While we’re all very aware of the challenges tied to the reauthorization process, I also want to keep an eye on topics that matter for the long term— especially for those putting together SBIR proposals in the future. One of the best ways to stay ahead is to understand what kinds of innovations federal agencies are actively looking to support.
Each year, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) outlines research areas they view as high‑priority. These lists shift over time, but they offer a useful snapshot of the kinds of scientific and technological gaps NIH hopes small businesses can help fill. Although the most recent published topics have now expired, they still give us a good sense of past trends and the kinds of work NIH has signaled interest in.
One area that has seen major emphasis in previous cycles is next‑generation therapeutics, particularly in fields like HIV research. For example, the Targeted Interventions Branch has sought out ideas ranging from new small‑molecule inhibitors to emerging modalities like gene therapies, RNA‑based approaches, and advanced biologics. Much of the interest has been around finding ways to tackle unmet needs with new mechanisms or delivery strategies—something that tends to align well with small biotech platforms.
Another recurring priority has been high‑throughput and precision research tools. NIH has consistently highlighted the importance of technologies that speed up discovery or improve the ability to measure complex biological processes, such as latent viral reservoirs. Diagnostics, analytics, automation tools, and instrumentation often fall into this bucket. These areas usually have strong commercialization paths as well, which is always a plus for SBIR applicants.
NIH has also put significant weight on improved therapeutic delivery systems. Whether through nanoparticles, engineered carriers, or more targeted delivery mechanisms, the core idea is enabling treatments to be more effective, more precise, or more durable. Companies working in biomaterials, drug delivery, or engineering‑driven therapeutic platforms tend to find good alignment here.
Finally, there’s long‑standing interest in animal models and experimental tools that support preclinical development. These tools help researchers validate new interventions and deepen their understanding of disease mechanisms—both of which are essential steps in the translational pipeline.
Of course, we don’t yet know what the next set of priorities will look like or how much they’ll overlap with past years. But reviewing these previous themes can at least help guide companies as they consider whether to submit and how to position their technology. When your work matches an expressed priority area, it typically increases the odds of a competitive application.
Contact CTC to discuss these topics and preparing for future funding.
