June 13 and 15, Arkansas innovators had the opportunity to connect with federal agency representatives at events in Little Rock and Fayetteville. Hosted by ASBTDC and its partners, the events focused on the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy, respectively.
Attendees learned about funding opportunities with the agencies through SBIR/STTR, known as “America’s Seed Fund.” The programs have played a pivotal role in the growth of numerous successful startups across the state.
Over the two days, more than 45 participants learned about upcoming funding opportunities offered by the agencies. Past Arkansas SBIR/STTR awardees shared their startup challenges, victories, and future plans. The events also unlocked key resources for applicants, including the technical assistance offered by ASBTDC.
In Little Rock, National Institutes of Health SBIR/STTR Program Coordinator Stephanie Davis presented the NIH overview. Presentations followed on funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Cancer Institute, and National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (Visit the NIH SEED website to learn more.)
Several Arkansas entrepreneurs and researchers interested in biomedical innovation met one-on-one with NIH program officers present. In the short sessions, they discussed their respective research and development projects for potential SBIR/STTR proposal development and submission.
The NIH institutes, along with 10 other federal agencies, provide seed funding for technology-based startups through the competitive Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer program.
In Fayetteville, U.S. Department of Energy Outreach Manager for SBIR/STTR Eileen Chant, Ph.D., provided insights and opportunities at a day-long event that included an energy industry panel, energy innovation showcase, networking, and 1:1 meetings with Chant. (For details on DOE’s commercialization grants, go to the agency’s SBIR page.)
In addition to the federal agencies, the events were a collaboration of multiple in-state partners. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, BioVentures, and ASBTDC worked together on the NIH event. Energy Innovation Day in Arkansas was presented by ASBTDC, the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association, and the University of Arkansas divisions of Economic Development and Research and Innovation.
