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Catalyst Program Application

Ready to take your innovation to the next level?

Let’s get to know your business and your innovation.

The Catalyst Program is the starting point of your journey to expert education, coaching, and commercialization guidance to pursue federal SBIR/STTR funding.

Tell us about your business, the research you want to pursue, and where you could use support. Your responses will help us understand your goals and how we can help you move forward.

A few things to know before you begin:

  • Who should apply? Minnesota-based startups and small businesses pursuing applied research with commercialization potential.
  • When can you apply? We accept applications year-round and review them upon submission. Your information is kept confidential.
  • Need more time? Use the button at the bottom of the form to save your progress and return when you’re ready.
  • Have a question? We’re happy to help. Contact us at info@minnesotasbir.org.

We look forward to learning about your novel innovation and technology commercialization pathway!

References

  • What is the ownership and eligibility criteria?

    The Ownership Requirement:
    A majority (more than 50%) of your firms’ equity (e.g., stock) must be directly owned and controlled by one of the following: 1) One or more individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the U.S., 2) Other for-profit small business concerns (each of which is directly owned and controlled by individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the U.S.).

    • This includes a single VCOC, HF, or PEF that is itself a small business concern which is more than 50% directly owned and controlled by individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens of the U.S.
    • This also includes applicants more than 50% directly owned and controlled by ANCs, NHOs, or Indian Tribes or by a wholly owned subsidiary of an ANC, NHO, or Indian Tribe.  September 2024 6 3) A combination of the scenarios presented in (1) and (2) above. 4) Multiple VCOCs, HFs, PEFs, or any combination of these, so long as no one such firm owns or controls more than 50% of the equity.

    Note: This option is allowed only for SBIR awards from agencies that are using the authority provided in § 5107 of the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act (majority‐VC‐owned authority), 15 U.S.C. § 638(dd)(1).

  • What defines Veteran and BIPOC status?

    Veteran is defined as a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident who has served in any branch of the U.S. armed forces, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

    BIPOC (Black, Indigenous or Person of Color) is defined as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who identifies as Black or African-American; Asian; American Indian or Alaska Native; or Hispanic, Spanish or Latin origin.

    Why do we collect this information?
    As a federal and state funded business, we must report demographic information. Answers do not impact the acceptance or denial of the Catalyst Application.

  • The form is not accepting my website address.

    The full website must be listed (e.g. http://www.yourwebsite.com)

    Note: If no website exists, this may be left intentionally blank.

  • Where can I find my Legislative Districts?

    Using the legal business address visit Who Represents Me? to find information on the Congressional district, Minnesota Senate district, and Minnesota House of Representative district.

    Example: MN House – 51B, MN Senate – 51, U.S. House – 3

    Please note in this example:

    • The Minnesota House and Senate numbers should be the same.
    • The U.S. House number is the Congressional District

  • What is my Technology Readiness Level (TRL)?

    The federal SBIR/STTR programs seek novel ideas, concepts and projects with strong commercial potential. Funding supports early stage product research and development projects with significant technical risk. The federal government uses various technical readiness system to determine the maturity of the technology.

    The most recognizable, developed by NASA, is called the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).

    Learn more: minnesotasbir.org/download/technology-readiness-levels/

Navigation at the bottom of the form will only allow you to proceed when all fields have been filled, however, you may skip to different sections by clicking on the title or number at the top of the form.

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