NCI SBIR/STTR Workshop

Are you developing a promising cancer-focused technology and seeking funding to advance it toward commercialization? Join the National Cancer Institute's Small Business Innovation Research Development Center for an informational workshop on how early-stage companies, academic spinouts, and entrepreneurial researchers can access funding and commercialization support from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are a critical source of non-dilutive federal funding for early-stage companies. NCI SBIR/STTR programs provide approximately $200 million annually to U.S. small businesses advancing innovative cancer technologies, including therapeutics, diagnostics, devices, digital health tools, and research technologies. In addition to funding, the NCI SBIR Development Center offers a range of commercialization resources to help small businesses bring their products to market.

The main presentation, covering the SBIR/STTR program, commercialization resources and a Q&A, occurs from 10-11:30 a.m. and will be available virtually.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 16 | 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Cancer & Genetics Research Complex Auditorium (Room 101) or Zoom

The informational presentation will be followed by a talk from Duane Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D.; lunch and networking with UF resources for translation, commercialization and entrepreneurship; and one-on-one meetings with UF innovators and community startups.

Teams will be pre-selected for the 1-on-1 meetings by the NCI. Register for the workshop and submit your project for consideration by Sept. 1.

Join the webinar to learn about:

• SBIR/STTR grant programs at the National Cancer Institute
• Funding opportunities for cancer-focused startups and academic spinouts
• Tips for writing competitive SBIR/STTR grant proposals
• Commercialization resources for applicants and awardees

Speaker Information:

Dr. Jonathan Franca-Koh is the Team Lead and Program Director at the NCI SBIR Development Center, overseeing SBIR and STTR grants on cancer therapeutics and research tools. Dr. Franca-Koh plays an active role in several center initiatives, including investor forums, workshops, targeted funding opportunities, and represents the NCI on the trans-NIH REACH program. He earned a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Londons Institute of Cancer Research, completed postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins and J. Craig Venter Institute, and has an MBA from Johns Hopkins focused on finance and healthcare innovation.

Dr. Swamy Tripurani is a Program Director at the NCI SBIR Development Center. He is responsible for managing a portfolio of grants and contracts that support the development of innovative cancer therapeutics, digital health technologies, and therapeutic devices by small businesses. Prior to joining the NCI, Dr. Tripurani served as a Senior Research Scientist and Product Quality Assessor for 8 years within the U.S. FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research-Office of Pharmaceutical Quality Research. He earned his Ph.D. in Genetics and Developmental Biology from West Virginia University and completed postdoctoral research training focused on gynecologic cancers and reproductive disorders at Baylor College of Medicine.

For questions, contact Anita Rao (arao@ufl.edu)