SBIR/STTR Cohort Program – NSF
The Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense, managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), and the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI), affiliated with Parallax Advanced Research, are launching a new pilot initiative designed to help Ohio small businesses compete for National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I funding. The three-month hybrid program will guide a select cohort of 5–10 companies through developing a competitive NSF Project Pitch and building a complete, submission-ready Phase I proposal package.
The program is built for Ohio-based companies developing true technical innovations with clear research and development (R&D) objectives, not manufacturing, routine engineering, or commercialization activities. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants will receive structured support, expert coaching, and dedicated working sessions to accelerate their readiness for NSF review.
Program Description
Two-Stage Program to Strengthen Competitiveness
The cohort is structured in two parts:
- Part 1 (Weeks 1–4): Project Pitch Development: Participants will develop or refine their NSF Project Pitch, including sections on technological innovation, technical challenges, market opportunity, and company capabilities. The goal is to secure an NSF invitation to submit a Phase I proposal. Companies also receive a readiness check to ensure they can progress to Phase I development.
- Part 2 (Weeks 5–12): Phase I Proposal Build: Companies invited by NSF, or those with clear plans to resubmit after prior feedback, will work through the full Phase I proposal package. This includes drafting all NSF-required documents, a comprehensive technical work plan, and budget development aligned with NSF rules. The program provides structured reviews, a mock panel (red team), and a final compliance check to ensure all materials meet NSF standards.
High-Touch, Hybrid Support Model
The initiative combines virtual sessions with up to three in-person working days in Ohio, designed for high-impact collaboration:
- Pitch Studio (Week 1–2): Focused development of the Project Pitch and NSF-fit assessment
- Proposal Lab (Week 6–7): Writing sprints and budget support for major proposal sections
- Red Team & Readiness Review (Week 11–12): Mock review, revisions, and compliance walkthrough
Participants also receive 1:1 coaching, written feedback cycles, and dedicated proposal and budget support.
Submission Process
All applications must be submitted electronically via the “Submit Application” button below. All submissions will be acknowledged upon receipt with an electronic email confirmation from the Hub within 24 hours. If a confirmation is not received within 24 hours, please email info@youngstownhub.us.
Note: NCDMM is not responsible for system malfunctions or undeliverable submissions. It is the proposer’s responsibility to ensure that the submission has been received.
Questions? Please email info@youngstownhub.us.
Submission Deadline
| June 30, 2026 | Application Released |
| July 20, 2026 | Application Due (Applications are reviewed as they are submitted) |
| July 22, 2026 | Selected Applicants Notified |
| July 29, 2026 | First Cohort In-Person Session – 1-5 p.m. ET – (Attendance Required in Youngstown, OH) |
