Launch Tennessee SBIR/STTR Matching Fund
Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN)
Up to $100K (Ph I) / $300K (Ph II)
Researched for this program: 5 rejection traps · 5 required documentsWhat decides this award ↓
Tennessee SBIR/STTR state match, up to $300K
LaunchTN matches up to 50% of a Tennessee small business's federal SBIR/STTR award — up to $100,000 for Phase I awards and up to $300,000 for Phase II awards. The program has deployed over $1 billion in total economic impact since launch. Companies must maintain Tennessee headquarters for 24 months post-award and participate in LaunchTN programming.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- $300,000
- Realistic amount
- Most Phase I recipients receive $40,000–$100,000. Phase II recipients in the $150,000–$300,000 range. Awards are distrib…
- Deadline
- Annual cycle — FY27 applications expected to open July 2026. Submit an interest form to receive updates.
- Status
- between-intakes
- States
- TN
- Payment model
- advance
Who qualifies
- Pre-IPO startup or small business with fewer than 500 employees
- Publicly traded companies are ineligible
- Company must have received a federal SBIR or STTR Notice of Award within the applicable fiscal year window (typically July 1–June 30)
- Must demonstrate a clear pathway to commercialization
- Company must maintain Tennessee headquarters for at least 24 months following the matching award
- Must participate in LaunchTN programming, events, and workshops as a condition of funding
- Must provide semi-annual progress reports to LaunchTN
Hard requirements
- Must be incorporated
- 51%+ US ownership required
- Requires a prior Phase I award
- Location restriction: Tennessee
- Max 499 employees
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- R&D activities aligned with the federal SBIR/STTR project scope
- Personnel costs for technical staff working on the project
- Equipment and supplies required for the research
- Commercialization activities: market research, IP filing, customer discovery
- Business development and partnership activities
Ineligible expenses
- Administrative overhead unrelated to the SBIR/STTR project
- Capital equipment purchases outside the approved project scope
- Activities occurring after company leaves Tennessee headquarters
How to apply
-
1
Receive federal SBIR/STTR Notice of Award
Secure a Phase I or Phase II SBIR/STTR award from any participating federal agency within the LaunchTN fiscal year window. Have your Notice of Award (or Selection Decision Letter) ready.
~0 hrs
-
2
Submit application during open cycle
When LaunchTN opens the annual application window (typically July), submit the online application including your Notice of Award, winning SBIR/STTR proposal, proposed use of matching funds, and Articles of Incorporation.
~6 hrs
-
3
Evaluation and award notification
LaunchTN reviews applications based on commercialization potential and Tennessee economic impact. Selected companies are notified and execute a grant agreement with LaunchTN.
~2 hrs
-
4
Receive tranched disbursements and report
Matching funds are disbursed in two tranches. Recipients must submit semi-annual reports and participate in LaunchTN events throughout the 24-month headquarters commitment period.
~4 hrs
First-time federal SBIR/STTR winners get special consideration even if their award date falls slightly outside the standard window — LaunchTN prioritizes first-timers in the program.
Deadline & timing
FY26 application cycle is closed. Notice of Award must fall within the applicable fiscal year window (typically July 1 – June 30). LaunchTN may consider awards within 90 days of the window or prior-year awards from first-time applicants, subject to fund availability.
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