Illinois companies stand to lose $90 million in annual funding if federal programs expire September 30th
Illinois life sciences companies and associations have until August 15th to sign onto a group letter urging the state’s Congressional Delegation to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs before their September 30, 2025 expiration.
The programs provide approximately $90 million annually to Illinois high-tech companies and are the largest source of early-stage capital for biomedical startups. These federal grants are critical for launching companies from university laboratories across the state’s 94,000-employee life sciences ecosystem.
“SBIR funding has been instrumental in enabling Rhaeos to advance our innovative FlowSense technology from Northwestern University’s labs to clinical trials,” said Anna Lisa Somera, CEO of Rhaeos. “This critical early-stage funding allowed us to build our team here in Illinois and conduct essential research and development.”
Illinois amplifies the federal investment through its own SBIR Phase I matching grant program. The potential expiration threatens to disrupt the biomedical research ecosystem at a critical time for economic recovery and scientific advancement.
Companies and associations are strongly encouraged to share their SBIR impact stories when signing on to demonstrate the real-world benefits of these programs to Illinois innovation and job creation.
Companies and associations can sign onto the letter below before the August 15th deadline.