NCI SBIR Workshop: Funding, Strategy, and 1:1 Feedback for Early-Stage Biotech
Join us at Nucleate HQ for a hands-on workshop with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) SBIR Development Center—designed for founders and researchers looking to secure non-dilutive funding and accelerate their path to commercialization.
This session will provide a practical overview of the NCI SBIR program (the largest at NIH, with ~$200M annually), including funding mechanisms, new program updates, and how to craft a competitive application. Attendees will also gain insight into NCI’s broader support ecosystem—from investor programs to entrepreneurship training and application guidance.
Following the workshop, selected teams will have the opportunity to participate in 1:1 meetings with NCI program directors to receive direct feedback on their technology and funding strategy. Teams interested in these sessions will be asked to submit a short one-pager in advance.
Submit here to be considered for a 1:1 meeting - spots are limited, please apply before May 10th!
What to expect:
Overview of NCI SBIR funding opportunities and new program updates
Guidance on writing a strong, competitive application
Insights into NCI’s investor and commercialization support programs
Live Q&A with NCI leadership
Optional 1:1 feedback sessions with NCI program directors
Who should attend:
Founders, academic researchers, and early-stage teams—especially those planning to submit an SBIR application (next expected deadline: September). While NCI focuses on oncology, attendees from adjacent fields are welcome.
Event format:
🕥 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Workshop + Q&A
🥗 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Break
🤝 1:00 – 3:00 PM: Curated 1:1 meetings (selected teams)
About the Host:
Nucleate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of biotech leaders. With chapters spanning 41 geographic regions and participation from over 280 academic institutions, Nucleate sparks new intellectual communities and embeds emerging talent within a global biotech community. Through open-access educational programming, Nucleate helps democratize biotech innovation — removing barriers and helping founders concentrate on building transformational technologies. Visit www.nucleate.org for more information, and visit https://nucleate.org/privacy-policy/ to read our privacy policy.
We want to thank our HQ supporters for championing our open-access mission and empowering the next generation of biotech entrepreneurs!: