SBIR/STTR Kickstarter Series
Join UCLA Ventures and CNSI Magnify for the SBIR/STTR Kickstarter Series, a professional virtual program designed to help researchers, founders, and early-stage teams better understand the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding landscape. Over the course of this series, participants will gain practical insight into how these programs work, what agencies are looking for, and how to begin shaping a competitive proposal strategy.
This series is a strong fit for those exploring non-dilutive funding for technology development and commercialization. Sessions will cover key topics such as program structure, eligibility, proposal planning, and early steps for positioning your innovation for SBIR or STTR opportunities. Whether you are new to the process or preparing to take the next step, the series offers clear guidance in a focused and accessible format.
Hosted by UCLA Ventures and CNSI Magnify, in partnership with collaborating organizations and campus partners: SBDC Los Angeles, EGC, LARTA, and NSF I-Corps, this program is designed to connect participants with useful information, relevant resources, and a stronger foundation for pursuing federal innovation funding. Attend from anywhere via Zoom.
Module 1 — What SBIR/STTR Actually Funds
Wednesday, July 15th
Orientation to the SBIR/STTR landscape, eligibility, proposal expectations, reviewer criteria, and agency self‑selection.
Module 2 — SBIR/STTR Strategy 101: Topic Selection, Budgets, and the Path to Product
**THURSDAY, July 23rd
How to articulate customer value, product strategy, beachhead markets, and translational bottlenecks.
Module 3 — Proposal Architecture
Wednesday, July 29th
How to structure a competitive proposal, write a strong Specific Aims page or NSF Pitch, and avoid common failure modes.
Module 4 — Commercialization Strategy: Tech-to-Market Positioning
Wednesday, August 5th
Why the Tech-to-Market plan is so important for your Phase I application today and how to articulate IP and its value creation as the two key tenets of SBIR/STTR.
Module 5 — Legal Issues + Company Formation Wednesday, August 12th
Entity formation, licensing strategy, equity expectations, and founder agreements + IP Issues that SBIR/STTR applicants should understand