A group of pioneering Arkansas entrepreneurs will take part in the Lab2Launch Accelerator, a selective multi-week program designed to help first-time applicants secure Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer funding. The new cohort kicks off today, Jan. 22.
The program, led by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, Arkansas APEX Accelerator, and Independent Platform consultants, will provide expert guidance on preparing competitive SBIR/STTR applications for the National Institutes of Health.
The 2025 NIH cohort is presented by ASBTDC in partnership with Arkansas APEX Accelerator, Arkansas Research Alliance, ARise, and BioVentures.
Supporting Innovation in Arkansas
Through this Lab2Launch cohort, Arkansas companies will prepare highly competitive Phase I proposals for various institutes or centers within NIH.
“The proposal process requires many hours of preparation, as companies attempt to secure federal funding for the proof-of-concept phase of their respective innovations. The goal of Lab2Launch is to guide our Arkansas entrepreneurs through each step and requirement of the process, increasing their chance of success in such a competitive environment,” said Laura Fine, ASBTDC state director.
SBIR and STTR offer non-dilutive funding, which can be crucial for developing groundbreaking technologies and products. NIH awards up to $314,363 for a Phase I award.
Accelerator participants will learn how to organize their teams and partners, budget, equipment, and facilities; collect vital information and forge relationships; and deliver all parts of a compelling proposal by the agency’s deadline.
The next NIH submission deadline is April 5.
“The investment of time and resources needed to put together a winning proposal is significant. Our thanks and congratulations to those companies who are investing their time, focus, and resources to pursue this opportunity,” said Karen Bergh, ASBTDC’s innovation specialist.
ASBTDC will offer a similar Lab2Launch Accelerator in the fall for applicants whose innovative projects align with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s commercialization funding priorities. Watch the L2L Accelerator page for details.
Lab2Launch 2025 NIH Cohort Members
- Joshua Upshaw – Hidalga Technologies
- Mae Mitchell – The New Pad Project
- Noureen Siraj – University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Essie Burton – EM Burton Enterprise
- Angie Bailey – Steam It
- Taylor Johnston – nutraRX
- Srinivas Jayanthi, Suresh Thallapuranam – NW Arkbiotek
- Mikayla Tolliver – Elysium
- Derrick Reives and Venki Mandapati – UpSquad
- Alicia Graham – Glammirage Enterprises
- Moe Elasri and Gyan Sahukhal – Vanguard Biofilm
- Joseph Batta-Mpouma – Celludot
- Brittany Scott and Christina Ballard – SMART Reproduction
- Chris Griffin – NuShores