Real Experiences From Former Clients
Hear what clients are saying about their experiences with MNSBIR, and the impact our programs had on the success of their company. Read Partner Testimonials at the bottom of the page
Ability Interactive LLC
Pat Dillon was incredible to work with during the SBIR application process. Her expertise was extensive, and she was generous with her time and advice. Pat also provided invaluable feedback on many of our application documents. Her passion for helping small businesses and startups in Minnesota was evident throughout the Accelerator experience. I couldn’t imagine doing the application without her guidance and support!
CoraVie Medical
For an early-stage startup with non-academic origins, a seemingly insurmountable task became possible through the support of the Minnesota SBIR/STTR Accelerator and in particular the personalized guidance and leadership of Pat Dillon. While the outcome of our grant submission is not known, going through the process alone helped us build a robust plan to complete our proof of concept. For those that are wondering if it’s worth the time and energy and thinks it’s easier to get investors via equity, your time will be well-spent and SBIR/STTR grants are non-dilutive
NRTK Biosciences, LLC (U of M Spinoff)
The MNSBIR SBIR/STTR Accelerator program was indispensable in helping our company to navigate the SBIR application process. I would highly recommend these resources to anyone considering submitting an SBIR/STTR proposal.
iMacular Regeneration LLC
Thanks to Pat Dillon and her team for guidance and support!
Partner Testimonials
On behalf of the three biotech startups that I have co-founded over the past 19 years, I want to thank you for all the outreaching followed by one-on-one advising that you do to enable young companies to get funding at the earliest stage. Over the years, my companies have been awarded close to $20million in SBIR/STTR funding to further their development without issuing a single share of stock.
A great example of that within the past year is a Phase I SBIR award to NovoClade before it attracted any investors. The positive evaluation (funding) by an experienced scientific/business review committee was a strong endorsement of the company’s scientific foundation and its business approach. This is always important in the translation of nuanced scientific discoveries to the market place that generally does not have the expertise to closely scrutinize breakthrough ideas and the findings that support them.
I also have noted that you are always present at the various events that present startup entrepreneurs to their first rounds of investor pitches. You are always there to remind the entrepreneurs of what MNSBIR can offer them in terms of obtaining funding and accompanying the validation of their ideas and goals. Thank you, Pat.
Perry B Hackett, Ph.D., Professor, Center for Genome Engineering, Dept. of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota
Pat Dillon’s deep knowledge of the SBIR and STTR programs and federal agencies have been critical to the University of Minnesota startups’ success securing tens of millions of grant funding over the past two decades. Her professionalism, passion, and warmth have encouraged our startup leaders to follow their dreams in bringing their innovations to the market!
Mary MacCarthy, University of Minnesota, Venture Center
MNSBIR (Pat) is a vital resource for the University of Minnesota innovators seeking to build businesses based on their inventions. With guidance from MNSBIR workshops and coaching, our researchers have successfully navigated the complexities of federal agency solicitations, written strong proposals, and – best of all – attracted millions of dollars in non-dilutive funding.