Strategic Initiatives
Keep up to date on upcoming opportunities for Business & Industry collaboration and training by signing up for the Strategic Initiatives newsletter:
Strategic Initiatives Newsletter
See our list of current event and training opportunities below:
How to Win R&D Funding from the USDA
July 8th - 1:00 P.M.
Curious about how to secure non-dilutive funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for your innovative research or ag-tech solution? Join us for a practical and informative workshop designed to demystify the USDA SBIR/STTR programs and help you develop a competitive proposal.
This session will cover:
- USDA SBIR/STTR eligibility and priority areas
- Key components of a successful proposal
- Tips for aligning your innovation with USDA mission needs
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Who Should Attend:
- Entrepreneurs, researchers, and small business owners developing agricultural, environmental, or rural technologies
- University faculty or students interested in commercializing research
- Innovation ecosystem leaders supporting ag-based ventures
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet directly with a USDA SBIR/STTR Program Manager following the workshop to discuss specific ideas and receive tailored guidance.
KU Innovation Park SBIR/STTR Boot Camp
July 24th, 2025 | 9:00am - 3:00pm ---- July 25th,2025 | 9:00am - 2:00pm
From breakthrough medical devices to renewable energy solutions, your innovative technology could be the next big thing – and the SBIR/STTR program could help make it happen. But it’s not the most straightforward process to undertake. That’s why KU Innovation Park is hosting an SBIR/STTR boot camp on July 24-25. An application is required to participate, and space is limited.
Led by Julie Assel, one of the region’s most accomplished grant writers, and supported by the KU Innovation Park team, this hands-on program will guide researchers in the KU community through the critical steps of preparing a strong SBIR/STTR grant application. Participants will benefit from group instruction and personalized coaching as they draft and refine key sections of their proposals.
By the end of the boot camp, attendees will have developed a solid working draft to kickstart their grant submission process. Attendees should be able to attend both days of the boot camp.
*Applications are due by 5:00pm on Friday, July 11th*
DOD SBIR/STTR Program Overview Webinar
August 14th, 2025 | 11:00am - 12:30pm
The DOD SBIR and STTR programs offer a wide range of opportunities for small firms
to address
military needs in just about every technology area from software to training systems,
from medical
products to air, land and sea platforms.
Join us for an overview of the Department of Defense (DOD) SBIR components. Gain insight
on how
to identify the right solicitation for your technology, connect with Technical Points
of Contact (TPOC),
and influence future topics.
You’ll Learn:
- Which components participate in the SBIR/STTR programs
- How the components differ
- How to find open BAA’s and deadlines
- Tips to be competitive and more!
This event is presented by BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting.
DOD SBIR/STTR Proposal Preparation Webinar
August 21st, 2025 | 8:30am - 12:30pm
Are you wanting to submit a SBIR/STTR proposal to the Department of Defense (DOD), but don't know where to start? This webinar is for you!
The DOD SBIR and STTR programs offer a wide range of opportunities for small firms to address military needs in just about every technology area from software to training systems, from medical products to air, land and sea platforms.
In this webinar, you will receive a brief overview of DOD SBIR/STTR programs and learn about the recommended process for developing a Phase I SBIR/STTR proposal to the DOD, with attention paid to the differences among the various components and services.
This event is presented by Jim Greenwood