National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Small Business Programs

The mission of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is to conduct and support medical research and research training and to disseminate science-based information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases, nutritional disorders, and obesity; and kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases, to improve people’s health and quality of life.​

Why should you apply for Small Business funding?

• The small business programs operate on funds set aside from the extramural budget, so applicants do not compete with regular research proposals, training, or other special programs.
• SBIR & STTR awards are grants. Unlike many other modes of funding your small business, grants don't dilute ownership or equity and don't require repayment or payment of royalties.
• The NIH offers several programs to support your commercialization efforts.
• Many universities have begun to recognize inventions or start-ups as criteria for tenure. SBIR & STTR funding can help launch that start-up.
• The small business or start-up can be an attractive landing place for graduating students at all levels.
• When ideal, the small business or start-up can contract projects back to an inventor's lab (within limits).
• Launching a company to commercialize an invention affords the opportunity to earn equity or royalties if patents obtained by the inventor's university are licensed.

Program Contacts and Research Areas

For general programmatic inquiries, contact Daniel Gossett ([email protected]). For general inquiries regarding administrative and business management matters, contact Christina Coriz ([email protected]). For specific contacts and program descriptions of NIDDK’s major research areas, select one of the scientific program areas below:

• Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases (DEM)
• Digestive Diseases and Nutrition (DDN)
• Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases (KUH)

All three extramural divisions of the NIDDK primarily support investigator-initiated projects.

Funding Opportunities

Our Funding Opportunities page provides assistance in understanding the different types of mechanisms and awards available to small businesses.

Resources

Our Resources page covers a broad range of topics, including commercialization and business development, regulation, reimbursement, intellectual property, and research and development.