SBIR/STTR Phase 0 Funding Program

Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning April 23, 2024. Review of submitted proposals will begin May 15, 2024. The request for applications will be open until funds are fully obligated

Overview and Purpose
Research and Creative Activity has designed a program to provide financial support for those pursuing federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Funding for this program will come from Economic Diversification Research Funds (EDRF). Established by the ND Legislature for NDUS institutions, the program’s purpose is to:

Stimulate economic activity across the state through innovation of new technology, concepts, and products;
Promote job creation and career and wage growth;
Enhance health care outcomes;
Address loss of revenue and jobs in communities with economies that depend primarily on the fossil fuel industry;
Provide experiential learning opportunities for students.

Available funding
Financial assistance of up to $7,500 is available to qualifying entities to help offset the cost of developing a Phase 1 SBIR/STTR proposal for submission to a federal agency’s solicitation. Phase 0 Support can be up to $7,500 per project in direct costs only, such as grant-writing or consulting services for assistance with the preparation of Phase I materials. No indirect costs will be allowed.

There are a total of $65,000 in funds available. Proposals will be accepted on an ongoing basis until funds are spent. Pending continued availability of funds, a second round of this call for proposals will launch in late summer 2024 for FY2025 funds.

Eligibility:

Full-time faculty and research staff at NDSU are eligible to apply.
Faculty may participate in more than one project. However, a PI is only eligible to receive one award.
Outside companies are eligible when there is a clear, stated, benefit to NDSU.

Application:

Technology Acceleration Program applications must be submitted using the online submission form in InfoReady: here.

Submission Instructions

Use the link above to access the application page.
When you are ready to submit your application, use the “Apply” button on the competition page.
When prompted to log in, choose the large blue “North Dakota State University Login” button.
Log in using your Bison credentials.
Complete the InfoReady form (questions include name and department for PI and up to four Co-PIs).
Complete each section, use the budget template provided on the Details page
As part of the proposal routing process, you will be asked to provide the email address of your department chair or unit head. The proposal will be routed to that individual for approval of the proposed application, including the budget. An application without department chair/unit head approval will not be reviewed.
Preview and submit.

You may save your application in progress and return to it at a later time.

Format:

11-point font or larger
1/2” margins

Component	Description	Page Limit
Team	Brief description of relevant experience and accomplishments for each faculty member on the team. If there are pre-existing collaborations between team members, note those as well.	Up to 1 Page
Project Description	Describe the problem your prototype is looking to solve. Describe how your prototype solves the stated problem (i.e. is a new product to the market or is an alternative to current options on the market.) Relevant market need and size (if known.) Outline your business model (commercial potential and how you see this generating income.) Project timeline showing activities needed for commercialization. What are the steps to get from the current level of development to market entry. Timeline must note completion dates for key deliverables. Description of industry connections/partnerships with regard to this technology. Provide specific information on industry collaborations and/or discussions. Note that projects that have obtained a letter or letters of support and/or commitment from industry partners will be asked to elaborate on the role and relevance in an additional attachment, detailed below.	Up to 2 pages
References Cited	As applicable.	N/A
STTR/SBIR Program	Identify a specific agency relevant SBIR/STTR program	1 Para.
External Funding	Summary of relevant external research support (past, current, and pending) for primary team members (PI and up to 4 co-PIs). For each project, include title, start/end dates, agency, amount, and brief description.	As needed
Brief Budget and Justification	Maximum award amount is $7,500. There is no minimum. Identify the grant writing service or consultant you intend to contract (If you need assistance identifying someone please contact Cindy Graffeo at Cynthia.graffeo@ndsu.edu) Complete budget template (provided on the details page).	Budget Template
*If Applicable*
Letters of support and/or Letters of commitment	Signed letters where industry partners document support and/or leveraged resources Letters of Support indicate that a proposal’s project activities contribution have support from the company and explains the translational and commercialization value of the project for that industry sector. When companies are willing and able to leverage resources for the proposal (leveraged funds awarded to the PI/researcher team for the project; in-kind leveraged support through partial or whole FTEs, use of facilities/instrumentation, etc.), the partner should document that contribution in a Letter of Commitment that explains the leveraged resources that will be brought onto the proposal, if EDRF funds are awarded.	1 Page Max (per letter)
Industry Support	Projects that obtain a Letter of Support and/or Letter of Commitment from one or more industry partners should use this one page to explain the industry role and relevance for the proposed activities.	1 Page

Budget Guidelines:

Phase 0 Funds can be used for:
1. Consulting fees
2. Grant-writing services
Funds may not be used for:
1. Travel expenses
2. Faculty salary support
3. Student Tuition
4. Equipment/Supplies

To Apply
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are fully obligated through June 30, 2024, and can be submitted online at InfoReady.

Timeline
The project should begin no earlier than April 24, 2024, and can be for up to one year.

Review Process
Proposals will be reviewed by internal and potentially external reviewers beginning May 15, 2024.

Report Requirements

Funded projects will be required to submit the following reports:
- Interim reports as requested (with anticipated two-week notice) to meet EDRF reporting requirements.
- A final report no later than one month (30 days) after the conclusion of funding, to include EDRF reporting requirements.

Questions
Contact cynthia.graffeo@ndsu.edu with questions.