About Us

MNSBIR, Inc. is dedicated to advancing scientific excellence and technological innovation to bolster Minnesota’s economy while fostering diversity and inclusivity. We achieve this by securing federal research and development funding to stimulate the creation of new products, services, and solutions in the private sector. Our mission is multifaceted:

1. Supporting Small Businesses: We assist startups and small businesses in Minnesota to access non-dilutive funding from programs like the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), as well as other federal funding opportunities.
2. Empowering Innovation: Our core mission is to support seed, emerging, and established small businesses in advancing high-risk, high-impact technologies into market-ready products and services. We focus on technologies with both domestic and international market potential, playing a vital role in enabling investment and commercialization of deep tech innovations.
3. Bridging Research and Application: Operating on a model of free and confidential education and coaching, we provide comprehensive support throughout the entire lifecycle of an SBIR/STTR project, from Phase I to Phase III – Commercialization. We ensure that innovative technologies achieve tangible impact and financial sustainability by bridging the gap between research and practical application.
4. Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity: We prioritize the participation of firms owned by women and people who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color, thereby contributing to the development and growth of a diverse Minnesota workforce.

MNSBIR, Inc. operates as a 501(c)(3) organization, supported in part through a Federal and State Technology Partnership Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, a legislative appropriation grant from the Department of Employment and Economic Development, and a financial contribution from the University of Minnesota, Technology Commercialization, and the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship. With decades of proven expertise and strong relationships across the 11 participating federal agencies, we specialize in guiding qualifying firms through the process, making it less daunting and more manageable