The Department of Education is preparing to release a presolicitation for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IA 2025 program, aimed at fostering the development of novel education technology products. This initiative invites eligible for-profit small businesses to submit proposals for funding of up to $250,000 to create and evaluate prototypes of innovative educational tools over a nine-month period, focusing on high-risk, high-reward solutions to pressing educational challenges. The SBIR program is crucial for stimulating technological innovation in the private sector and enhancing the commercial viability of research outcomes, with a competitive selection process that historically awards only a small percentage of proposals. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is expected to be released around November 8, 2024, with proposal submissions due in early January 2025; for further inquiries, contact David Yadeta at david.yadeta@ed.gov or Dayna Myers at dayna.myers@ed.gov.