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Catalyst Program

Get started on your path to commercialization.

MNSBIR Programs - CATALYSTThe Catalyst Program offers free, personalized coaching to startups and small businesses, fewer than 500 employees, engaged in early-stage research and development with strong commercialization potential. Our support helps eligible firms to navigate the SBIR/STTR process and secure federal funding to bring innovative ideas to market.

Our Catalyst Program support spans all SBIR/STTR phases—Phase I, Phase II, Fast Track, Direct to Phase II, and Phase IIB—across 11 federal agencies. We work with eligible firms throughout the SBIR/STTR lifecycle, often over multiple years, to accelerate development and improve long-term success.

The goal of each project should lead to a commercial product, process, or service over years. Eligible R&D activities include applied research and prototype development leading to scale-up.

We evaluate each project based on:

  • Technological innovation
  • Technical feasibility
  • Technical risk
  • Market potential
  • Commercialization

Our mission is to equip businesses with the tools, knowledge, and expert guidance needed to secure funding and successfully transition their innovation from concept to commercialization.

Cohort Model

We provide specialized support for NIH, NSF, and DOD applicants through facilitated cohorts that run periodically throughout the year.

  • NSF SBIR/STTR Cohort Program

    This program helps deep-tech innovators refine their commercialization strategies, secure NSF funding, and accelerate their path to market success.

    The NSF SBIR/STTR Cohort Program helps technology-driven startups and small businesses navigate the NSF SBIR/STTR funding process through targeted education, mentorship, and commercialization support. Firms must have a formal invitation from NSF to submit a full proposal.

    Key Objectives

    • Guide participants in developing competitive NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I proposals.
    • Provide strategic coaching on commercialization, customer discovery, and business development.
    • Facilitate peer learning and networking among science and technology entrepreneurs.
    • Support businesses in securing follow-on funding and strategic partnerships.

    Program Components

    Proposal Development – Guidance on eligibility, NSF review criteria, and proposal writing with expert feedback.
    Budget Development – Develop a budget that accurately reflects the scope of work, ensuring alignment with project objectives, necessary resources, and funding requirements.
    Commercialization Strategy – Develop NSF’s Commercial Opportunity section, refine business models, and conduct customer discovery.
    Technology & Market Validation – Identify commercial applications, navigate IP strategy, and connect with industry partners.
    Cohort Learning & Networking – Engage in workshops, expert panels, and investor connections.

  • NIH SBIR/STTR Cohort Program

    The NIH Cohort helps life science startups and small businesses navigate the NIH funding process, refine their commercialization strategies, and accelerate their path to market success. The Cohort provides structured education and coaching designed to guide small businesses through the NIH SBIR/STTR application process. The program provides targeted education, mentorship, and resources to help participants develop competitive Phase I and Phase II proposals while advancing their biomedical innovations toward commercialization.

    Key Objectives

    • Educate and prepare participants for competitive NIH SBIR/STTR applications.
    • Provide customized coaching on science writing.
    • Facilitate peer learning and networking among life sciences entrepreneurs.
    • Support businesses in securing follow-on funding and strategic partnerships.

    Program Components

    1. SBIR/STTR Proposal Development
      1. Guidance on eligibility, agency priorities, and funding mechanisms.
      2. Step-by-step support for writing strong Phase I and Phase II proposals.
      3. Expert review of applications before submission.
    2. Commercialization Strategy
      1. Development of NIH-required Commercialization Plans for Phase II applications.
      2. Market analysis, IP strategy, and regulatory pathway guidance.
      3. Connections to potential industry partners and investors.
    3. Regulatory & Compliance Support
      1. Preparing regulatory content for the SBIR/STTR Phase I, Fast Track or Direct to Phase II application.
      2. Cohort-Based Learning & Peer Networking
      3. Structured workshops, expert panels, and mentorship from experienced SBIR/STTR funded firms and principal investigators.

    Who Should Participate?

    The Cohort is designed for eligible entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses developing biomedical technologies, including therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, and healthcare solutions, who are seeking NIH SBIR/STTR funding.

    Frequency

    The Cohort is offered three times per year to coincide with the NIH deadlines: January 5, April 5 and September 5.

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