Startups: Write a Stronger SBIR Phase I Proposal

Build the Commercial Foundation for a Competitive Phase I Proposal

Preparing to pursue SBIR/STTR funding? Build the market evidence, commercialization strategy, and project pitch needed to strengthen your Phase I application.

This six-week workshop combines hands-on customer discovery, expert instruction, and individualized mentorship to help technology innovators validate their market opportunity and develop a credible commercialization plan. Participants will work with an assigned business mentor (Entrepreneur-in-Residence/EIR) and receive feedback from experts familiar with the SBIR/STTR process.

Limited space available. Applications are due September 25, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

APPLY FOR THE UPCOMING FALL 2026 COHORT

Turn Market Insights into a Stronger SBIR/STTR Proposal

Go beyond the classroom with an experiential program designed to help you test your assumptions, understand your customers, and translate what you learn into a stronger commercialization strategy.

VALIDATE YOUR MARKET

Apply Lean LaunchPad and customer discovery methods to test your business hypotheses. Conduct customer interviews to better understand customer needs, buying behavior, and the value your technology can deliver.

BUILD YOUR COMMERCIALIZATION STRATEGY

Evaluate your market opportunity, identify a beachhead market, assess competitors and intellectual property, develop your business model and go-to-market strategy, and create a milestone-driven commercialization roadmap.

PREPARE YOUR PHASE I PROJECT PITCH

Learn how to clearly communicate your technical innovation, R&D objectives, market need, commercial potential, team, and path to market. Develop your Project Pitch and commercialization roadmap with guidance from experienced mentors and feedback from SBIR/STTR experts.

Fall 2026 SBIR Phase 1 Class Schedule

- 10/5/26 5-7PM

(In-person) Orientation & Project Pitch

- 10/7/26 5-7PM

(Virtual) Customer Discovery & Value Proposition

- 10/14/26 5-7PM

(Virtual) Market Opportunity

- 10/21/26 5-7PM
(Virtual) Competitive Analysis

- 10/28/26 5-7PM

(Virtual) Business Model and Go to Market Strategy

- 11/4/26 5-7PM
(Virtual) Commercialization Roadmap

- 11/18/26 5-7PM
(In-person) Next Steps & Final Team Presentations

Who Should Apply

This workshop is designed for innovative companies, entrepreneurs, and technology innovators preparing to pursue a Phase I SBIR/STTR award. Ideal participants have a technology-based discovery with commercial potential and are prepared to dedicate the time needed to complete the program.

Applicants should be prepared to:

Submit a draft Project PitchParticipate in a short admission interviewConduct customer discovery throughout the programBe actively seeking a Phase I SBIR/STTR awardImportant Notes

Class orientation will be on Monday, October 5th, 2026Classes will begin on Wednesday October 7th and end on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 and will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.The majority of this course is delivered online, but includes 2 required in-person commitmentsThe first and final sessions will be held in personProgram Commitment: Expect to spend about 5 hours per week, including weekly sessions, customer interviews, mentor meetings, and assignments.

APPLY FOR THE UPCOMING FALL 2026 COHORT