NSF SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab

in collaboration with

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How It Works

NSF PITCH STAGE

Meet With Us

We’ll answer your questions about the NSF’s SBIR/STTR program to help you decide if this is a good fit for your technology.

Attend the Webinars

Draft a Project Pitch

Register for and attend webinars on the NSF SBIR/STTR program by NSF Program Director Ben Schrag and SBIR/STTR proposal consultant Jim Greenwood.

You’ll have the option to draft your project pitch to the NSF and, if submitted to KSEF by the next submission window deadline, you will receive a free review and valuable feedback to ensure your pitch is ready for submission. Submit your pitch to the NSF and await approval (it usually takes about a month).

NSF PROPOSAL PREPARATION STAGE

Attend the Training

Incubation

Proposal Submission

Once your project pitch is approved, register for and attend the webinar on proposal preparation by consultant Jim Greenwood.

Commit to a series of personalized meetings and receive valuable expert advice on how best to submit your full NSF proposal by the the next submission window deadline.

You will remain part of the KSEF family. We look forward to supporting you on the next step of your SBIR/STTR journey!

We’re here to help you navigate this and other SBIR/STTR opportunities.

Schedule a Consultation

NSF Proposal Submission Windows:
Closes March 5, 2025

Closes July 3, 2025

About the Proposal Lab

Our goal is to help you succeed at bringing your technology to market by taking advantage of the SBIR/STTR (also known as America’s Seed Fund) programs non-dilutive funding.

During the lab, you will begin receiving virtual instruction via one-on-one meetings with KSEF staff and webinars. From there, you could be matched with an expert consultant who can provide you with templates and resources to help you write your proposal and engage with you in one-on-one counseling about the proposal application.

I have an idea. Where do I start?

Sign-up for a consultation or submit your pitch. We will reach out to you to discuss your fit.
What happens if my idea is not a good fit for DOD SBIR?

You are in luck, we work with a number of partners and we have access to many resources. If your idea is not a good fit for DOD, but it could work for other agencies. The KY Innovation team at the Cabinet for Economic Development can help.
My idea is a good fit for DOD SBIR/STTR programs, what's next?

Topic match-up will be two days after the DOD will release their BAA topics (Dec, Apr, Aug). We will work with you to review those topics and find a match. If none of the topics work for you, we can still help you submit to other SBIR programs.
The Proposal Lab is 8-weeks long, do I have to commit all that time?

Yes, spots are limited. If you don't think you can commit to 200-300 hours of work, then let someone else have that opportunity.
If I complete the program and I win a DOD award, what happens?

You will be our poster company on social media! You will also be eligible for the KY SBIR/STTR Matching Funds program. We are dedicating all of our resources to promote your company along the way.

I have an idea. Where do I start?

Sign-up for a consultation or submit your pitch. We will reach out to you to discuss your fit.
What happens if my idea is not a good fit for DOD SBIR?

You are in luck, we work with a number of partners and we have access to many resources. If your idea is not a good fit for DOD, but it could work for other agencies. The KY Innovation team at the Cabinet for Economic Development can help.
My idea is a good fit for DOD SBIR/STTR programs, what's next?

Topic match-up will be two days after the DOD will release their BAA topics (Dec, Apr, Aug). We will work with you to review those topics and find a match. If none of the topics work for you, we can still help you submit to other SBIR programs.
The Proposal Lab is 8-weeks long, do I have to commit all that time?

Yes, spots are limited. If you don't think you can commit to 200-300 hours of work, then let someone else have that opportunity.
If I complete the program and I win a DOD award, what happens?

You will be our poster company on social media! You will also be eligible for the KY SBIR/STTR Matching Funds program. We are dedicating all of our resources to promote your company along the way.

Home: About

webinars

Our Team

Meet The Team

Kay Lee
Associate Director of Innovation, Human Factor

Emilie Clemmens

Associate Director of Innovation, Health and Biosciences

Kristine McNiel
KY Innovation Project Manager

Maria Labreveux
KSEF Executive Director

Alana Morgan

Impact Strategist

Ellie Derbyshire
Associate Director of Innovation, Environment and Materials