Meet the Experts: Leveraging SBIR Funding for Defense Innovation
On December 10, NW Tech Bridge and the Washington APEX Accelerator hosted an interactive event in Poulsbo, Washington, bringing small business innovators face-to-face with Navy SBIR experts and industry veterans. This one-of-a-kind workshop, presented in partnership with Matchstick Lab, provided local entrepreneurs with exclusive insights into the Navy’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and its priorities for the upcoming DoD SBIR 25.1 release.
The day included actionable content designed to demystify the SBIR process, and valuable face-to-face networking opportunities. Kitsap was selected as one of only four locations nationwide to offer a live virtual session with Navy Program Topic Managers, allowing participants to hear directly from the Topic Managers shaping the technology topics for the 21.1 release.
Following an in-depth overview of the Navy SBIR program by NAVSEA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Outreach Director, Drew McDougall—including including eligibility, application strategies, and funding pathways—attendees had the chance to meet one-on-one consultations with experts from NW Tech Bridge, the Washington APEX Accelerator, and NAVSEA. These personalized sessions allowed local entrepreneurs to access tailored guidance on navigating the SBIR program, and positioning their proposals for success.
Closing out the day was a fireside chat with Melissa Anderson, COO of Art Anderson Associates, which has successfully secured an outstanding 19 Navy SBIR awards. Joined by Kate Hoy, SBIR/STTR Program Director at WA APEX Accelerator, Anderson shared her company’s journey from securing early SBIR awards, to achieving sustained commercialization success. Participants also received guidance on maximizing their chances of success with support from NW Tech Bridge, the WA APEX Accelerator and other partners.
By connecting small businesses with industry leaders, government resources and real-world success stories, the workshop showcased how Department of Defense funding can transform groundbreaking ideas into reality. The workshop was organized in collaboration with NavalX NW Tech Bridge and the Washington APEX Accelerator, showcasing the growing synergy between defense innovation and small business development.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBTT) competitive programs are Congressionally-mandated set-asides to encourage domestic small businesses’ engagement in research and development, scientific excellence, and technological innovation through federal research fund investment in critical American priorities to build a strong national economy and accelerate Warfighter capabilities.
Key Dates to Remember:
The DoD SBIR 25.1 funding opportunities open January 8, and close February 5, 2024, at 12PM EST.
Need Help Getting Started?
Interested in submitting a proposal? Reach out to NW Tech Bridge or the Washington APEX Accelerator today to increase your proposal’s potential for success.
Event Photos:
View photos from the event, courtesy of Matchstick Lab/Erinn Hale.
