Exclusive 1:1 Counseling Session to Sharpen Your SBIR/STTR Proposal

Included with your registration is the chance to work directly with an EPIC SBDC Senior Advisor. In this private session, you’ll receive expert guidance to craft a powerful project plan and Statement of Aims—essential tools to make your SBIR/STTR proposal stand out. This exclusive preparation sets you up for success in the next critical step of your funding journey.

Preparatory Support to Meet Federal Program Directors

After your advisor session, you may be referred to meet 1:1 with a federal Program Director (PD) based on readiness - where you'll have the opportunity to pitch your proposal and receive feedback on your company's fit for the federal program and any further opportunities.

Day 1

• 8:00 – 8:30 AM: Check-In & Breakfast

  8:00 - 8:30 AM: Check-In

• 8:30 – 9:00 AM: Opening Remarks
  • Rodolfo H. Torres, Vice Chancellor for Research & Economic Development, Research & Economic Development, Distinguished Professor of Mathematics, UCR
  • Miranda Evans, MPA, Economic Development Manager, Interim Deputy Community & Economic Development Director, City of Riverside
  • Christopher Earl, Assistant Deputy Director, Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Southern California Regional Advisor, California Office of the Small Business AdvocatePaul Smith, Development Specialist & District International Trade Officer, US Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • Paul Smith, Development Specialist & District International Trade Officer, US Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • Rosibel Ochoa, Associate Vice Chancellor, Office of Technology Partnerships, Research & Economic Development, Adjunct Professor for Chemical & Environmental Engineering, UCR
• 9:15 – 9:45 AM: Mastering SBIR/STTR – Your Blueprint for Success

  Gain a comprehensive understanding of the SBIR/STTR programs. Learn about the key takeaways from the event and how to apply them to your own projects for successful funding applications.

  Speakers:

  Martin Kleckner, Director, EPIC SBDC, Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR

  Misty Madero, Director, SBIR/STTR Resource Center, Office Technology Partnerships, UCR 

• 10:00 - 10:45 AM: Department of Energy (DOE) Webinar - Powering Innovation

  Discover how the Department of Energy’s SBIR/STTR programs can supercharge your projects tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. Learn how to secure funding that drives innovation, enhances U.S. security, and fosters national prosperity. Join us to unlock the potential of your groundbreaking ideas with DOE support.

  Speaker: Eileen Chant, Outreach Manager, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of SBIR/STTR Programs

• 11:00 – 11:45 AM: So, You Have an Idea, Now What?

  Navigate the next steps after having a great idea. Determine if your idea is suitable for SBIR funding, learn how to choose the right agency, understand the components of a successful proposal, and learn about the submission process and available resources.

  Speakers:

  Martin Kleckner, Director, EPIC SBDC, Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR

  Mya Thu, Co-Founder and CEO, Visicell Medical Inc. 

• 12:00 – 12:50 PM: Lunch & Fireside Chat - Essential Strategies for Protecting Your In Intellectual Property

  Join us for an engaging fireside chat on the essentials of intellectual property protection. This session will provide you with practical tips and answers to your burning questions about IP. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, researcher, or business leader, this chat will equip you with the knowledge to protect your valuable ideas and drive your success.

  Speakers:

  Brian Suh, Sr. Executive Director, Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR  

  Sean Lynch, Partner, Lynch LLP

• 1:00 – 1:45 PM: USDA & National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Webinar - Unlocking Agricultural Innovation

  Join us for an insightful zoom presentation on the USDA NIFA SBIR Program, designed to support small businesses tackling critical agricultural, environmental, and energy challenges. Learn how to secure funding for high-impact research projects that drive innovation. Discover the application process, key success strategies, and how to leverage USDA resources to bring your groundbreaking ideas to life.

  Speaker:

  Melinda Coffman, SBIR Program Coordinator, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)​ & National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)​

• 2:00 – 2:45 PM: Nail It: Crafting Research Projects That Deliver Results

  Learn how to design and execute research projects that achieve meaningful results. Focus on defining clear aims and objectives to guide your research efforts.

  Speakers:

  Martin Kleckner, Director, EPIC SBDC, Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR

  Eric Gosink, Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR 

• 3:15 – 4:00 PM: Find Your Perfect Match - The Art of Customer Discovery

  Understand the importance of customer discovery in the development process. Learn techniques for identifying and understanding your target customers’ needs and preferences through real-world case studies.

  Speakers:

  Steve Sharp, Entrepreneur-In-Residence, EPIC SBDC, Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR 

• 4:00 – 4:15 PM: Mission Driven Finance

  Speakers:

  Marquise Jackson, Sr. Director of Business Dev & partnerships

• 4:20 – 5:00 PM: Reception

  4:20 – 5:00 PM: Reception

Day 2

• 7:30 – 8:15 AM: Check-In & Breakfast

  7:30 – 8:15 AM: Check-In & Breakfast

• 8:20 – 8:55 AM: Are Your Team and Idea ‘Fund-Worthy’? - What Reviewers Are Looking For

  Discover what funding reviewers look for in a team and an idea. Learn how to present your team and project in the best light to increase your chances of securing funding.

  Speakers:

  Martin Kleckner, Director, EPIC SBDC, Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR  

  Tracie Dean Ponder, Founder and CEO, Learn Collaborate, Inc. 

• 9:00 – 9:45 AM: Innovating for a Greener Future - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  Join us for an exclusive zoom webinar on the EPA’s SBIR program, where you’ll learn how to secure funding for innovative environmental technologies. Discover how your small business can contribute to clean water, air quality, climate resilience, and more. Get insights into the application process and learn about Don’t miss this opportunity to make a positive impact on our planet!

  Presenter: April Richards, SBIR Program Manager
  US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• 10:15 – 10:55 AM: Fueling Scientific Breakthroughs - National Science Foundation (NSF)

  Explore the NSF’s SBIR/STTR program in this informative webinar via zoom designed for startups and small businesses. Learn how to obtain non-dilutive funding for cutting-edge research and development projects across various technology areas. Learn about NSF Fast-Track Pilot Program.

  Speaker:

  Parvathi Chundi, National Science Foundation​
  SBIR/STTR Program Director

• 11:00 – 11:45 AM: Pioneering Defense Innovations: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

  Dive into the world of high-risk, high-reward research with DARPA’s SBIR/STTR programs. This zoom presentation will guide you through the process of securing funding for advanced technologies that enhance national security. Learn about DARPA’s mission, the types of projects they fund, and how to position your proposal for success.. Take your defense-related ideas to the next level with DARPA’s support!

  Speaker:

  Jennifer Thabet, Program Director, Small Business Programs Office, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

• 12:00 – 12:50 PM: Lunch & Keynote - Vision to Victory: Insights from an SBIR/STTR Awardee

  Hear from a successful SBIR/STTR awardee. Learn about the challenges faced, strategies employed, and the key factors that led to securing SBIR funding. This session will provide invaluable tips and inspiration for anyone looking to navigate the SBIR process and achieve their own funding success. 

  Speakers:

  Key Du, Assistant Professor, Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Collaborator with Biological Mimetics  

  Josh Morales, CEO, StarNav 

• 1:00 – 1:50 PM: Cracking the DOD Code - Insider Tips for Defense Funding

  Get tips on securing funding from the Department of Defense (DOD). Understand the unique requirements and strategies for successful defense-related funding applications.

  Panelists:

  Erin Holden, Division and Program Manager, Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment (APEX), Parallax Advanced Research

  Madison Lundberg, SBIR Program Analyst, VTG Defense

  Tyler Temple, Deputy Director​, Defense SBIR/STTR Program Office​, OUSD(R&E)​, United States Army, Army Research Office 

• 2:05 – 2:45 PM: Find Your Perfect Match - The Art of Customer Discovery

  Understand the importance of customer discovery in the development process. Learn techniques for identifying and understanding your target customers’ needs and preferences through real-world case studies.

  Speakers:

  Francis Reyes, Director, Blackstone LaunchPad, Entrepreneurial Education Lead, Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR

  Jay Gilberg, Lead Instructor and Entrepreneur-in-Residence, EPIC SBDC, Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR 

• 3:00 – 3:45 PM: Power Moves - Building Game-Changing Academic & Corporate Partnerships

  Understand the importance of strategic partnerships between academia and industry. Gain insights into forming and maintaining successful collaborations that drive innovation and product development.

  Moderator: Jim Llano, Associate Director, Corporate and Strategic Partnerships, Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR

  Panelists:

  Christina Waters, PhD; CEO of Archer Precision Medicine Advisory, and CEO of President of RARE Science, Inc.  

  Chad Wasilenkoff; Serial Entrepreneur, and CEO of Helicoid Industries  

• 3:45 – 4:00 PM: Resources

  Speakers:

  Nicole Cleary, OASIS Project Advisor, Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR

  Eric Gosink, Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR 

• 4:00 – 4:45 PM: Show Me the Money! Leveraging SBIR Funding to Raise Capital

  Explore strategies for utilizing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding to secure capital for your projects.

  Speaker:

  Scott Brovsky, Entrepreneur-In-Residence, EPIC SBDC, Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR 

• 4:45 – 5:00 PM: Closing Remarks

  Speakers:

  Martin Kleckner, Director, EPIC SBDC, Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR

  Misty Madero, Director, Corporate Research & SBIR/STTR Resource Center, Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The EPA funds innovative projects that protect human health and the environment, supporting clean air, land, and water solutions through SBIR grants aimed at environmental protection and sustainability.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), NIFA

USDA, through NIFA, provides SBIR funding for advancements in food, agriculture, and natural resources, focusing on sustainable practices and solutions to agricultural challenges.

Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR)

NAVWAR supports SBIR projects that develop cutting-edge information warfare technologies, delivering capabilities that enhance the Navy's mission readiness and national defense.

Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Research & Engineering (OUSD(R&E))

OUSD(R&E) offers SBIR/STTR funding to drive technological innovation that strengthens the U.S. military’s technological advantage in defense capabilities.

Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment (APEX)

Managed by Parallax Advanced Research, APEX connects researchers and businesses with U.S. Air Force SBIR/STTR opportunities, helping transition defense technologies from labs to operational use.

Department of Energy (DOE)

The DOE offers SBIR/STTR funding to projects tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges, fostering innovations that enhance the security and prosperity of the U.S.

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), IFPS

The Institute of Food Production and Sustainability (IFPS) within NIFA funds research on improving food systems and promoting sustainable agricultural practices through SBIR/STTR programs.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

DARPA's SBIR/STTR programs focus on high-risk, high-reward technologies that promise to revolutionize national security, fostering technological breakthroughs that shape the future of defense.

U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM ARL)

DEVCOM ARL provides SBIR funding for breakthrough scientific research that supports the Army’s modernization efforts, accelerating science-driven solutions for military applications.

National Science Foundation (NSF)

NSF supports SBIR/STTR projects across all scientific disciplines, funding research with the potential for commercial and societal impact through technological innovation and discovery.