If you haven’t done so already, check out our first blog entry, “Can YOU apply for an SBIR grant?”, which gives a background on SBIR and STTR grants, and whether they may be something worth pursuing. This blog post will cover the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between SBIR and STTR grants. We will try to present this in a manner that is easier to understand for the average investigator.
*Why are we, EnQuire BioReagents, writing this blog? Check out our first blog post for a more thorough answer, but the short story is this: We think we can change how research is funded and researchers are incentivized. This will, in turn, attract the very best and brightest to do more research. It’s a big goal, but one worth trying to achieve.

What are the similarities and differences between an SBIR and STTR grant?
To put it simply, SBIR grants are for Principle Investigators who want to be primarly employed at their own small business, working towards creating a product or service that answers the needs outlined in a government soliciation from a participating government agency. Current solicitations can be found here.
Whereas STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) grants are for Principle Investigators who wish to remain primarily employed in a non-profit or academic institution, but are willing to collaborate with a small business in the development of a product or service meant to satisfy a government agency’s soliciation.
To be fair, there are exceptions to this, and different ways to look at these two grants. So let’s dive in a bit further.
STTR Grant Attributes
SBIR Grant Attributes
EnQuire BioReagents, while a research reagent company, wants to help the life science research community grow, develop and own their ideas. We will be blogging weekly and covering much more on this subject soon. SBIR vs STTR grants; Writing a commercial plan; Thinking like a businessman as a Scientist, I-Corps grants and more are coming soon! If you’re interested in EnQuire’s consulting services, please email Innovation@EnQuireBio.com.