WTC's SBIR seminar series puts technology companies across the state in touch with experts who can help them navigate the process of getting funding for research and tap into the resources offered by federal agencies through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

Seattle
Thirty-six people from Western Washington came to see Dr. John Mulligan, President/CEO of Blue Heron Biotechnology, Inc and Dr. Deborah Leith, Special Counsel at Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe LLP talk at the Seattle breakfast event, "From Concept to Commercialization: How to Leverage Your Intellectual Property," on June 24. This breakfast was tailored for companies who are considering or already in the process of working with federal agencies on research projects funded through SBIR and STTR grants. The presentations centered around insight into understanding how IP is handled at the government level and what to expect when working jointly with agencies on research and development that will have commercial application including the legal and procedural aspect associated with patents and intellectual property.

Tab Wilkins
Director, Regional and Technical Services

Vancouver
Nearly 40 companies attended WTC's SBIR programs June 16 in Vancouver, Washington. The workshop, entitled "Funding Your R&D: What It Takes to Win a Federal SBIR Award," provided attendees with in-depth information on federal government programs that award $1.6 billion in funding each year to companies who seek financial assistance with technology research and product development.

The morning session offered general information on the SBIR program that appealed to a variety of industries. This presentation touched on a wide variety of federal agencies that offer SBIR and STTR awards. The afternoon session focused more specifically on programs for companies looking to develop energy-related technologies and processes for advancing the commercialization of sustainable energy sources. These projects most often involve working with agencies like the Department of Energy (DOE) and Environment Protection Agency (EPA). The event drew companies from both Southwest Washington and Northern Oregon.

"We had a great audience for this event," says Tab Wilkins, Director of Regional and Technical Services for WTC. "The people who attended seemed interested in learning not only the mechanics of the program, but the way in which it made, or didn't make business sense for them," Wilkins added. "During the sessions, we focused on how a company should determine whether SBIR and STTR make strategic sense for them in relation to other funding opportunities," Wilkins explained.

WTC will continue to host events around the state in communities where there is strong potential for technology growth. The seminar series reflects WTC's mission to educate entrepreneurial businesses on research funding programs available to them.

Upcoming SBIR Seminar:

SBIR 101

Date: September 30 2004
Time: 8:00am - 11:00am
Cost: $40.00 (includes breakfast and course materials)
Location: Seattle SBA Offices

Agenda:

8:00 Welcome and Introduction

8:30 SBIR Overview

8:50 Eligibility & Strategic Perspective

9:20 Which Agencies To Focus On

9:50 Examining Individual Solicitations

10:00 Break

10:20 Examining Individual Solicitations (Con’t)

10:40 Technical Proposal Preparation

11:00 Budget Proposal Preparation

11:20 What Happens If You Win?

12:00 Adjourn

For more information on the SBIR seminar series or to inquire about hosting an event in your community, contact Russell Paez at 206.616.3102 or email rpaez@watechcenter.org