NM FAST to host seventh annual SBIR/STTR innovation summit in Albuquerque

Original Article | Milica Tenic | tenic@nmsu.edu | November 8, 2023

Small businesses, federal program managers, defense representatives, experts and support organizations passionate about advancing innovation are invited to participate in the seventh annual New Mexico Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Innovation Summit.

The summit is hosted by the New Mexico Federal and State Technology, or NM FAST, Partnership Program housed at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center. It will take place Dec. 13 at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque. NM FAST is organizing the summit with support from the Air Force Research Lab and in collaboration with the Navy’s SBIR/STTR program.

The summit’s reach extends beyond New Mexico, with satellite locations nationwide streaming into the event. The topics covered will encompass valuable federal-level insights, making it an indispensable event for businesses across the nation. Attendees will also gain insights into the key nuances between SBIR/STTR agencies, such as how to navigate grant and contract pathways and the opportunities they create for tech-focused startups.

The United States Small Business Administration oversees the SBIR/STTR programs, which drives technological innovation and commercialization by granting non-dilutive funding small businesses engaged in research and development. These programs boast participation from eleven federal agencies and collectively provide about $4 billion in federal funding to small businesses each year.

NM FAST plays a pivotal role in New Mexico’s innovation landscape, offering SBIR/STTR proposal development support and programming to the entire state. Efforts are directed towards enhancing participation in the SBIR/STTR programs, particularly from underserved, innovative and technology-driven small businesses.

“We are excited to bring the summit back in person, and have curated an incredible line-up of speakers and topics for this year’s event,” said Dana Catron, deputy director and SBIR program director at Arrowhead Center. “Anyone interested in securing non-dilutive federal funding needs to attend and register for one-on-one sessions with program managers.”

Building on the resounding success of last year’s virtual event, which attracted over 340 attendees from 38 states and four countries, this year’s summit is poised for an even greater impact for New Mexico. Federal program managers, directors and technical points of contact will be in Albuquerque offering impactful one on one sessions, during which New Mexico startups will be able to discuss agency alignment for their technologies.

The summit will offer engaging sessions featuring expert-led panels and federal officers. Participants will have the unique opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions with experts and key decision-makers to discuss their innovative concepts. The summit’s panels will demystify the SBIR/STTR review process for newcomers, explore the avenues of funding opportunities for startup research and development, and underscore the significance of collaboration and partnership. Federal agency program managers and representatives will provide insights into the differences among SBIR/STTR agencies and the types of innovations they support. Representatives from the Navy SBIR/STTR programs will present upcoming topics and provide guidance for competitive proposal packages.

This year’s summit will feature a keynote address by Gabe Mounce, director of the Air Force Research Laboratory. As a major supporter of the day-long event, AFRL will also have an informational table, participate in panel discussions and provide opportunities for attendees to interact with their personnel.

Small businesses, technology firms, economic development organizations, researchers, academic faculty, inventors and students are encouraged to attend and gain insights from panels and presentations by several high-ranking officials, and enjoy opportunities to interact one-on-one with program managers from federal agencies, including the Navy, Air Force, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, National Science Foundation and more.

NM FAST contributes to the state’s burgeoning technology and innovation ecosystem by delivering micro-grants, mentorship opportunities, and statewide workshops and events, such as the summit, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 13. Registration is free and open at https://NMSBIRInnovationSummit.eventbrite.com.