Only United States small businesses are eligible to participate in the U.S. DOT SBIR program. 

Businesses must meet all of the following criteria at the time of Phase I and II awards:

1. Organized for profit, with a place of business located in the United States
2. At least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or by other small business concerns that are each at least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the United States
3. No more than 500 employees, including affiliates
4. The principal investigator must have primary employment with the small business
5. Registered on SBA’s SBIR website with an SBC Control ID

For more detailed information, check out the SBIR.gov and review our SBIR FAQs on the topic of eligibility.