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Innovation & Technology Program to Present Two Online Series for Ag, DoD Entrepreneurs

The two series are among NBDC’s many confidential advisory services for researchers, entrepreneurs and established businesses with technology they seek to commercialize.

Man standing in field out of focus holding a drone.

Omaha, Nebraska – The Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) and its Innovation and Technology Commercialization program present two series for entrepreneurs with innovations that serve agricultural sectors and support rural development as well as for those that serve the needs of the Department of Defense (DoD).

The Science, Agriculture and Energy (SAgE) series builds upon a group of webinars delivered in 2020, says NBDC Technology Commercialization Director Josh Nichol-Caddy. This summer’s sessions will present specific topics, highlighting information and guidance regarding the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) application processes for the USDA, Department of Energy, and/or the National Science Foundation (NSF).

A similar Defense Innovation series will present detailed instruction on identifying relevant solicitations and preparing proposals to meet the requirements of the DoD.

Nichol-Caddy says the two series are among NBDC’s many confidential advisory services for researchers, entrepreneurs and established businesses with technology they seek to commercialize. Market research, business plan development and applications for funding opportunities are some of the services available at no cost through the NBDC’s statewide network.

The NBDC also offers an online course with weekly assignments to help develop SBIR/STTR submissions and meet deadlines. Interested persons may contact Nichol-Caddy (jnicholcaddy@unomaha.edu) to learn more.

The 2021 SAgE series will include:

June 15, SBIR/STTR 101 with USDA Program Manager

June 22, SBIR/STTR 101 for National Science Foundation Applicants

July 8, Identifying Solicitations and How to Develop a Quad Chart

July 15, OnRamp Agriculture Conference

July 20, Nebraska Resources 101: NeDED Innovation Programs

July 27, Virtual One-on-One Meetings with USDA and NSF Program Managers

August 10, How to Register in SAM.gov

August 20, The Ag Innovation Challenge by Farm Bureau

August 25, Developing your SBIR/STTR Commercialization Plan

Sept 15, “Cuss and Discuss” virtual interaction with others planning to submit SBIR/STTR proposals to the USDA or NSF who share their challenges and successes.

The Defense Innovation series:

June 8, Proposal Prep Workshop

June 23, Developing your SBIR/STTR Commercialization Plan

July 14, “Cuss and Discuss” virtual interaction with others planning to submit SBIR/STTR proposals to the USDA or NSF who share their challenges and successes.

Nichol-Caddy says the “Cuss and Discuss” sessions will go beyond the “nuts and bolts” of the informational sessions to bring together entrepreneurs willing to swap experiences and offer encouragement. “It’s a great way to learn that the challenges you have been going through aren’t yours alone,” he says.

For detailed information about the two series or to register for any of the webinars and workshops, visit the Innovation and Technology Commercialization program pages on the NBDC website, www.unomaha.edu/nebraska-business-development-center/