Live Webinar - SBIR Base Camp: Your Starting Point for Federal Innovation Funding

Learn the Fundamentals of SBIR/STTR Federal Funding at SBIR Base Camp

Interested in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding but not sure where to begin?

Join the University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast SBDC's Vision2Venture program for SBIR Base Camp, an interactive webinar designed to help entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators understand what it takes to pursue federal research and development funding.

In this session, you'll learn about the SBIR/STTR programs, explore what makes a venture ready to pursue these opportunities, and complete a brief readiness assessment to better understand where you stand. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss your innovation, and learn about educational programs and specialized resources that can help you take your next steps.

Your registration confirmation email will contain a link to join the webinar via Zoom. Please be prepared to have your camera on and audio working.

Highlights:

• Understand the SBIR/STTR programs and the types of innovations they support
• Learn what is needed to pursue SBIR/STTR funding, including research and development capabilities, a qualified team, and a clear R&D plan
• Complete a preliminary SBIR/STTR readiness self-assessment
• Participate in interactive discussion and Q&A about your innovation and next steps
• Explore resources available through Vision2Venture, the SBDC, APEX Accelerators, SATOP, and the Texas FAST program at UTSA's SBDC Technology Commercialization Center

This live webinar is intended for inventors, researchers, technology entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners interested in exploring SBIR/STTR funding. No previous SBIR experience or completed grant application is required.

Please note: This is an interactive group webinar, not an individual advising or grant-writing session. Participants will receive introductory education and guidance on potential next steps and available resources. The readiness assessment is preliminary and does not establish eligibility for funding.

SBIR Base Camp is offered weekly. Each webinar is a standalone session, so participants only need to attend once.

Speaker:

      Robert Johnson, Director, Vision2Venture

Robert Johnson is the Director of the Vision2Venture (V2V) Program at the University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network, where he specializes in SBIR/STTR grant commercialization and supports early-stage entrepreneurs across the Texas Gulf Coast region.

In 2023, he co-founded the Innov8 Hub program at the University of Houston Technology Bridge, which to date has helped over 50 startups advance deep technology commercialization. Beyond the University of Houston, during 2024-2025, Robert coached startup teams in the region that together secured over $5 million in SBIR/STTR funding.

An entrepreneur since 2006, Robert has successfully launched and managed multiple businesses, including two that have thrived for more than a decade. As the founding director of Vision2Venture, he is developing a cohort-based program that provides tailored education to address entrepreneurs' unique challenges. Robert draws on over 20 years of experience in education to deliver practical, student-centered entrepreneurship programs that drive real-world results.

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Seats are available