NSF SBIR/STTR Proposal Planning Workshop

NSF SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep Workshop
May 5, 2026, Charlottesville, VA
The National Science Foundation (NSF) invests more than $200 million annually in their SBIR/STTR Program to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense. NSF-funded research has led to breakthroughs and new discoveries that help people live longer, healthier and more productive lives, and builds a research foundation that drives further discovery. Join this SBIR classroom for an overview of the NSF SBIR/STTR program and proposal requirements. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs, we’ll take a deep dive into the NSF program specifics, so you’re equipped for a successful proposal. You’ll learn:
-NSF’s program goals and eligibility
-How to navigate the NSF website and use web tools (Research.gov)
-The importance of connecting Program Managers
-Application components and proposal scoring
-How to avoid common pitfalls and more!

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Hosted by VIPC
Instructed by BBCetc. Principal Consultant Megan Varnum, Ph.D.
Event Host & Location: Carter Bank Building, 300 Preston Ave #206, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Time: 9AM-4PM – Coffee, Bagels & Lunch provided
Price: Virginia Co’s & Va University $25, All Others $75

BBCetc Senior Principal Consultant, Megan Varnum, Ph.D.
Megan joined BBCetc as a Principal Consultant in 2019 with a wealth of experience in leading biological technologies on the path to commercialization. As CEO of FibrosIX Inc., a Michigan company developing compounds for the treatment or prevention of fibrosis-related disorders, Megan was involved in all aspects of planning and operation of the company. This included writing an SBIR grant proposal, which was awarded from the National Cancer Institute. Her prior experience includes serving as an Entrepreneur in Residence for Michigan State University’s Spartan Innovations where she assisted MSU researchers in translating their technologies into startup businesses. While at MSU, she managed the launch of two startups and assisted in preparation of both NIH and NSF SBIR proposals. A former Research Associate of the Scripps Research Institute, Megan received a B.S degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a PhD from Boston University.

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