBIR or STTR). Information about obtaining approval from the Institutional Review Board (human subjects research), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (animal research), or Institutional Biosafety Committee (hazardous and infectious material) is available through the OfRI’s Regulatory Affairs Unit. Companies should ensure these committees are included in scope of work conversations. 

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