LaunchTN: SBIR / STTR

Evidence Step: Outcomes

Department: Economic and Community Development

Priority Area: Rural Development and Conservation

Program Description

The SBIR/STTR Matching Fund is a strategic initiative developed and administered by LaunchTN to advance the commercialization of technological innovations across the state. The Fund matches successful Phase I and Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) federal awards up to $100,000 and $300,000, respectively.

Learn More on Program Website

Details

Program Demographic: Businesses / Entrepreneurs

Delivery Setting: Organization / Business / Local Government

Current Participants: 41

Outcomes

Jobs created by grantees

2025: 1,138

2024: 1,046

2023: 650

SBIR/STTR grant awards won in Tennessee

2025: 40

2024: 30

Outputs

Amount of matching funds for the SBIR/STTR program

2025: 9000000

2024: 4500000

2021: 25600000

Number of companies matched

2025: 41

2024: 30

2023: 73

Percentage of companies that have raised private capital

2025: 63%

2024: 61%

2021: 71%

Logic Model

If we offer matching grants to support Tennessee companies that have won a federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) award within the last year, then we will advance the commercialization efforts of Tennessee-based companies, spur job growth, and ensure that the technologies of tomorrow are being built right here at home in Tennessee.