About this programme
The Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research (HSBIR) grant program gives state matching funds to companies that have already won a federal SBIR or STTR award, to help them move new products past the early research stage. The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) runs the program from its Honolulu office.
The program exists to stretch federal SBIR/STTR dollars further inside Hawaii: in FY26, HTDC funded 19 companies with $1.5 million in state grants, which together leveraged $24 million in federal SBIR/STTR awards.
How it works
HSBIR matches up to 50% of a company's federal Phase I SBIR/STTR award, up to a cap of $75,000.
Reviewers score applications on team composition, company viability, market need, commercial feasibility, and impact on the state's economy. First-time applicants, neighbor-island applicants, and projects in HTDC's Ocean, Space, Energy, or Health priority areas get priority scoring.
Funded companies must complete required NIST MEP and HTDC impact surveys and take part in HTDC's Innovate HI entrepreneurship programming.
Who can apply
The company must be registered and operating as a business in Hawaii, and compliant in Hawaii Compliance Express (HCE).
Project work must be carried out within the state.
The company must hold an active federal SBIR or STTR grant that it received within the past 12 months.
How to apply
- Watch for the application window: FY26 applications closed, and Phase 0 and Phase I submissions reopen in Fall 2026.
- Review the informational session recording and accompanying materials posted on HTDC's site before applying.
- Use the program scoresheet to guide what to submit with your application.
Frequently asked
How much does HSBIR match?
Up to 50% of a federal Phase I SBIR/STTR award, capped at $75,000.
Do I need to already have a federal SBIR/STTR award?
Yes. You must hold an active SBIR or STTR grant that you received within the past 12 months.
When can I apply next?
FY26 applications are closed. Phase 0 and Phase I applications reopen in Fall 2026.
Does location within Hawaii matter?
First-time applicants and applicants on neighbor islands (outside Oahu) get priority in scoring, as do projects in HTDC's Ocean, Space, Energy, or Health priority areas.
More funding in Hawaii
Blue Startups Accelerator
Blue Startups · Hawaii
Scalable tech startups get up to $250,000 in tiered investment plus a 12-week mentor-driven accelerator based in Honolulu.
Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) Loan Program
Business Development and Support Division (BDSD), Hawaii Dept. of Business, Economic Development & Tourism · Hawaii
Get a $50,000 to $125,000 state loan for a Hawaii small business in agriculture, food production, manufacturing, or wholesaling.
Enterprise Zones (EZ) Partnership Program
Business Development and Support Division (BDSD), Hawaii Dept. of Business, Economic Development & Tourism · Hawaii
Eligible Hawaii businesses get a 7-year General Excise Tax exemption plus declining state income tax credits, and county benefits vary by island.
HI-CAP (Hawaiʻi Capital Access Program)
HTDC and Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority (HGIA), under the Dept. of Business, Economic Development & Tourism · Hawaii
Get state-backed loan collateral or direct capital for transformative Hawaii business projects, funded by the federal SSBCI program through 2030.
Mana Up Accelerator
Mana Up · Hawaii
Hawaii-based product companies get six months of mentorship, leadership development, and retail or global market access through House of Mana Up.
Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP)
Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) · Hawaii
Hawaii manufacturers get up to $100,000 reimbursed, 20% of qualified costs, to boost productivity and competitiveness.
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.