Youngstown Innovation Hub, Ohio Aerospace Institute Announce Pilot Cohort to Help Small Businesses Compete for Funding

YOUNGSTOWN, OH — 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, today announced the launch of 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.

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.

Important Dates:
Application Released: June 30
Applications Reviewed on a Rolling Basis
Applications Due: July 20
Selected Applicants Notified: July 22
First Cohort In-Person Session (Attendance required in Youngstown, OH): July 29, 1-5 p.m. ET

Access the Cohort Program page and application, HERE.

 

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About the Youngstown Innovation Hub
The Youngstown, Ohio-based Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense serves as a national proving ground for advanced and additive manufacturing, accelerating the transformation of ideas from concept to market with speed and scale. The Hub brings together cutting-edge facilities, world-class talent, and strategic partnerships to revolutionize American manufacturing. Its mission is to strengthen U.S. aerospace and defense supply chains, advance next-generation workforce development, and pioneer innovative manufacturing solutions with global impact. Managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), in collaboration with America Makes, the Youngstown Innovation Hub is more than a regional resource — it’s a catalyst for national security, global competitiveness, and long-term economic growth.

About NCDMM
NCDMM delivers innovative and collaborative manufacturing solutions that enhance our nation’s workforce and economic competitiveness. NCDMM has extensive knowledge and depth in commercial and defense manufacturing areas to continually innovate, improve, and advance manufacturing technologies and methodologies. Our experienced team specializes in identifying the needs, players, technologies, and processes to attain optimal solutions for our customers. We connect the dots. That’s the NCDMM methodology. With seven locations nationwide, NCDMM manages America Makes, Youngstown Innovation Hub, and El Paso Makes and is a subsidiary of the Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group, Inc. (MTDG). Learn more at ncdmm.org.

About Parallax Advanced Research & the Ohio Aerospace Institute 
Parallax Advanced Research is an advanced research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute, an aerospace research institute located in Cleveland, OH, formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements across Ohio and the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing aerospace through collaboration, education, and workforce development.