The following is a statement from Association of American Universities President Barbara R. Snyder about both chambers of Congress voting to renew the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, together known as “America’s Seed Fund”:
I am thankful to Senate Small Business Committee Chair Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Ranking Member Edward Markey (D-MA); House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX) and Ranking Member Nydia Velasquez (D-NY); and House Science Committee Chairman Brian Babin (R-TX) and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) for working in a tireless and bipartisan fashion to move the reauthorization of the SBIR and STTR programs across the finish line.
The passage of the Small Business Innovation and Security Act is a testament to what is possible when both sides of the aisle come together in support of the crucial transfer of scientific and technical knowledge from universities to small businesses. The SBIR and STTR programs have proven invaluable in helping commercialize university research, bringing discoveries from the lab to the marketplace, and promoting new faculty start-ups. SBIR and STTR represent our government’s commitment to ensuring that small businesses and entrepreneurs have the resources they need to turn bold ideas into breakthrough technologies that strengthen our economy and keep the United States at the forefront of technological innovation and the economic growth that results from it.
The reauthorization of these programs acknowledges that investing in small business research and development is investing in the future of American competitiveness and scientific leadership. This legislation delivers certainty and stability to the thousands of American small businesses, startups, and university researchers who depend on SBIR and STTR funding to grow new businesses and enable the United States to innovate and compete globally.
Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 71 research universities transform lives through education, research, and innovation.
Our member universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges, and contributes significantly to our economic strength, while educating and training tomorrow’s visionary leaders and innovators.
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