“STTR & SBIR Strategies and University / Small Business Collaboration” Session

November 1, 2006 – Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA

The Center for Innovative Technology, in association with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is proud to partner with Virginia Commonwealth University to host the "STTR/SBIR Strategies & University/Small Business Collaboration" session. This event is designed to aid Virginia's firms and universities in their efforts to take advantage of the SBIR and STTR federal R&D funding programs. The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program requires collaboration between university and small business, and university collaboration on Small Business Innovation Research grants (SBIR) often provides a strategic advantage to the proposal. Attendees will learn collaborative proposal strategy, keys to collaborative research and successful technology transfer, business assistance available to foster collaboration and tech transfer, how to position research with DOD priority areas, and how to address intellectual property issues unique to collaborative proposals.

Event Features Include:

• FREE BREAKFAST PRESENTATION for University Personnel – "STTR & SBIR -- what's in it for the University/Researcher". Ideal for department heads, new and experienced research faculty not familiar with the STTR program, graduate students conducting R&D, and researchers interested in transferring their research to federal and private sectors.
• DOD Interests Presented -- A presentation by the DARPA SBIR/STTR Program Manager describes key DOD areas of interest included in the upcoming STTR and SBIR cycles.
• “ONE ON ONE” With DARPA PM – Registrants can meet "One on One" with the DARPA SBIR/STTR Program Manager to discuss potential projects and how to proceed. Get a head start on research planning for the Spring & Summer SBIR/STTR cycles. Learn key contacts within DOD and other funding sources.
• University and CIT Resources -- Presentation by the university describing the relevant resources and business assistance available, key contact points, how university personnel can be helped in technology transfer, and how small businesses can find the right university partner. CIT will present programs available to help small businesses with federal grant proposals and private equity funding needs.
• STTR & Collaboration Strategies -- "STTR Strategies" presentation led by one of the country’s leading STTR/SBIR consultants. Topics covered will include: Collaboration Tips; Selecting a Target Agency/Topic; Building a Team; Keeping the Focus; Producing an Application; Considering Commercialization
• IP Panel Discussion -- IP protection/allocation is key to collaborative projects, but unique challenges exist to establishing such protection/allocation between universities and small commercial firms. Representatives from the University IP office, a successful STTR/SBIR company that has spun out university technology, and a commercial side IP attorney will form a moderated panel discussion to focus on the more serious obstacles.

DETAILED AGENDA:

8:00-9:30AM -- University Personnel Breakfast Presentation: "What's in it for the University" – Perspectives on how the STTR and SBIR programs benefit the university and local economies. University personnel can depart but are encouraged to stay for the rest of the program.
Presented by John Davis, The SBIR Resource Center – 14 years serving the SBIR/STTR community and 30+ years in government contracting and project management.

9:15-9:30AM -- Small Business Check-in

9:30-10:30AM -- STTR Overview, insights, advantages, etc.

10:30-10:50AM -- University Resources
Using the resources available at VCU to assist tech transfer and/or successfully develop small business ventures.
Presented by Dr. Ivelina Metcheva, Director, VCU Tech Transfer Office

10:50-11:15 AM -- CIT Resources
Overview of CIT’s Federal Funding Assistance and Capital Access Programs and how small businesses can utilize them.
Presented by: Robert Brooke, Director of Federal Funding, CIT and Bill Watson, Director, Entrepreneurship & Investment Services, CIT

11:15-Noon – Opportunities at DARPA and DOD
A review of DARPA and DOD needs, probable topic categories in the next STTR and SBIR cycles, how to contact the agency to discuss your ideas, and suggestions to make your communications with the government more successful.
Presented by Connie Jacobs, DARPA SBIR/STTR Program Manager

12:00-12:30 Lunch and networking

12:30-1:30PM -- STTR & Collaboration Strategies Presentation
Presented by: John Davis, The SBIR Resource Center

Collaboration Tips

• Selecting a Target Agency/Topic
• Building a Team
• Keeping the Focus
• Producing an Application
• Considering Commercialization

1:30-3:00 PM – Intellectual Property & Collaboration Panel Discussion
Intellectual Property issues discussed from three distinct angles – university IP office, small business, and an IP attorney. Do’s, don’ts, recommendations, what to watch out for, how to plan and manage the process, etc.
Presented by: Dr. Ivelina Metcheva, Director, VCU Technology Transfer; Mark Licata, President, BioTrack, Inc.; Tom Blue, President, Centriva Corp.; IP Attorney (TBD)

2-4:30PM -- “One on Ones”
Meet One on One with DARPA, Army (invited), and/or NIH (invited) representatives to discuss your research, possible application with the agency, and how to move forward. Refreshments available “while you wait”!

Registration:
University Personnel: FREE (advance registration required)
https://web.memberclicks.com/mc/quickForm/viewForm.do?orgId=cit2&formId=19331

Small Technology Business: $35
https://web.memberclicks.com/mc/quickForm/viewForm.do?orgId=cit2&formId=19336

Contact:
Robert Brooke, rbrooke@cit.org or 703-689-3080

Cost:
University Personnel: FREE (advance registration required)

Small Technology Business: $35

Location:
Virginia Biotechnology Research Park (adjacent to VCU)
800 E. Leigh St., Richmond, VA 23219
Go to http://www.vabiotech.com/ for map and directions