One-on-One Meetings
Due to time constraints, companies attending during a Phase IIB supplement will not have a one-on-one meeting at this year’s event.
For many awardees, the most important aspect of the SBIR/STTR Phase II Grantees Conference is the “one-on-one meeting” with their NSF program director. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss the progress of your Phase II project, commercialization efforts, and any other concerns or good news. Please note that it is critical that awardees have a candid discussion with their program director about company progress and challenges they are facing in taking the new technology to market.
Common Topics for One-on-One Meetings
- Update on your progress in engaging customers and other stakeholders, raising follow-on funding, and establishing strategic partnerships.
- Questions regarding the Phase II TECP and Phase IIB supplemental funding programs.
- Requirements of and eligibility for Phase IIB, suitability of matching funds, timing issues, request for authorization to submit a supplement, NSF review process, etc.
- Questions regarding other SBIR Phase II supplemental funding opportunities.
- Financial challenges that your company faces in getting the technology to market.
- Team or personnel issues.
- IP issues or concerns.
- Concerns about shifting market dynamics or emerging competitive threats.
- Any other “non-technology” issue being faced by your company.
Attendance Requirements
Attendance by the PI to this conference is typically mandatory. Attendance by other members of the awardee firm, especially those involved in leading the commercial effort, is welcomed. If the PI is unable to attend, please notify and discuss with your NSF program director who will be representing your company. That individual must be qualified to represent your company and able to discuss the topics described above. At this year’s event, all one-on-one meetings will be scheduled from Monday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. Awardees should plan to be present throughout this three-day event, so the one-on-one meeting schedule will not impact your travel planning.