May 1, 2026
NCI SBIR/STTR STEP: Paving the Way to Non-Dilutive Federal Funding
By Michael Weingarten, Director for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Development Center, National Cancer Institute
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, collectively known as “America’s Seed Fund,” are designed to fuel breakthrough ideas that help small businesses transform cutting edge science into real world solutions. SBIR was established in 1982, and STTR followed in 1992 to encourage collaboration between small businesses and research institutions.
Official SBIR/STTR training resources are available to help small businesses, startups and academic institutions increase their chances of securing funding and successfully managing awarded projects. Some training opportunities are self-paced while others are synchronous and instructor-led training (ILT).
The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI)
NCI SBIR STEP Overview
The NCI SBIR/STTR Training and Entrepreneurship Program (STEP) is an instructor led training and mentoring program that supports U.S.-based small businesses planning to apply for Phase I SBIR or STTR funding focused on cancer-related technologies. STEP does not provide direct funding; instead, it offers intensive guidance, structured education, and personalized assistance to help companies navigate the National Institutes of Health (NIH) application process and improve the quality and competitiveness of their proposals.
How Does STEP Work?
STEP is organized into two sequential stages, each designed to address common gaps faced by first-time or early-stage applicants.
Stage 1 focuses on entrepreneurship fundamentals, including value proposition hypothesis testing and customer discovery. During this phase, participants conduct extensive customer interviews and refine how their technology addresses real-world needs in cancer research and care.
Stage 2 shifts to application readiness. Participants receive guidance on NIH registration processes, timeline planning, grant writing techniques, budget development and other requirements needed to submit a complete, compliant, and competitive NCI SBIR Phase I proposal that meets all NIH review criteria.
After completing both stages, participating companies also receive post-submission support, such as help interpreting summary statements, consulting with an NCI Program Director, and preparing for potential resubmissions.
Ultimately, companies are responsible for developing and submitting their own SBIR or STTR applications and required documentation.
Who Can Apply?
To be considered for STEP, applicants must:
- Be a U.S.-based small business
- Not have received an NIH SBIR or STTR award in the past 10 years
- Be planning to submit an NCI SBIR Phase I SBIR or STTR application (not FastTrack or Direct-to-Phase II)
Companies may apply even if they have previously submitted an unsuccessful Phase I application. STEP prioritizes companies that have not previously received similar NIH assistance, though prior participation in other NIH training programs does not automatically disqualify applicants.
What Are the Technology Areas of Interest?
STEP supports companies developing technologies aligned with NCI’s major SBIR/STTR research priorities, including:
- Cancer therapeutics (such as small molecules, biologics, cell-based therapies)
- In vitro and in vivo diagnostics
- Imaging agents, devices, and image-guided interventions
- Devices for cancer therapy
- Cancer prevention technologies
- Cancer control and behavioral health tools
- Cancer biology research tools
- Digital health tools and software platforms for cancer applications
Why Does This Matter Now?
For the current cycle, the