Lynn Abramson, CEBN President | Dec. 3, 2025
For forty years, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs have served as American’s innovation engine, providing critical funding for small businesses to develop breakthrough technologies that strengthen U.S. competitiveness.
Unfortunately, these programs lapsed on October 1, 2025 after Congress failed to reauthorize them. SBIR/STTR have a long history of bipartisan support and have not experienced a substantial lapse for twenty years, until now. While Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle and the Trump Administration all support continuing the programs, negotiations have reached an impasse over several provisions. Specifically, the Senate Small Business Committee Chair, Sen. Ernst (R-IA), wishes to take further measures to curb repeat award winners and foreign influence, while other key lawmakers have expressed concerns about the unintended consequences of her proposed changes.
A one-year extension (H.R. 5100) unanimously passed the House of Representatives on Sept. 15th but then stalled in the Senate. Whether by passing an extension or coming to terms on a longer-term reauthorization, it is essential that Senate leaders to find a workable compromise on these issues and renew these programs.
Ahead of the programs’ lapse, the Clean Energy Business Network delivered a business sign-on letter urging Congress to extend these critical programs, with signatures from 250+ stakeholders representing 200 businesses. We are continuing to add new signatures to an updated version of the letter to re-send to lawmakers. We are also working with partner organizations to help identify potential compromise solutions and encourage lawmakers to find a path forward to advance reauthorization.
Here are two actions you can take now to weigh in with lawmakers on the importance of SBIR/STTR to your business:
Please see these resources for further background on SBIR/STTR reauthorization and next steps for businesses:
