FOSTER Program Overview
UNHInnovation is leading a U.S. Small Business Administration initiative called FOSTER (https://innovation.unh.edu/foster) to increase proposals for SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) grants in the state of New Hampshire. SBIR and STTR grants represent a valuable source of non-dilutive funding for New Hampshire (NH) small technology businesses with less than 500 employees. FOSTER also includes an important mandate to support underserved communities such as women- and minority-owned businesses, rural as well as socially-economically disadvantaged companies.
SBIR and STTR grants represent an approximate $4 billion program annually and are issued by most U.S. government agencies such as the Department of Defense (DOD), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), to name three. Grants are issued in phases, used to support research and development and can total more than $1 million each.
FOSTER offers small NH businesses a variety of services including grant identification, training, advice and proposal support. For select companies, a competitive microgrant program is available to offer direct grant proposal assistance. All services are free.
The SBIR/STTR program represents a great way for companies to receive needed capital to develop and build their products. To learn more, please contact the FOSTER team at FOSTER.UNHI@unh.edu
Read the Official Announcement
Upcoming Events
All events are being held virtually - All events are free but registration is required
May 27, 2021 | 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
This workshop will provide detailed instruction on developing competitive proposals for the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) SBIR/STTR program. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
June 29, 2021 | 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join our Virtual Classroom for an Interactive, half-day, overview of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) grant programs. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs, we’ll take a deep dive into the NSF grant mechanisms, review how to navigate the NSF website and research projects qualities that would be considered Basic vs Translational, how to use web tools and how to avoid common pitfalls. Our virtual SBIR Classroom features activities and regular interaction with participants. Get your questions ready!
DOE Proposal Prep Essentials
August 24, 2021 | 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the structure, policies, and procedures of DOE’s SBIR/STTR programs, how to plan your project, collect necessary documents and write your proposal to meet reviewer expectations. Includes information on R&D and commercialization planning.
FOSTER Related Files
Contact Information
Marc Eichenberger
Director of Corporate Engagement
foster.unhi@unh.edu
(603) 862-5446