NSF and DoD run some of the strongest non-dilutive grant funding programs for hardtech founders, but the process often seems anything but founder-friendly. Between dense applications, shifting administration priorities, and competitive proposal reviews, it's hard to know where to start. This comprehensive workshop cuts through the noise to give you a clear path to securing federal funding for your innovation.
SBIR and STTR programs represent billions in annual funding specifically designated for small businesses developing cutting-edge technologies. For hardware startups, these grants can provide crucial runway without diluting equity—funding that can mean the difference between a prototype gathering dust and a product reaching market. Yet many founders either don't know these opportunities exist or find the application process too daunting to pursue.
We'll decode the federal funding landscape, breaking down the differences between Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III opportunities, explaining the nuances between SBIR and STTR structures, and highlighting lesser-known programs that may be perfect fits for your technology. You'll learn how to translate complex technical innovations into compelling narratives that resonate with review panels, structure budgets that pass scrutiny, and avoid common pitfalls that sink otherwise strong proposals.
Presented by mHUB