The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a highly competitive program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) that has the potential for commercialization.
University technology and university involvement increase your odds of being successful (30% or greater)
University support of grant process
Large companies seek startups based on university technologies and prefer the startups over working directly with the university – it’s validation
SBIR programs are a source of revenue, support, and development – a grant, not a loan or VC
SBIR associated programs, such as iCorps, used to help in development of opportunities
Universities are eager to help with their own networks and ecosystems
Opportunity to advance multiple technologies in a single area
Access to university professors and graduate students
University Startups looking for business support
“Hi, I am a startup working with a USC / CalTech technology …”