About EPA's SBIR Program
On this page:
- Overview
- Phased Approach to Funding
- Success Stories
- Is SBIR Right for You?
- EPA SBIR Solicitation Topics
- Contacts
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Overview
One of 11 federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs launched over 40 years ago, EPA’s SBIR program is the small program with a big mission, to protect human health and the environment. As part of "America's Seed Fund," EPA SBIR funds small businesses to develop and commercialize innovative environmental technologies in broad focus areas which include clean and safe water, air quality and climate, land revitalization, homeland security, sustainable materials management/circular economy, safer chemicals, and risk assessment. Proposals should be responsive to the annual topics under these broad areas.
Program Objectives
- Support for innovative green technology
- Focus on commercialization
- Communication of successes
- Protect the planet
For more information on the Federal SBIR programs, visit the Small Business Administration's SBIR website.
Phased Approach to Funding
SBIR projects are funded in a phased approach. Each year, EPA issues a Phase I solicitation for technology proposals addressing specific topics. Proposals are evaluated on their technical merit, potential for commercialization and impact/relevance in the given topic area.
For Phase I, EPA awards firm-fixed-price contracts of up to $100,000 for 6 months for “proof of concept” of the proposed technology. Small businesses that have received a Phase I can submit a proposal for a Phase II award of $400,000 to further develop and commercialize the technology.
To accelerate commercialization, EPA also offers a "Commercialization Option" of up to $100,000 in Phase II for companies that secure third-party investment.
SBIR Success Stories
Providence Photonics
Providence Photonics developed the Video Imaging Spectral Radiometer (VISR) to remotely measure flare combustion efficiency in real time. This optical gas imaging technology allows operators to minimize emissions from faring, which also reduces the cost of complying with regulations. This technology has been deployed to hundreds of flares on onshore and offshore facilities across the world.
Industrial Microbes
Industrial Microbes engineered a microbe that converts waste gases such as CO₂ and methane into useful materials such as synthetic fibers and biodegradable plastics. Compared to current methods, this process emits six times less CO₂. Industrial Microbes secured private investment and were named one of Biofuel Digest’s Next 50 Companies to Disrupt the World.
Lucid Design Group Inc.
Lucid Design Group Inc. developed a software that drives energy conservation and savings in commercial buildings. Real-time electricity usage data is used to change the ambient color of LED lights to show building occupants how much energy they are using to help reduce energy usage and allow businesses to meet sustainability goals. Lucid’s software has been used by more than 500 businesses in over 15,000 buildings. Lucid was acquired by Acuity Brands, Inc. to enhance their base of networked sensors for lighting and building automation controls.
Read more SBIR Success Stories.
Is EPA SBIR Right for You?
Are you ready to join hundreds of small businesses that have used EPA SBIR awards to develop and commercialize their environmental technologies? If your small business has a technology solution that helps solve one of EPA's priority topic areas, consider submitting your idea to help us protect public health and address our most pressing environmental problems. EPA welcomes proposals from small businesses and start-ups new to the program.
How to Apply for an SBIR Contract
Sign up for the EPA SBIR Listserv to stay up to date with EPA SBIR funding opportunities and news
EPA SBIR Solicitation Topics
The next EPA SBIR solicitation is anticipated to open in June 2024. Specific topics change from year to year. For reference, the 2023-2024 topics were:
Clean and Safe Water
- Zero-liquid discharge and brine concentrate minimization
- Treatment and destruction of PFAS in wastewater and other waste streams
- HABs sensors that can monitor cyanobacteria and toxins
Air Quality & Climate
- Innovative technologies to clean indoor air during wildfire smoke events and other high pollution days
- Air pollution control technologies for urban small sources
Land
- Innovations in slurry injection technology for complex waste treatment and disposal
Homeland Security
- AI-based indoor mapping and localization using smartphone sensor data
Circular Economy/Sustainable Materials
- Innovative technologies that help consumers prevent food waste in the acquisition, preparation, and storage of food
- Innovative technologies or materials that will improve the U.S. recycling system
- Innovative material reduction and reuse solutions to lower embodied carbon in the built environment
Safer Chemicals
- Rubber anti-degradant technologies for tires and other rubber products that are lower concern for human health and the environment
- Innovative enhanced efficiency fertilizers
Contacts
For questions, contact April Richards, SBIR Program Manager (richards.april@epa.gov) or (202) 564-6462