Scientific Grant Funding Programs
Grant Engine has a successful track record of winning federally funded grants 2 to 4 times more often than the national average. Our success is based on the principle of understanding and improving your product roadmap and quantitative differentiation of your product against the current standard of care or state-of-the-art. We help identify the funding programs that best match your business needs.
We will help you focus on the advantages of your product innovation and lead the process to secure non-dilutive funding. A major aspect to providing success is our experience with grantsmanship. After writing many hundreds of grants, we know what works and what does not.
Below are many of the federal funding programs available today. These are the some of the programs Grant Engine has been highly successful with:
National Institutes of Health
SBIR Program
- SBIR Ph I and II, Clinical Trial Not Allowed
- SBIR Ph I and II, Clinical Trial Required
- STTR Ph I and II, Clinical Trial Not Allowed
- STTR Ph I and II, Clinical Trial Required
- Direct to Phase II
- Phase IIB
- Fast-Track
- NCI Experimental Therapeutics Program
- R&D Contracts
- SBIR Contracts
- Additional Announcements
Commercialization Funding
Additional Programs
- NCI SBIR Concept Award – Preliminary Data Not Required
- Small Business Transition Grant – PhI STTR to PhII SBIR
- Exploratory Research Awards Phase I – Clinical Trial Not Allowed
- Exploratory Research Awards Phase I – Clinical Trial Required
- Exploratory Research Awards Phase II – Clinical Trial Not Allowed
- Exploratory Research Awards Phase II – Clinical Trial Required
- Clinical Trial Planning Grant
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
The Power of Access: How to Build DoD Relationships that Unlock Defense Innovation Funding
Companies that consistently win AND secure follow-on funding and move toward major DoD contracts usually have one added advantage: they build strategic DoD networks. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to build those DoD relationships, why they matter at every stage of the funding lifecycle, and give you a concrete 180-day action plan to start building your network today.
Government Shutdown and Policy Update (November 18, 2025): What Is Really Going On and Why There Is Reason for Hope
Grant Engine offers the latest government shutdown updates, SBIR/STTR policy changes, and what applicants should prepare for ahead of the January 5 SBIR deadline.
Shutdown 20: Why Staying The Course Wins
Grant Engine CEO Sam Tetlow shares how our team is helping innovators, researchers, and technology leaders move forward with confidence during the present government shutdown.
When SBIR Grants are Awarded (NIH)
Navigating the SBIR grant process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re waiting to hear back. This post breaks down the NIH timeline, from submission to award, and highlights what to expect at each stage—so you can stay prepared and focused while waiting to find out when SBIR grants are awarded.
SBIR / STTR Paylines by NIH Institute
Understanding SBIR/STTR paylines is essential for assessing your funding chances. This guide breaks down current paylines by NIH Institute—including key insights on the NHLBI payline—to help small businesses navigate impact scores, funding thresholds, and strategic opportunities.