SBIR Phase I Workshop: Advanced Commercialization Plan Development

Ray of Light

Build the Commercial Foundation for a Competitive Phase I Proposal

Preparing to pursue SBIR/STTR funding? Build the market evidence, commercialization strategy, and project pitch needed to strengthen your Phase I application.

This six-week workshop combines hands-on customer discovery, expert instruction, and individualized mentorship to help technology innovators validate their market opportunity and develop a credible commercialization plan. Participants will work with an assigned Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) and receive feedback from experts familiar with the SBIR/STTR process.

Limited space available. Applications are due September 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

APPLY FOR THE UPCOMING FALL 2026 COHORT

Turn Market Insights into a Stronger SBIR/STTR Proposal

Go beyond the classroom with an experiential program designed to help you test your assumptions, understand your customers, and translate what you learn into a stronger commercialization strategy.

A workshop table with blueprints and machinery metal pieces.

VALIDATE YOUR MARKET

Apply Lean LaunchPad and customer discovery methods to test your business hypotheses. Conduct customer interviews to better understand customer needs, buying behavior, and the value your technology can deliver.

Man in front of a large invention behind a glass door

BUILD YOUR COMMERCIALIZATION STRATEGY

Evaluate your market opportunity, identify a beachhead market, assess competitors and intellectual property, develop your business model and go-to-market strategy, and create a milestone-driven commercialization roadmap.

A woman on stage presenting her business pitch for her startup company in front of a large screen.

PREPARE YOUR PHASE I PROJECT PITCH

Learn how to clearly communicate your technical innovation, R&D objectives, market need, commercial potential, team, and path to market. Develop your Project Pitch and commercialization roadmap with guidance from experienced mentors and feedback from SBIR/STTR experts.

Class Information and Dates

Fall 2026 SBIR Phase 1 Class Schedule

Class	Date	Format	Topic
1	10/7/26	In-person	Intro & Overview
2	10/14/26	Virtual	Customer Discovery & Value Proposition
3	10/21/26	Virtual	Markets & Market Size
4	10/28/26	Virtual	Competition
5	11/4/26	Virtual	Business Model and Go to Market Strategy
6	11/11/26	Virtual	Commercialization Roadmap
7	11/18/26	In-person	Next Steps & Final Team Presentations

Important Notes

Class will start on Wednesday, October 7th, 2026 and end on Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Classes will be held Wednesday from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
The majority of this course is delivered online, but includes 2 required in-person commitments
The first and final sessions will be held in person

Program Commitment: Expect to spend about 5 hours per week, including weekly sessions, customer interviews, mentor meetings, and assignments.

Prepare Your Innovation for Phase I Funding

Build the customer evidence, commercialization strategy and Project Pitch needed to take the next step toward a competitive Phase I application.

Space is limited. Apply by September 30, 2026.