Hawaiʻi Small Business Innovation Research Program (HSBIR) Grants
The Hawaiʻi Small Business Innovation Research Program (HSBIR) provides matching grants to help companies further develop new products to solve critical issues. Applicants must have received federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants or contracts to qualify for the state matching grant program. The HSBIR programs provides up to 50% match for companies receiving SBIR awards. Companies may apply also for reimbursement for grant writing costs for their initial grant application (Phase 0).
The application period for FY25 concluded on December 6, 2024. Stay informed about future grant opportunities by subscribing to the HTDC newsletter (sign up below).
For an overview of the FY25 Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research (HSBIR) program and the federal SBIR program, watch a recording of the FY25 HSBIR Informational Session and download the accompanying slide deck.
Have received an active SBIR/STTR grant within the past 12 months
Agree to complete NIST MEP and HTDC impact metrics surveys
Agree to participate in Innovate HI’s entrepreneurship and SBIR/STTR programming and events
Previously awarded companies who do not complete either required surveys or do not participate in any Innovate HI programming / events, will not be considered for funding. Upon successful completion of the next round of surveys (next survey release is TBD), the company will then be eligible to apply for funding.
How Applications Are Scored
Application criteria includes team, company, need, commercial potential, and economic impact to the State and will be scored by a review committee. See the scoresheet that we use.
First time and neighbor island applicants will be given priority, as well as projects focused on DBEDT priority areas: IT/software, manufacturing/value added agriculture, defense, creative media, aquaculture, and renewable energy.
