Entrepreneurial Resources

Entrepreneurial Resources

The NINDS SBIR/ STTR program is committed to offering potential applicants and current awardees the resources to be successful in commercializing their technology. 

We encourage current and potential awardees to visit:

Investor Opportunities

Keep an eye on your inbox (be sure your eRA Commons email is up-to-date)! NINDS facilitates investment and partnering opportunities by providing speaking slots to SBIR/STTR awardees across the country. Some conferences we’ve assisted in grantees attending include: BIO, RESI, AvaMed, and LifeSciences Summit.

SBIR/STTR Diversity Supplement Program

Be aware there are funds available for administrative supplements to recruit and support high school, undergraduate, post-baccalaureate/post-master’s degree holders, and post-doctoral candidates that increase diversity in the research workforce. In all cases, the proposed research experience must be an integral part of the approved, ongoing research of the parent award, and it must have the potential to contribute significantly to the research career development of the candidate. Supplement requests are considered on a rolling basis and should ideally be submitted at least 3 months prior to the start date of the diversity candidate. Get more information on training-related supplements. 

  • PA-18-837 Administrative Supplements to Promote Diversity in Research and Development Small Businesses-SBIR/STTR (Admin Supp Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
  • PA-18-592 Research Supplements to Promote Re-Entry into Biomedical and Behavioral Research Careers (Admin Supp)

Finally, don’t forget to sign up for the Division of Translational Research Listserv for more updates and follow us on Twitter!

Below you will find a table of commercialization resources. Be sure to read the announcement carefully for full and up-to-date eligibility details. Contact program staff with any questions about these programs.

Program Sponsor Purpose Mechanism Amount Eligibility Category
Applicant Assistance Program (AAP) NIH Support and guidance for submission of a Phase I application and to increase participation in the SBIR program by businesses that are owned or controlled by individuals who are traditionally underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. Free access to resources N/A Applicants that have never won an NIH SBIR or STTR and do not currently have an application under review. Phase 0 Programs
C3i NIH Provides support for NIH-funded investigators to participate in an entrepreneurship training course, the Concept to Clinic: Commercializing Innovation (C3i) Program. The C3i Program is designed to provide medical device innovators with the specialized business frameworks and essential tools for successful translation of biomedical technologies from the lab (concept) to the market (clinic). Administrative supplement to existing NIH award (R01, P01, P41, R24, R41/42, U01, U44, UG3/UH3, UH2, UH3) ~ $30K direct Must have an active award Entrepreneurial Training
I-CorpsTM NIH Provides support entrepreneurial training under the I-CorpsTM at NIH Program. The I-Corps at NIH curriculum is designed to provide scientists from NIH SBIR funded companies with real-world, hands-on entrepreneurship training, facilitated by domain experts from the biotech sector. Administrative supplement to R41/R42 or R43/R44 ~ $50K total Must have an active SBIR or STTR award Entrepreneurial Training
I-CorpsTM
NSF I-Corps
NSF 17-559		 NSF Provides additional support in the form of entrepreneurial education, mentoring and funding to accelerate innovation that can attract subsequent third-party funding. Grant award ~ $50K total Applicants must have received a prior award from NSF that is currently active or that has been active within 5 years from the date of the I-Corps Teams proposal submission. Entrepreneurial Training
Needs Assessment NIH Provides active Phase I awardees with market research, and consumer and competition analysis. Topics include: new applications for the SBIR/STTR developed technology; needs and concerns of the end-user and new markets for possible entry. Free access to resources N/A Must have held an active Phase I SBIR/STTR grant or contract within the past two years. Technical Assistance