Using SBIR & STTR Grants to Fund Your Startup
Federal commercialization grants like SBIR and STTR provide powerful, non-dilutive funding for startups and university innovations, helping bridge the gap between early research and market-ready products. These programs give inventors and entrepreneurs the capital to prove feasibility, build prototypes, and validate demand—all without giving up equity.
In this post, Summit Venture Studio Managing Partner Taylor Bench explains how founders and university researchers can strategically leverage I-Corps, SBIR, and STTR grants to accelerate commercialization, improve success rates, and build sustainable companies grounded in innovation. Whether you’re a scientist preparing your first proposal or a startup founder looking for non-dilutive funding, this guide breaks down how to navigate each program and maximize your chances of success.
How to Engage Your Community and Grow Impact
This blog post is based on a Midday Connect presentation by Candy Isabel, Founder & CEO of Khamai Strategies, who guides nonprofits and organizations in centering stakeholder voice to scale their impact. Drawing from her session, ‘How to Connect with the Community You Serve,’ this post shares actionable advice for founders on building authentic relationships with their communities. Learn how to listen first, co-create solutions, and build trust through transparency, consistency, and accountability.
Turning Research Into Startups: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to University Tech Transfer
This comprehensive guide walks founders through the university tech transfer journey—from finding and evaluating technologies to licensing and launching startups. Learn the process, access resources, and see how Summit Venture Studio helps entrepreneurs bring research to market faster.
Services Business vs Product Startup: What Every New Founder Needs to Know
Every founder faces the question: should I start with a services business or a product startup? This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and trade-offs of each approach to help new founders make a confident decision.
How to License University Technology for Startup Commercialization
Feedback builds deal flow. Licensing builds startups. Founders can strengthen their relationships with tech transfer offices by providing useful feedback when passing on opportunities, and by following a clear playbook when they decide to license a university technology for commercialization.
Your Guide to the Tech Transfer Office Process
The first two weeks with a university tech transfer office can set the tone for your whole engagement. Here’s what founders should expect, from intro calls to NDAs to project lists.
Working with a University Tech Transfer Office as a Founder
Approaching university tech transfer offices takes more than a cold email. This guide shows founders how to be clear, credible, and persistent to build real traction.
How to Find and Approach a Tech Transfer Office
Navigating university tech transfer can feel overwhelming. This guide shows entrepreneurs where to start—why alma mater connections matter, how to avoid outdated listings, and why a simple phone call often beats browsing online.
Process Over Hype: How to Choose the Best Startup Idea
Crisman, Account Manager at Summit Venture Studio, shares eight lessons from startup analysis and blockchain trading that reveal how founders can avoid hype and follow a process to choose the best startup idea.
Provisional Patent Strategy 301: Timing, Trade-Offs, and Disclosure
Filing a provisional patent can be a powerful move if it’s timed right, disclosed thoroughly, and aligned with your overall business strategy. Here’s what founders and inventors need to know about timing, trade-offs, and disclosure to make provisional patents a strategic asset.