Today, the Biden-Harris Administration awarded nearly $5 million to 17 small businesses across nine states under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. The SBIR Phase I awards will fund research projects to explore the technical merit or feasibility of an innovative idea or technology for developing a viable product or service for introduction in the commercial microelectronics marketplace. This is the first award for the CHIPS Research and Development Office.

"As we grow the U.S. semiconductor industry, the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to building opportunities for small businesses to prosper. With today’s awards, these 17 businesses will support CHIPS for America’s efforts to grow the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem and support our national and economic security," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

NIST measurement science, or metrology, is at the heart of all advances anticipated from American chipmakers in coming years, such as smaller, faster chips that take less energy to make, operate and cool, with more functions at less expense.

The award-winning projects were competitively selected from proposals submitted in response to a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on multiple topics related to critically needed measurement services, tools, and instrumentation; innovative manufacturing metrologies; novel assurance and provenance technologies; and advanced metrology research and development testbeds.

These are all Phase I SBIR awards intended to establish the merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of proposed R&D projects. All 17 small businesses will be considered for a SBIR Phase II award in Spring 2025. Each Phase II award can be funded up to $1.91 million.

"NIST and CHIPS for America are proud to support these small businesses as they take innovations, scale them for the commercial marketplace, and boost the U.S. economy," said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology Laurie E. Locascio.