The SBIR/STTR Spring Innovation Conference took place earlier this year, and VertueLab’s Accelerator and Funding Assistance Manager, Leo Ochoa was able to travel to Texas to attend. It was a great opportunity to hear each agency’s five minute reverse pitch, ask questions during the panel discussions, and connect with them one-on-one at their booths during the Agency Pavilion. From informative panel discussions and meetings with program officers from the federal agencies, Leo is reporting back some key takeaways and helpful information that can help you navigate your funding journey.

Two types of agencies: Market-Driven vs Mission-Driven

Market-Drive agencies invest in technologies to solve problems through the commercial marketplace. These include:

Department of Energy (DOE)
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including NIH, FDA, CDC
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Department of Commerce, including NIST and NOAA
Department of Education (ED)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Mission-Driven agencies invest in technologies to solve government defined problems with dual-use, commercial potential. These include:

Department of Defence (DoD), including Air Force, Navy, Army
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Department of Transportation (DOT)

What Makes a competitive application for the Department of Energy?

The most important factor is making sure you’re responsive to the topic and subtopic. There are three review criteria that all applications are judged upon: technical merit, the ability to carry out the project, and the impact of the project. These three criteria are equally weighted when your application is being considered.

Contributing factors:

Must be technology development R&D!
Idea is novel
Solid work plan to provide feasibility
Your team is composed of the right expertise
Potential impact if R&D is successful

About the SBIR & STTR programs

Both SBIR and STTR support scientific excellence and technology innovation to build a strong national economy. So, how do they differ?

SBIR provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to partner, while STTR requires entrepreneurs to partner with a non-profit research institute.
11 agencies fund SBIR awards, while only the 6 largest of those agencies also fund STTR awards.

Department of Defense (DoD)
Department of Energy (DOE)
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Determine which program is right for you at SBIR.gov

How it works:

Participation with America’s Seed Fund is based on a three-phased process:

PHASE I : Proof-of-Concept, 6-12 months, ($50,000 - $315,000)
PHASE II : Technology Development, 24 months, ($650,000 - $2.1 million)
PHASE III : Commercialization, Unlocks sole source access to the $665 billion federal contracting marketplace.

Are you eligible?

Funding through America’s Seed Fund is available to small businesses that are:

For-profit entities located in the U.S.
Fewer than 500 employees (most are fewer than 10)
Owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Startups or established companies

Funding Areas:

Explore the funding opportunities that are the right fit for your business. The SBIR and STTR programs offer opportunities for funding multiple times throughout the year across multiple topics, such as:

AgTech
Artificial intelligence
Biotechnology
Cybersecurity
Energy
Microelectronics
National Security
Quantum Information Science
Robotics
Sensors
Space Exploration & Technology
Transportation

Where do I start?

Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program (from the SBA) partners help innovators on their path towards funding. VertueLab is Oregon’s FAST partner and can help with:

Training and Outreach: Increase the pipeline of Oregon’s SBIR/STTR applicants through training and outreach.
Technical Assistance and Support: Support entrepreneurs and startups through programs or services that can improve proposal development and teach creation.
Financial Support (Phases 0, I & II): Help cover the cost of grant writing assistance for applicants by paying a portion or all of the cost of developing SBIR/STTR proposals.

If you’re ready to get started, connect with the VertueLab funding assistance staff by introducing yourself, technology and company in this short intake form and a team member will reach out to you soon.

Interested in attending the SBIR/STTR Fall Conference happening November 19th - 21st? This is a great opportunity to present your technology, get to know all the agencies, network and meet the program offices, ask questions on technology and mission alignment, and potentially influence future topics. Get more information here.

SBIR/STTR Crash Course