COMOTION SBIR/STTR
APPLICATION SUPPORT PROGRAM

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, collectively dubbed “America’s Seed Fund,” are US government initiatives designed to support startups and other small businesses in developing and commercializing innovative technologies in the national interest. UW spinouts have received more than 379 SBIR/STTR awards worth more than $209M.

Writing successful SBIR/STTR grant applications can be challenging for academic researchers because the requirements differ from traditional academic grants, with a tighter focus on commercialization. The CoMotion SBIR/STTR Application Support Program helps UW research teams and spinoffs pursuing Phase I grants and navigating the application process, providing tools and expert guidance on how to develop a competitive proposal. Teams should plan on spending a total of 40-80 hours on their application to be competitive.

Your innovation is eligible for consideration for the SBIR/STTR Application Support Program if:

• You are a UW researcher who intends to license innovations developed at UW to your planned startup.
• The innovation has already been disclosed, in writing, to CoMotion and is not licensed or optioned.
• Your startup is not yet formed, newly formed, or otherwise non-operating, meaning you have no employees or revenue.
• Participation in CoMotion programs, such as the Innovation Gap Fund awards and the I-Corps customer discovery workshop, is highly recommended.

Unsure whether SBIR/STTR grants are the right next step for you? Email Ryan Buckmaster, director of innovation investments at CoMotion, or consult with your CoMotion innovation manager. (If you haven’t worked with us before, start here.)

Applications for the Support Program are accepted on a rolling basis. Teams are encouraged to apply well before SBIR/STTR application deadlines of interest to allow time to complete the required consultation regarding program eligibility rules.