Upcoming Webinar to Offer Advice for Entrepreneurs & Researchers Applying for SBIR/STTR Funding
Newark, N.J. (May 11, 2020) – The Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) and BioNJ today invited researchers and entrepreneurs considering applying for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) to get insights and advice during an upcoming webinar. The May 20 webinar will focus on tips and tools on National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) funding and how to successfully apply. The registration page for the webinar can be found here.
Housed within the National Institutes of Health, NCATS offers non-dilutive funding and resources to help small businesses advance and commercialize promising translational biotechnology and life sciences research technologies. Researchers in these fields who are interested in bringing their innovations to market may be eligible to apply for the highly-competitive NCATS SBIR and STTR programs.
“The impressive roster of New Jersey life sciences companies jockeying for federal SBIR and STTR funding represents the vital role the Garden State plays in the country’s innovation community,” CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft said. “This webinar is designed to give New Jersey entrepreneurs and researchers a leg up on the competition, which will not only benefit their specific mission, but also the Garden State’s innovation sector as a whole.”
CSIT is joining BioNJ in co-sponsoring the webinar for potential applicants. Sheft will be joined on the webinar by BioNJ President and Chief Executive Officer Debbie Hart, and Lili M. Portilla, Director of Strategic Alliances at NCATS.
The webinar will feature an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs and benefits of funding, key NCATS focus areas to advance clinical research and translational sciences, tips for submitting a successful application, and upcoming opportunities and deadlines. It will also include other resources and programs, including NCATS’ Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases (TRND) and Bridging Interventional Development Gaps (BrIDGs) programs.
“Small businesses vying for federal SBIR and STTR grants often encounter roadblocks to presenting comprehensive SBIR and STTR proposals,” Hart said. “During this webinar, we will address strategies for early-stage companies to enhance their competitive positions as they work to commercialize products with potential for global impact.”
A total of more than $38 million in SBIR/STTR funding was awarded to over 100 New Jersey applicants in 2019, according to statistics from the federal Small Business Association.
“Given that the typical award time from the date of application is generally six to nine months, this webinar will arm New Jersey entrepreneurs and researchers with tools and resources they need to submit complete and thorough applications,” Portilla said.
About CSIT
In August 2018, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation re-establishing the former New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology as the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology. The Commission is tasked with leading the way in promoting the state as a home for academic and technological research, development, and commercialization. The Commission is comprised of 17 members including the State's Chief Innovation Officer, the Secretary of Higher Education; the Commissioner of Education; and the Chief Executive Officer of the NJEDA.
