SBIR/STTR Programs at Risk: Coalition Calls on Congress for Swift Reauthorization

The future of two cornerstone federal programs—the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) initiatives—hangs in the balance as their current authorization is set to expire on September 30. In anticipation of this looming deadline, MichBio has joined fellow State Bioscience Associations, and our national partners BIO and AdvaMed, in a unified appeal to Congress, underscoring just how critical these programs are to the nation’s innovation ecosystem. 

For decades, SBIR and STTR have served as catalysts for discovery and growth, providing essential funding that allows early-stage companies to transform promising scientific concepts into tangible technologies and life-saving products. These programs do more than generate high-quality jobs; they foster groundbreaking advances in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical devices that ultimately improve patient outcomes and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace. 

The letter to Congress emphasized that without consistent reauthorization, startups and small businesses could face significant uncertainty, slowing the pace of innovation and jeopardizing the pipeline of next-generation therapies. A gap in funding opportunities would not only impact entrepreneurial ventures but also threaten the broader life sciences ecosystem that relies on these firms to push the boundaries of discovery. 

MichBio and its coalition partners remain steadfast in urging lawmakers to act quickly to renew and strengthen the SBIR and STTR programs. Timely reauthorization will reaffirm the nation’s commitment to supporting innovators who are tackling some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. With reliable backing from the federal government, companies can continue to take risks, invest in R&D, and bring forward the novel solutions patients and providers urgently need. 

A Congressional briefing is planned in mid-September to educate officials on the urgency to reauthorize the SBIR/STTR program. MichBio will be in attendance to encourage quick action and ensure continuity of the program and what it means for innovation in Michigan and beyond.