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.