​Join us for an inside look at the non-dilutive funding process, featuring perspectives from grant reviewers, founders, and grant-writing experts. Learn how to strengthen your applications, align your proposals with reviewer priorities, and strategically navigate SBIR/STTR grants and other funding opportunities.

​In this session, we’ll explore:

• ​Inside the Review Committee: Gain insight into how applications are evaluated, what reviewers prioritize, and what distinguishes competitive proposals.

• ​Crafting Fundable Applications: Learn how to build compelling narratives, develop effective aims, and leverage letters of support to strengthen your application.

• ​The Anatomy of a Fundable Aim: Examine a founder’s journey from a rejected proposal to a funded application, including how the proposal was revised and improved.

• ​Strategizing Your Non-Dilutive Funding: Explore how to plan your funding approach across SBIR/STTR grants and other non-dilutive opportunities.

• ​Grant Writing 101: Understand the fundamentals of grant writing and when expert support can help improve your application.

​Speaker Highlight

1. ​Speaker Name: Ross Beresford

​Expertise: The Co-Founder and CEO of Respair Inc., bringing expertise in medical device development, critical care airway management, and startup commercialization strategy.

​LinkedIn: /ross-beresford

​2. Speaker Name: Kelly Wylam

​Expertise: Has over two decades of expertise as the Executive Director of PA's Innovation Partnership (IPart), specializing in helping businesses secure non-dilutive funding such as SBIR and STTR grants.

​LinkedIn: /kellywylam

​3. Speaker Name: Jay Reddy

​Expertise: As a PhD-trained founder and CEO of Advanced Optronics, Jay Reddy is a Carnegie Mellon Innovation Commercialization Fellow who has successfully secured $650,000+ in non-dilutive NSF funding to bridge the gap between academic research and medical device commercialization.

​LinkedIn: /jaywreddy