Youngstown Innovation Hub, Ohio Aerospace Institute Select First NSF SBIR/STTR Cohort to Advance Ohio Innovation

Ohio Companies to Receive Intensive Proposal Development Support for NSF 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, have selected the inaugural cohort of companies that will participate in a new pilot program 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.

Following a competitive application process, 10 Ohio-based companies were selected to participate in the three-month hybrid program, which began on July 29 in downtown Youngstown. The program is designed specifically for companies developing true research and development (R&D) innovations with clear technical objectives. Participants will receive individualized coaching, support for proposal development, budget guidance, structured reviews, and mock panel evaluations to strengthen the competitiveness of their submissions for NSF Project Pitches and Phase I proposals.

The initial cohort includes:

“This cohort represents the depth and diversity of innovation taking place across Ohio,” said Megan Malara, Director of the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense. “These companies are tackling complex technical challenges with technologies that have the potential to strengthen U.S. competitiveness while creating new economic opportunities throughout our state. We are excited to help them navigate the NSF SBIR/STTR process and position their innovations for future growth.”

The hybrid program combines virtual instruction with in-person working sessions in Youngstown, providing participants with opportunities to collaborate on proposal development while receiving direct feedback from subject matter experts.

“Helping innovative small businesses successfully compete for federal research funding strengthens Ohio’s technology ecosystem and accelerates the commercialization of groundbreaking ideas,” said Anthony Gillespie, Director of Strategic and Technology-based Partnerships and Technology Transfer Office at the Ohio Aerospace Institute, wholly affiliated with Parallax Advanced Research. “By combining our expertise with the resources of the Youngstown Innovation Hub, we’re giving these companies practical tools and personalized guidance to improve their competitiveness and increase their opportunities for success.”

The pilot cohort reflects the Youngstown Innovation Hub’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and advancing technologies that contribute to aerospace, defense, and other critical industries while strengthening Ohio’s innovation economy.