1. SBIR/STTR Origins
In the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982, Congress designated 4 major goals. Federal government and small businesses will work together to—
Stimulate technological innovation
Meet Federal R&D needs
Foster and encourage participation by minority and disadvantaged persons in technological innovation
Increase private-sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal R&D
2. Reauthorization of the Act (until 2008/2009)
Federal and state government (state government includes quasi-government corporations, economic development entities, and technology centers) work together with small businesses and academia (academia includes university research parks; faculty and graduate students, technology incubators, and research foundations). Other provisions to the Act include:
- Asking for reporting outcomes: public summaries and government evaluations
- Establishing Federal and State (FAST): State-based Business mentoring and assistance
- Doubling the STTR budget
- Increasing some funding ceilings for Phase II awards
The goal of the reauthorization of the Act was to produce a richer, broader, and more diverse program.
3. SBIR/STTR Program Mission
To support scientific excellence and technological innovation through the investment of federal research funds in critical American priorities to build a strong national economy…..one small business at a time
4. SBIR/STTR Participating Agencies
DOD ($1.1 billion in FY 06)
HHS
--NIH ($640 million in FY 06)
--NIDCR ($8.4 million in FY06)
NASA
DOE
NSF
DHS
USDA
DOC
EPA
DOT
ED
TOTAL: $2.2 billion in FY 2006
5. Addressing Global Objectives with Specific Solutions
SBIR/STTR Helps NIH Meet its Mission
The program supports the conduct of innovative research and research and development that results in product, process, or service that will…..
6. What are SBIR and STTR?
Similar research programs…..
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SBIR is a set-aside program (2.5 percent of the extramural budget) for small business concerns to engage in federal R&D with the potential for commercialization
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STTR is a set-aside proram (0.3% of the extramural budget) to facilitate cooperative R&D between small business concerns and U.S. research institutions with the potential for commercialization
In three phases…..
Phase I:
Feasibility study (6 – 12 months, can receive funding up to $100,000)
Phase II: Full research or R&D (2 years, can receive funding up to $750,000)
Phase III: Commercialization (WITHOUT SBIR funding)
7. SBIR/STTR Eligibility
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An organized for-profit U.S. business
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At least 51 percent U.S.-owned by individuals and independently operated, OR owned and controlled by one other eligible entity
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A small business located in and performing the work in the U.S.
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The principal investigator’s primary employment must be with the small business during the project
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Must have 500 employees or fewer, including affiliates
8. SBIR vs. STTR: Critical Differences
Research Partners
SBIR: Permits (encourages) research institution partners (about 33 percent in Phase 1 and 50 percent in Phase II R&D)
STTR: Requires research institution partners (e.g. universities) (40 percent small business and 30 percent research institution)
Principal Investigator
SBIR: Primary (greater than 50 percent) employment must be with small business
STTR: Primary employment not stipulated (research institution and/or small business)
The award is always made to the small business.
9. Getting More from the SBIR/STTR: Leveraging Academic Excellence
University scientists can be:
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Owners of small firms (assign someone else as PI)
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Principal investigators (with official permission from the university)
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Senior personnel on SBIR/STTR
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Consultants on SBIR/STTR
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Subcontracts on SBIR/STTR
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Conduits for university facilities to provide analytical and other service support
10. Entrepreneurial Research Institutions
To be successful they are characterized by the following:
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Develop common goals between faculty-initiated business and mission of research institution
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Create an entrepreneurial environment while protecting interests of the university
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Establish policies to manage, reduce or eliminate conflict of interest (COI)
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Retain intellectual talent
In summary, intellectual rigor, plus hard work, plus passion, plus mission equals success.
11. Challenges in Blending Diverse Cultures
The
University environment is characterized by:
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Research to educate, break ground, provide service
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A slower pace
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A mission that includes basic and applied research
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A place where technology transfer is companion to research mission
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A fertile ground for economic development
On the other hand, Industry can be summarized by an environment where:
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R&D drives commercialization
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It’s quick-paced
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It’s focused on solving problems to develop new products and make a profit
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Exploits the full potential of science (e.g. capture intellectual property, license to the patents)
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Direct and indirect economic impact
12. To become a star
You must have the following--
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Science
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Team
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Application
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R&D Plan
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Track record