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SBTDC Tech Team member Connor Steenbock attended the recent Fall National SBIR/STTR Conference in National Harbor, MD. Below are his top 5 takeaways from the conference:
1. I-Corps is the first thing you should do:
Though not directly associated with SBIR/STTR, participating in an I-Corps program results in lots of information that will be essential while writing a proposal, like defining your value proposition and customer segments.
2. Agencies are here to help:
“Phase 0” is now available at multiple agencies, including DOE, NASA, and DHS. Exact assistance varies, but overall, it is meant to help first-time applicants prepare responsive proposals.
3. Be ready to write the Phase II proposal:
Pay close attention to when the Phase II proposal should be submitted in relation to Phase I and be aware that this will vary by agency. Think about your plan for Phase II while writing the Phase I proposal, not after.
4. Larger SBIR opportunities are on the rise:
New SBIR programs are emerging as follow-ons to Phase I/Phase II, many of which offer higher funding amounts. NSF’s Phase IIb, DARPA’s SBIR XL, NASA’s SBIR Ignite, and Army’s SBIR Catalyst are some notable examples.
5. If not funded, request feedback promptly:
Many agencies require you to request feedback within 30 days of notification, typically via an appointment with program staff rather than written feedback.
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