The reauthorization extends the program through FY 2000, requiring NIH to set aside 0.15 percent of its budget for technology transfer to small businesses. STTR builds relationships between research institutions and startup companies, often headed by university scientists. Applicants who go on to submit an application must include a cover letter stating the name and institute of the program staff person who preapproved it. Early discussion protects applicants from spending time putting together an application we may not accept. Large grants handicap our ability to support a diversity of investigators, maintain our payline, and fund enough R01s to satisfy the research community and Congress.
Funding depends on such factors as merit, program priority, and the availability of funding.