A promising technology needs more than funding. It needs people who can help turn an idea into a competitive federal research proposal, a viable product, and a growing company.
That is the work MNSBIR, Inc. is proud to continue as Minnesota’s recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program award, with the required support of the Governor’s Office. MNSBIR is among 43 returning organizations selected for another year of funding. Across the country, SBA awarded more than $8 million to 50 organizations serving 49 states and Puerto Rico.
FAST helps Minnesota startups and small businesses compete for America’s Seed Fund: the SBIR and STTR programs, which provide more than $5 billion annually in federal R&D funding without requiring companies to give up equity. Congress has reauthorized these programs through September 30, 2031.
Funding appropriated by the Minnesota Legislature strengthens that work. Together, these investments allow MNSBIR to provide education, technical assistance, mentoring, and individualized support along the path from research and technology transfer to commercialization.
Since 2014, MNSBIR has helped 115 Minnesota companies secure more than $150 million in SBIR/STTR funding with many of these companies attracting millions of dollars in private investment to advance their technologies and businesses.
We are grateful to work alongside partners across Minnesota’s innovation ecosystem, including the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the University of Minnesota, and Mayo Clinic. Thank you to the SBA and the State of Minnesota for investing in the entrepreneurs building products, companies, and jobs here in Minnesota.