Podcasts about sbir

Republicans continue their push against Biden-era climate policies. The Senate closes in on a SBIR deal. Trump's surgeon general nominee faces senators amid "MAHA" tensions. Kristina Karisch has your CQ Morning Briefing for Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026.

What if the person making your work life miserable isn't just difficult—but following a predictable pattern you were never taught to recognize? In this eye-opening episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Lena Sisco—former military interrogator at Guantanamo Bay and expert in dark psychology—whose unflinching take on toxic workplaces will make you see that impossible boss in a completely different light.  Lena shares how she went from aspiring archaeologist to interrogating terror suspects, why her narcissistic boss threw a laptop across a C-suite meeting then got her fired while the company protected him, and why her neighbor's daughter stayed trapped in an abusive marriage for 10 years over an incident involving crackers. With striking honesty, she explains why she lived with anger for a year over that firing, why taking up physical space literally drops your stress hormones, and why kindness became her secret weapon in the interrogation room.  Together, Cathleen and Lena explore what manipulation actually looks like in daily interactions, why you cannot change someone with a personality disorder no matter how reasonable you are, and the hard truth about when systems protect bad behavior. This conversation is for anyone dealing with a boss who never gets held accountable, stuck doubting yourself in a toxic relationship, or ready to stop giving manipulative people free rent in your head—because sometimes the most powerful move isn't proving you can handle it, it's recognizing the pattern and walking away.   Episode Timeline: 00:08:10 Why she wrote The 13 Power Moves of Dark Psychology  00:14:04 What dark psychology actually is  00:22:14 The abuse cycle: fear, love bombing, and guilt trips  00:28:01 Her narcissistic boss threw a laptop in a C-suite meeting  00:32:38 Why she got fired for holding him accountable  00:40:55 Teaching empathy to a Marine Corps colonel  00:57:24 The physical shift that drops cortisol instantly  01:05:53 The SBIR feedback tool for accountability  01:12:42 Her first day at Guantanamo Bay  01:23:15 Why kindness became her interrogation superpower  01:33:50 Three accurate tells that someone is lying to you    Key Takeaway: You Can't Change a Narcissist—You Can Only Change How You Show Up: Personality disorders are in someone's DNA and neural pathways. No amount of reasoning, fairness, or empathy will change them. The only thing you control is whether you stay in that dynamic or protect yourself by setting boundaries and walking away.  Kindness Isn't Weakness—It's the Most Powerful Tool You Have: Lena's interrogation breakthrough came from taking off a detainee's handcuffs and offering tea, not from yelling or intimidation. Being kind to someone who's lying or manipulating you takes the strongest willpower—and it actually works because it disarms them while keeping you in control of the conversation.  Taking Up Physical Space Literally Drops Your Stress Hormones: When you uncross your arms, plant your feet, lift your chin, and open your palms, your cortisol drops and your confidence rises. Before any difficult conversation, reset your body first—because when you feel small physically, your whole demeanor gets smaller. Move your body, move your mind.  If Someone Can't Answer a Simple Yes or No Question, They're Probably Lying: Truthful people have no problem with direct answers. Liars dodge, embellish, and avoid committing because they can't take accountability. Watch for shoulder shrugs on definitive statements, head shakes that don't match their words, and rambling non-answers—these are the most accurate tells that someone isn't being honest with you.   About Lena Sisco: Lena Sisco is a communication and human behavior expert working with leaders and organizations navigating high-stakes conversations and complex decision-making. A former Department of Defense–certified military interrogator and Naval Human Intelligence Officer, Lena served during the Global War on Terror, conducting hundreds of interrogations that shaped her expertise in rapport-building, elicitation, and truth-seeking under pressure. She later founded The Congruency Group and Sector Intelligence, translating elite HUMINT tradecraft into practical tools for leadership, negotiation, and influence. Lena brings hard-won experience in reading behavior, managing uncertainty, and leading with clarity when the stakes are high. Today, she works with professionals who want to communicate with confidence and authority in moments that matter most.   Connect with Lena Sisco: Website: https://www.lenasisco.com/  Website: https://www.thecongruencygroup.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-sisco-8a31b451  Book: https://www.lenasisco.com/books  TruthScan AI: https://www.thecongruencygroup.com/truthscanai    Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:  Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LegendaryLeaderswithCathleenOS     FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.

For access to the article discussed in this podcast episode, please see below:https://warontherocks.com/2025/12/decades-of-lost-potential-in-defense-research-and-development/For additional information involving the SBIR program, please see below:2018 Naval Postgraduate Paper- Bridging the Gap: Improving DoD-Backed Innovation Programs to Enhance the Adoption of Innovative Technology Throughout the Armed Services 2020 Naval Postgraduate Paper- The Effect of Defense-Sponsored Innovation Programs on the Military's Industrial Base 2021 Naval Postgraduate Paper- Why Marketing Matters: Strengthening the Defense Supplier Base Through Better Communication with Industry 2022 Naval Postgraduate Paper- Analyzing the Composition of the Department of Defense Small Business Industrial Base 2023 Paper: Assessing the Effectiveness of Defense-Sponsored Innovation Programs as a Means of Accelerating the Adoption of Innovation Force Wide 2024 Paper: Assessing the Impact of DoD-Funded Assistance Projects on the Availability of New Warfighting Capabilities 2025 Naval Postgraduate Paper- Assessing the Impact of Department of Defense Weapons Systems on the Defense Industrial Base Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Vital Health Podcast, host Duane Schulthess speaks with Tim Scott, President & CEO of Biocom California, a biopharma executive with more than two decades of experience, including spinning out companies from UC San Diego and leading firms acquired by BioMarin and Novartis, to discuss how California’s life sciences ecosystem became a global innovation engine, why the state’s research and venture networks matter, and how policy headwinds such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Most Favored Nation (MFN) reference pricing reshape investment, rare disease development, and competition with Europe and China. Key Topics: Biocom Origins: Municipal policy roots, industry advocacy, ecosystem evolution across California. Innovation Network: University and research density, regional clusters, talent, and collaboration effects. Capital Pathway: NIH and NSF support, SBIR and STTR bridges, venture appetite, and liquidity. MFN and IRA: Pill penalty incentives, orphan exemption stakes, Medicare exposure, and VC pullback. Next-Gen Development: AI-enabled discovery, faster trial enrollment, digital twins, and regulator openness. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WindBorne Systems is transforming global weather forecasting by deploying long-duration weather balloons that fly for weeks instead of hours. What began as a Stanford Student Space Initiative project has scaled to 100 balloons aloft simultaneously, targeting 500 by end of next year, with an end goal of 10,000 balloons monitoring Earth's atmosphere. In this episode of BUILDERS, I sat down with John Dean, Co-Founder and CEO of WindBorne Systems, to explore how the company secured its first government contract in under three years without lobbyists, achieved 4x annual manufacturing growth, and built Weather Mesh—an AI weather model that outperforms competitors from Google DeepMind. Topics Discussed: The technical evolution from Stanford project to operational constellation of altitude-controlled balloons Strategic decision to pursue government revenue before building B2B forecasting products Navigating Defense Innovation Unit and Air Force Lifecycle Management Center procurement as a founder Timeline from founding to first grants (within six months) and first data delivery contract (two and a half years) Current roughly 50/50 revenue split between civilian agencies (NOAA, international weather services) and Department of Defense Building Weather Mesh after Huawei's Pangu Weather validated end-to-end AI forecasting viability Transitioning from founder-led sales by promoting a Palantir hire from proposal writer to public sector growth leader The 30-year vision of millions of fingernail-sized atmospheric sensors creating a planetary nervous system GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Study the bureaucracy's incentive structures before pitching product value: John spent years mapping how government procurement actually works rather than leading with product capabilities. The critical insight: in DoD sales, the warfighter (end user) doesn't control purchasing decisions. Success requires understanding each stakeholder's specific mandate and aligning your solution to their organizational incentives, not just operational needs. For civilian agencies like NOAA, the dynamics differ entirely. Founders entering govtech should invest 6-12 months learning procurement mechanics before expecting revenue. Use government contracts as non-dilutive scaling capital for hardware businesses: WindBorne secured SBIR grants within six months, then landed their first Air Force data delivery contract through Defense Innovation Unit at the two-and-a-half-year mark. John explicitly treated early grants as equivalent to venture funding but without equity dilution. For companies building physical infrastructure at scale (satellites, hardware networks, manufacturing operations), government contracts provide the runway to reach technical milestones that unlock larger B2B opportunities. This sequencing—government funding first, then B2B products built on that foundation—proves more capital-efficient than attempting to raise massive venture rounds upfront for unproven hardware. Integrate with legacy systems rather than attempting wholesale replacement: WindBorne doesn't aim to replace the 1,000 radiosondes launched daily worldwide—they're expanding coverage from the current 15% of Earth (where humans can launch traditional balloons) to 100%. The hardware is revolutionary (weeks of flight versus two hours), but the go-to-market integrates into existing weather agency workflows and feeds into established models like GFS and ECMWF. This approach accelerated adoption because agencies could add WindBorne data without overhauling their entire forecasting infrastructure. The displacement of radiosondes becomes economically inevitable long-term, but only after proving the system at scale. Move fast once adjacent technology validates your thesis: WindBorne wasn't investing in AI-based weather forecasting until Huawei's Pangu Weather paper demonstrated that end-to-end neural weather models could compete with physics-based simulations. Once that validation appeared, John's team moved immediately—adopting the open architecture and expanding it into Weather Mesh before the approach became widely adopted. The lesson isn't to wait for competitors, but to monitor adjacent technological developments and move decisively when validation emerges. They built a top-performing model by being early to a proven approach, not first to an unproven one. Hire for mid-level roles and promote based on demonstrated judgment: John hired Dana from Palantir as a proposal writer, not as a sales executive. He watched her demonstrate strong opinions that consistently proved correct, then promoted her to build and lead the entire public sector growth organization. This internal promotion model worked better than external executive hires because the person already understood WindBorne's technology, customers, and internal culture. For specialized domains like government sales, bringing in experienced operators at individual contributor levels and promoting them as they prove their judgment builds more effective organizations than hiring executives to parachute in. // Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe. www.GlobalTalent.co // Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM

Think you're ready to apply for SBIR funding? You might want to double-check. SBIR eligibility is binary—you qualify or you don't—and many companies get disqualified before anyone even reads their proposal. Let's talk about ownership, control, and the hidden traps. Denise B Lawrence Associates City: Snellville Address: 2330 Scenic Highway South Website: https://forprofitgrants.com/

Research shows Bayh‑Dole has fueled thousands of inventions, patents and startups, but disruptions like SBIR's expiration and 8(a)'s turmoil are testing the system. Jere Glover and Joe Allen are here to explain how those shocks ripple into federal R&D, commercialization and long‑term competitiveness. Jere Glover serves as the Executive Director of the Small Business Technology Council. Joe Allen is Executive Director of the Bayh-Dole Coalition.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is the untold origin story of the Fury CollaborativeCombat Aircraft (CCA), as told by those who lived it.Scott Blesoe and Joe Murray join Mike to talk about Fury's very beginning—way back to 2016.Now known as Anduril's YFQ-44, Fury originated as an SBIRproject from Blue Force Technologies and may go on to become a poster child of SBIR success stories. But it's not all good news.The experience—and the decision to sell to Anduril—motivated Scott and Joe to start a new type of investment fund called the DoD Accelerator. DoD Accelerator bridges the gap between venture capital and private equity, addressing the ‘funding valley of death' they faced and the factors that led to the decision to sell their company—and Fury—to Anduril.This is packed with never-before-revealed details and serves as the backdrop for a broader conversation about the realities of having a company in the defense industry. Links• Sign up for the newsletter⁠! • Support us on ⁠Patreon⁠! • Scott Bledsoe • Joe Murray• WOTR High-Low Mix Part I• WOTR High-Low Mix Part II---- Follow us on...• LinkedIn• Instagram⁠• ⁠X⁠• ⁠Facebook⁠• ⁠Website⁠ ---- 00:0000:26 intro01:50 Scott and Joe07:21 DoD Accelerator09:51 Fury origin story11:24 SBIR16:28 the high-low mix17:11 writing to understand18:29 F-11719:04 no part 319:41 red air use-case24:29 Bandit and ADAIR-UX25:10 funding and the valley of death28:04 the capital void31:11 programs consolidate32:28 Anduril acquisition33:37 the small business divide34:14 DoD Accelerator fit36:12 Baxter Aerospace example41:19 the cheat code44:26 crystal ball45:17 the prime cartel?46:32 magic wand - IR&D policy change49:10 policy hurts start-ups52:51 DoD Accelerator focus areas

What if the biggest catalyst for startup innovation wasn't Silicon Valley—but the United States government and it's US Space Force?

Greg Coleman's career took a turn that almost no one expects. After helping build a venture-backed tech company and appearing on Shark Tank, he shifted into a world most founders overlook: government contracting. In this conversation, Greg explains how startups, consultants, and small businesses can position themselves to work with federal agencies, navigate complex programs like SBIR and OTAs, and understand what it actually takes to break into the government market.Greg spent years inside the Department of Defense innovation ecosystem, where he evaluated early-stage technologies, managed prototype programs, and worked directly with founders trying to sell to the government. Today he advises companies on how to approach the federal market, avoid common mistakes, and build real opportunities inside agencies.If you're exploring government contracting for the first time, wondering how companies get funding, or trying to understand what separates successful federal vendors from everyone else, this interview gives you a clear, realistic starting point.Chapters00:00 – Greg's background and early Air Force career02:15 – Flying high-level government officials and global missions04:05 – Launching a startup and appearing on Shark Tank07:10 – Entering the government innovation ecosystem (DIU, NSIN)13:45 – How SBIR and STTR really work for small businesses18:20 – OTAs and how companies move from prototype to production25:10 – Examples of emerging tech companies building for the government31:20 – The hardest challenge: crossing the “valley of death”35:00 – Greg's advisory work helping companies approach the federal market38:30 – Greg's thoughts on the GovClose Certification ProgramWork With GregGreg advises early-stage and growth-stage companies (Pre-Seed through Series B) on entering the federal market, building repeatable sales strategies, and navigating SBIR, OTA, and prototype pathways.Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorycoleman/Become a Certified Government Contracting ProfessionalLearn federal sales, pipeline building, and modern acquisition strategies inside the GovClose Certification Program:https://govclose.comHire a GovClose-Trained ConsultantCompanies can get matched with trained federal sales consultants here:https://match.govclose.com

GovClose Certification Overview: https://www.govclose.comThere is a highly effective, results-driven certification that most people have never heard of — yet it consistently helps professionals break into six-figure federal sales careers, build multiple-six-figure consulting practices, and win meaningful government contracts for their businesses.In this video, former Department of Defense (now DOE) procurement officer Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard C. Howard walks through the complete FY26 GovClose Certification Program syllabus, based entirely on how federal agencies actually buy. You'll see how GovClose students:- Earn top-tier roles as public sector account executives- Build consulting practices supporting government contractors- Win contracts for their own companies through data-driven strategy- Learn a repeatable process grounded in federal spending analytics- Apply what they learn through the GovClose War Room implementation systemThis is a full breakdown of the core curriculum, the methodology behind it, the real examples of what this certification prepares you to do in the federal marketplace.CHAPTERS00:00 314 Professionals Trained and the Outcomes They're Seeing00:15 Three Types of Results: AE Careers, Consulting Wins, Federal Contract Success00:30 Rick Howard's Background Managing $82B in DoD Contracts01:00 What You Will Learn in This Full Syllabus Walkthrough01:15 Why GovClose Is Not a Proposal-First Program01:30 The Three Paths to Applying GovCon Expertise02:00 Path 1: Contractor Path for Existing Business Owners02:45 Case Study: David Ortiz and Federal Logistics Contracts03:00 Path 2: Consultant Path for Those Without a Business03:15 Ivan's Path: Consulting Clients and Transition Into a Top Role03:45 Path 3: Professional Path and High-Level AE Careers04:15 What These AE Roles Look Like in Practice04:30 Jacob's Result: Standing Out Against Experienced Applicants05:00 Phase 1: Government Contracting Fundamentals06:00 Understanding Whether the Government Buys What You Sell06:15 Phase 2: Niche Development Through Federal Spending Data07:00 Identifying Low-Competition, High-Demand Niches07:30 Student Feedback: Eliminating Blind Spots Through Strategy07:45 Phase 3: Building the Federal Sales Roadmap08:15 How Agencies Buy: Vehicles, Set-Asides, Patterns08:45 Matching Your Company Profile to the Right Vehicles09:00 Estimating Realistic Potential Using Competitor Behavior10:00 How the Roadmap Helped Jacob Win His Interview11:00 Phase 4: Pipeline Building with Early-Stage Opportunities12:00 Why Waiting for Posted Solicitations Doesn't Work12:15 Phase 5: The Art of Winning Through Meetings and Influence12:45 Rick's Account Executive Example: Why Meetings Drive Success13:15 Understanding the Market Research Phase14:00 Case Study: Why Sam's Bids Were Late in the Process14:30 Phase 6: Mastering Proposals and Compliance Requirements15:00 Avoiding Disqualification Through Proper Compliance16:00 What Happens After 12 Weeks: The War Room17:00 Implementation Support: Pricing, Clients, Post-Award Guidance18:00 Access to Experts Across the GovCon Ecosystem18:30 Choosing Your Specialization After Certification19:00 Advanced Topics: Vehicles, SBIR, OTA, and Acquisition Strategy20:00 Deliverables You Leave With (Roadmap, Pipeline, Strategy, Niche)20:45 Certification Benefits: Badge, Recommendation, CRM, Community21:00 Who This Program Is Not Designed For21:45 Who This Program Is Designed For22:30 The Work Required and What True Expertise Looks Like23:00 How to Learn More or Join GovClose Recommended Videos to Watch NextThe 15 Rules of SAM.govhttps://youtu.be/gdh8dNBT46M27 Steps to Write Winning Proposals for Government Contractshttps://youtu.be/4Db9iCNlhw8The High-Paying Job Military Veterans Have Never Heard Ofhttps://youtu.be/cXGnPUaimAUConnect with Rick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/govclose/Hire a GovClose Trained Consultant: https://match.govclose.com

In this live episode from the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, Small Biz Florida host Tom Kindred sits down with Waymon Armstrong, founder and CEO of Engineering and Computer Simulations (ECS), a pioneer in using video game technology for military training. Armstrong shares his entrepreneurial journey, including how he left Lockheed Martin to start ECS nearly three decades ago, his early wins with SBIR grants, and how he grew his company into a global provider of modeling and simulation solutions for the Department of Defense. He discusses why Orlando is a hub for simulation and training, how government contracting became his primary growth engine, and the importance of Florida's SBDC and entrepreneurial ecosystem in helping ECS thrive. From training combat medics to advising small businesses to follow the money in federal contracting, Armstrong delivers powerful insights and inspiration. This podcast episode was recorded live at the Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://www.ecsorl.com

Defense technology has shifted from a social liability in Silicon Valley to commanding 35-40% of venture capital allocation—up from a historical 10%. This isn't just trend-following; it reflects fundamental market dynamics as SaaS becomes hypercompetitive and AI lowers barriers to entry, pushing capital toward deep tech where moats still exist. Blacklake, a defense holdco based in Austin, helps emerging defense companies navigate government procurement and expand into Europe, Asia-Pacific, and allied markets. In this episode, Jeff Crusey, EVP of Technology & Acquisition at Blacklake, reveals the emerging defense tech playbook, explains why lobbying ROI dwarfs traditional GTM spending, and details what actually matters when hardware meets government procurement. Topics Discussed: Why VC capital is rotating from SaaS to deep tech and defense The defense tech go-to-market playbook versus enterprise SaaS mechanics SBIR grant programs as non-dilutive capital for hardware development Lobbying and appropriations as core revenue drivers, not nice-to-haves Field deployment and operator feedback as the only viable iteration strategy Investor evaluation criteria for hardware-intensive defense businesses Emerging threat vectors in Arctic defense and orbital domain awareness GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Launch lobbying concurrent with SBIR Phase 1 applications: Companies initiating lobbying and appropriations work at the moment they apply for SBIR grants hit revenue milestones materially faster than those treating government affairs as a later-stage function. This means seed-stage companies maintain Capitol Hill presence—a pattern that didn't exist five years ago. The talent profile matters: government affairs hires need proven relationships within specific congressional committees and appropriations staff. Initial engagements typically involve external lobbying advisors with established networks, transitioning in-house at Series A when contract pipeline justifies dedicated headcount. This is consistently the highest-ROI channel in defense GTM. Optimize for deployment speed over system perfection: Modern conflict operates as continuous technological adaptation where capabilities become obsolete within weeks, not years. Companies achieving persistent field presence with operators—not laboratory perfection—win iterative cycles. The tactical approach: deploy minimum viable hardware to operational environments, capture real-world performance data and failure modes, then rapidly incorporate feedback into next iterations. This contradicts traditional defense procurement assumptions about "exquisite systems" and requires founders to resist over-engineering before battlefield validation. Solve the prototype funding problem through non-dilutive capital: Defense investors require working prototypes before capital deployment due to hardware risk profiles—fundamentally different from software's low marginal cost of iteration. This creates a chicken-and-egg problem: prototypes require capital, but capital requires prototypes. The solution path combines bootstrapping to early proof-of-concept, then leveraging SBIR Phase 1 grants (tens of thousands) to reach demonstrable prototype stage. Phase 2 awards (single-digit millions) fund production validation. Strategic founders pursue direct-to-Phase-2 pathways when possible, compressing the timeline from concept to validated demand signal. Strip technical complexity from investor communications: Defense founders with deep domain expertise consistently over-index on technical sophistication during fundraising conversations, losing investor attention before reaching commercial traction narratives. VCs evaluate market timing, defensibility, and path to scale—not engineering elegance. The correction: communicate technology at middle-school comprehension levels. This isn't condescension; it's recognizing that capital allocators optimize for portfolio construction, not technical peer review. Founders often feel they're "dumbing down" their innovations, but clarity on problem-solution fit and market size matters infinitely more than technical specifications during early fundraising stages. Treat SBIR phases as progressive demand validation, not just funding: The phased SBIR structure functions as government-backed demand signaling: Phase 1 validates concept feasibility, Phase 2 confirms development viability, Phase 3 demonstrates production readiness for potential program of record status. Investors decode these phases as risk reduction milestones. Phase 1 awards indicate government interest; Phase 2 awards (especially direct-to-Phase-2 or enhanced Phase 2) signal validated customer pull; Phase 3 contracts position companies for program of record awards worth hundreds of millions annually. Beyond capital, SBIR progression provides founder-market fit evidence and customer commitment that traditional LOIs cannot match in defense contexts. // Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe. www.GlobalTalent.co // Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM

The SBIR program channels federal R&D funding to small businesses with high-risk, high-reward technologies, fueling innovation in areas like defense, health, and energy. Some groups want to pair that reauthorization with reforms to improve oversight and commercialization. Here with one set of proposals is Eric Blatt, Executive Director of the Alliance for Commercial Technology in Government and a partner at Scale LLP.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Small businesses funded through the SBIR program have developed drugs generating $36 billion in annual sales; treating everything from Hodgkin's lymphoma to breast cancer. Now, nearly two months into the program's lapse, those cash-strapped innovators face mounting uncertainty as solicitations freeze and funding disappears. Jere Glover of the Small Business Technology Council joins us with an update. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Space Show Presents Arkisys CEO DAVE BARNHART Sunday, 11-2-25David Barnhart (Dave), CEO of Arkisys and research professor at USC, discussed the company's progress in space operations and their unique business platform called “The Port” in Los Alamitos, Ca, including their work with NASA's Astrobee facility and development of a free-flying space platform called “The Port.” The discussion covered various technical aspects including funding sources, modular space platforms, and navigation systems, while addressing challenges in hiring engineers and developing flexible infrastructure for space servicing. The conversation ended with conversations about future plans including lunar applications, and company security measures. Before ending, Dave highlighted the potential environmental impact of satellite debris and mentioned a USC PhD student's research on the topic presented at the United Nations. I referenced future Space Show programs with Hotel Mars Dr. Kothari and Dr. Roger Lanius on Friday to discuss his new book.CEO Dave discussed his role in managing the Astrobee facility, a robotic free flyer inside the International Space Station. He explained that Arkisys, where he works, had taken over the commercial maintenance and operation of Astrobee which is used for microgravity experiments inside the ISS. The facility allows for testing in full 6 degrees of freedom in a zero-G environment, with capabilities for various payloads and operations lasting about 3 hours per session. Our guest noted that while NASA does not pay for the service, it aligns with his company business model focused on services, and they are responsible for helping customers through the necessary paperwork and procedures to use Astrobee.David went on to discuss the development of his free-flying space platform called “The Port,” which will provide a stable environment for autonomous robotics and payload hosting. He explained that the first flight of key technologies, carried by a 250-kilogram vehicle called the Cutter, is planned for late 2026, with the goal of demonstrating rendezvous capabilities with a port module in a 525-kilometer Sun Sync orbit. Barnhart noted that while there is competition in the space infrastructure and logistics sector, the market for hosted payloads and space servicing is projected to grow significantly, with potential revenue from existing markets like hosted payloads.Barnhart discussed his company's funding, which includes government grants, SBIR, STTR, and contracts from DIU and the Space Development Agency. He explained their development of a modular space platform with propulsion capabilities, including the use of chemical systems and potential partnerships with companies using electric propulsion. Barnhart also addressed the challenges of refueling and connecting different interfaces for their platform, noting that they conducted a study on various interfaces worldwide and are working on creating a flexible system for future growth.David discussed the evolution of his satellite concept from a DARPA challenge focused on modular orbital functions to the development of “satlets” and port modules. He explained how the concept of cellularization led to the creation of scalable, multi-functional satellite components that could be aggregated, addressing the challenge of building cost-effective satellites. Barnhart described his company's current size of 4 full-time employees plus himself, with plans to expand to 10-12 people, and mentioned their upcoming move to a larger facility to accommodate growth and develop a flat floor testing platform for robotic arm movements in space.Barnhart further discussed the challenges of hiring engineers for innovative space projects, noting that while experienced engineers are valuable for technical expertise, they may struggle with new concepts, while less experienced engineers might be more adaptable but lack depth. He emphasized the importance of finding a balance between technical expertise and innovative thinking. Ryan inquired about the potential internal applications of the Astrobee partnership with NASA, to which Barnhart confirmed that the learnings would be applied to Arkisys port module for validation and verification post-launch. Barnhart also explained the company's use of an AI-based system, powered by a large language model, to assist in identifying potential issues with connectivity and safety. He highlighted the flexibility of the port module, which can be reconfigured and expanded in multiple dimensions to meet various customer needs, and emphasized the company's focus on creating a versatile infrastructure for space servicing rather than specializing in a single service like refueling.The team discussed navigation systems for their spaceport module, which includes onboard cameras, GPS, IMU, and a partnership with Fugro for high-precision navigation down to centimeter accuracy using differential GPS and L-band signals. Dave explained their power management strategy, noting they have 500 watts on the cutter and plan for 1,000-1,500 watts on the port module, with power optimization software to manage shared infrastructure. Marshall inquired about lunar applications, to which he confirmed the system could be adapted for lunar and Mars orbits, including potential use as a communications router to handle different frequency standards around the moon.David also discussed the challenges of selecting the right mix of connectors for their first port module to ensure flexibility over the next five years, particularly in light of Europe's space servicing push. He mentioned they have letters of intent from prospective customers and have conducted over 20 tests with 15 different types of customers using a full-scale port module mock-up. Barnhart also addressed cyber and IT theft protection, noting they are NIST certified and going through the audit process for CMMC, with a focus on mitigating attacks from overseas. He explained they are developing software for security, including the ability to encrypt payload data with customer-specific keys, and are allocating 5% of their monthly budget to IT security.David Barnhart discussed the company's approach to satellite connectivity, explaining they are working with AWS ground stations and exploring optical beam communication options. He addressed Marshall's question about interfacing with satellite constellations, noting they are currently independent but considering multiple ground station providers. Our guest responded to David's question about succession planning, confirming they have explored directors and key people insurance and identified Dr. Raul Rugani as a potential successor. Ryan inquired about the company's growth strategy, to which he explained they are focusing on key modularization challenges while being open to partnerships for specialized technologies like robotics, with the goal of creating flexible port modules that can accommodate various capabilities.Dave discussed the challenges and potential solutions for exploring lava tubes on Mars using a modified Ingenuity helicopter, emphasizing the need for a hybrid approach involving both aerial and rover-based systems. He explained the technology behind cave navigation using SLAM and highlighted the importance of energy and data distribution. Barnhart also described the Bosun Locker project, which provides students with 3D printable files to design and test hardware for space applications. Additionally, he addressed the environmental impact of space debris reentering the Earth's atmosphere, noting the potential for nanoparticles to affect the atmosphere's composition and radiation effects.David and Dave discussed the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and both expressed gratitude to the Space Show team. They encouraged listeners to support the show through donations and subscriptions. David mentioned the next shows will feature Dr. Roger Lanius, then an open lines discussion.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4457: ZOOM Dr. Roger Launius | Friday 07 Nov 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Roger LauniusZoom: Dr. Launius talks about his new book, “NACA to NASA to Now.”Broadcast 4458 ZOOM Open Lines Discussion | Sunday 09 Nov 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonZoom: Open Lines Discussion Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

Today we dig into the hard truths of small-business innovation in defense: most startups won't sell end items—they'll be 1st– or 2nd-tier subs whose tech is embedded in a prime's system. We unpack why founders fear losing IP to primes (and why we need better mechanisms than today's SBIR handoffs), where OCONUS opportunities really exist (think F-35 supply-chain niches and vetted foreign subsidiaries—limited but real), and why talent acquisition is make-or-break. Bottom line: protect your IP, read every teaming/NDA, know when aviation or cleared work changes your risk—and recruit serious S&E horsepower if you want to matter. Key Takeaways: IP first. Most small firms will be subs; use defensible NDAs/teaming terms and SBIR data-rights to avoid handing your crown jewels to primes. OCONUS is niche. Foreign buys happen (e.g., F-35 components), but protectionist policies mean smaller budgets and tougher entry—win with differentiated tech. Talent is strategy. Deep science & engineering capability (think Caltech/MIT-level rigor) remains the decisive edge for modernization programs. Know more about the Bootcamp: https://govcongiants.org/bootcamp Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/

In this episode of Investor Connect, host Hall Martin sits down with Earle Hager, Managing Partner of The Neutrino Donut, a consulting firm specialized in transforming scientific research into commercial solutions. Earle shares his extensive experience in technology evaluation, market planning, and commercialization strategies, highlighting his work with startups, universities, and government-funded projects supported by SBIR/STTR programs.  He discusses his journey from business development roles in Texas to founding Neutrino Donut and working on global projects at the University of Texas at Austin and UC Irvine's tech transfer office. Earl reveals the challenges and successes in helping science-based startups bring their innovations to market, focusing particularly on medical devices. He shares insights on balancing technical rigor with practical market demands, the importance of SBIR funding, and his extensive network of industry contacts. Earle also explains the meaningful name behind his consulting firm, 'Neutrino Donut,' and emphasizes his commitment to fostering innovation across regions like Austin, Los Angeles, and beyond. To wrap up, Earl outlines the importance of building relationships and continually learning in this dynamic field. For more details, visit Neutrino Donut's website or contact Earl directly on LinkedIn.   Visit The Neutrino Donut at   Reach out to at        _______________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at:    Check out our other podcasts here:   For Investors check out:   For Startups check out:   For eGuides check out:   For upcoming Events, check out    For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group    Please , share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of .

Welcome back to another episode of The Human Odyssey: A Human-Centered Podcast!On this episode of The Human Odyssey, we're joined by Jacob Croft, Director of Licensing and Commercialization at the University of Texas at El Paso, to discuss how universities, federal agencies, and small businesses align through programs like SBIR and STTR, while also examining which technology initiatives matter most in today's shifting federal funding landscape and how they create real-world impact.This episode of The Human Odyssey was recorded on September 12, 2025.Visit our website: https://sophicsynergistics.com/Follow us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SophicSynergistics/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophicsynergistics/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sophic-synergistics-llc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SophicS_LLC

Hotel Mars with Ben Roberts for Sept. 24, 2025Summary by Zoom. Edited.This Hotel Mars program featured a discussion microgravity investor Ben Roberts about the applications and investments in microgravity technology, including its impact on medical treatments, drug formulations, and material sciences. We explored the progress and challenges of commercial space companies in microgravity research and production, with NASA's support programs playing a crucial role in their development. The conversation covered various applications of low microgravity, the competitive landscape of the industry, and the timeline for product development and market entry.John Batchelor welcomed Ben Roberts, an investor in microgravity, to discuss the applications and investments in microgravity technology. Ben explained that microgravity refers to the limited effect of gravity in orbit, which enables innovative applications in medical treatments, drug formulations, and material sciences. He highlighted examples such as creating artificial limbs, developing new drugs, and producing high-quality materials that are not possible on Earth due to gravity's interference. Ben clarified that microgravity applies to any orbit with low enough gravity to affect living systems and material defects, but not enough to eliminate sedimentation or convection.Ben discussed the progress and challenges of commercial space companies, particularly those involved in microgravity research and production. While basic research on space shuttles and the ISS has been ongoing for decades, commercial companies like Varda and Redwire are just beginning to reach commercialization, producing medical seed crystals and elements. He noted that NASA's support through programs like SBIR has been crucial in helping these companies transition from pre-commercial to operational phases. The discussion also touched on the financial challenges these companies face, suggesting that private sector or government investment might be needed to bridge the gap until traditional VCs become involved once commercial viability is proven.Ben continued to discuss various applications of low microgravity, including advanced nanoparticles for drug delivery, accelerated aging studies, and 3D printed cardiac tissue. He explained how these technologies could be more effective when produced in space, despite higher costs. The panelists agreed that while some products could reach the market in 2-5 years, those requiring FDA approval might take longer, with significant progress expected by the 2030s.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs: Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

In this follow-up to his interview with Senator Joni Ernst, Evan dives into the legislative weeds of government efficiency reform with FAI scholars Dan Lips and Lars Schönander. While DOGE grabbed headlines with federal worker layoffs and chainsaw imagery, the real lasting impact may come from less flashy but more fundamental fixes: stopping the Treasury Department from sending checks to dead people, preventing Chinese-linked companies from exploiting small business research programs, and codifying anti-fraud measures that could save tens of billions annually.The conversation reveals how Ernst's decade-long crusade against government waste has created a legislative roadmap for the Trump administration's efficiency agenda. From strengthening the Treasury's "Do Not Pay" database to reforming the compromised Small Business Innovation Research program, these aren't partisan talking points but bipartisan solutions with Obama-era origins that have been stalled by bureaucratic inertia and special interests. With Ernst's retirement creating a 15-month window and SBIR authorization expiring next week, the episode captures a pivotal moment when policy wonk proposals might finally become permanent law—or get lost in the political shuffle once again.

For over a decade, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) has been a persistent voice against government waste, issuing "squeal awards" that exposed bureaucratic excess when few were paying attention. What began as a somewhat thankless crusade has now become the intellectual foundation for one of the Trump administration's signature initiatives. As Chair of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus, Ernst finds herself in the position of watching her longstanding concerns become White House priorities—from fraudulent payments to foreign exploitation of small business research programs. She's working to implement solutions she's spent years developing, including a blueprint for $2 trillion in potential taxpayer savings.Ernst recently announced that she won't be seeking reelection, creating a 15-month timeline for her to put her stamp on the U.S. Congress. The convergence of her institutional knowledge and Trump's reform mandate, with her lame-duck freedom to take risks, positions her as a unique figure in determining whether and how DOGE leaves a lasting impact on the federal government. The question isn't just what she hopes to accomplish in her remaining tenure, but what the government efficiency movement may look like without its most dedicated practitioner. Senator Ernst joins Evan to discuss her legislative efforts to root out government waste and what she hopes to accomplish before she leaves the Senate.

Guest: Ted Dennis Recorded: 9/16/25 Ted Dennis is a retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer with 23 years of service as a meteorologist and oceanographer and brings 15 years of post-Navy expertise in federal contracting specializing in Phase III SBIR sole-source contracts through B2B transfers and of SBIR technology. Join us as Ted shares his values of coaching individuals and businesses to transform overlooked SBIR/STTR awards into commercial successes, leveraging his deep expertise in innovation commercialization, federal contracting and cross-sector collaboration. Ted's passion lies in empowering leaders to bridge government-funded research with real-world applications to drive economic growth and technological advancement.

Reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research Program, or SBIR is caught in a tug of war. New Age venture capitalists want to modernize the 43 year old program. Long time supporters say legislation is trying to solve problems that don't exist or are overstated. Meanwhile, the SBIR program is at risk of losing its authorization on September 30, for more on the debate that is encompassing the SBIR reauthorization effort federal news networks. Executive Editor Jason Miller joins me now with details and analysis. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Hauck, founder and CEO of Parasight Systems, to explore how a biotech hardware startup based in Lexington is solving one of veterinary medicine's most overlooked problems: parasite resistance caused by overmedication. From pasture animals to household pets, Parasight is building AI-powered diagnostic machines that make fecal testing easy, accurate, and accessible—replacing outdated lab work with push-button automation.Expect to learn how SBIR matching grants brought Hauck to Kentucky and helped launch a scalable biotech business, why animal diagnostics is a $100B opportunity growing 8% annually, how Parasight uses 3D printing and machine learning to rapidly iterate and improve its hardware, and why Lexington's mix of research, funding, and quality of life makes it a rising hub for hard tech innovation.Middle Tech is proudly supported by:KY Innovation → kyinnovation.comAwesome Inc → awesomeinc.orgDon't miss Awesome Inc's September 5 Across → ⁠⁠⁠Free Ticket for Middle Tech listeners

This special episode of "Innovate That," recorded live at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, spotlights Oklahoma's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Jennifer McGrail, Wade Dunn (Gradient, Tulsa), and Kristin Garcia (The Verge, Oklahoma City) discuss statewide collaboration, resources, and programs supporting startups—from coworking and accelerators to funding and mentorship. They highlight the Oklahoma Commercialization Network (OCN) and the involvement of universities, investors, and global partners. The episode celebrates Oklahoma's growing national and global presence, emphasizing a spirit of innovation, inclusivity, and optimism for the state's entrepreneurial future. Timestamps: Introduction & Setting the Stage (00:00:00) Live from the Global Entrepreneurship Congress; overview of Oklahoma's unique entrepreneurial ecosystem and collaboration. Oklahoma Commercialization Network (OCEAN) Launch (00:01:27) Introduction of OCEAN, its partners, and its mission to connect founders, investors, and policymakers statewide. Gradient's Impact in Tulsa (00:03:30) Description of Gradient's innovation hub, economic impact, partnerships, and support programs for entrepreneurs at all stages. The Verge OKC's Offerings (00:05:35) Overview of The Verge's coworking, incubator, accelerator, and university partnerships in Oklahoma City. Mentorship, Advisors, and University Connections (00:06:27) Discussion of mentorship, legal resources, and student involvement through university partnerships. Community Development & Philanthropy (00:07:32) Role of foundations like Inasmuch in supporting entrepreneurship and community development in Oklahoma City. Venture Capital & Accelerator Partners (00:08:12) List of VCs, accelerators, and financial supporters involved with Gradient and The Verge. Acast's Unique Role & Statewide Programs (00:09:29) Acast's direct programs, matching grants, and STEM intern industry program for Oklahoma startups. Expanding Talent Pipeline & Student Opportunities (00:10:42) Expansion of internship eligibility to career tech students and the importance of growing local talent. Prototype & Manufacturing Support (00:12:06) Resources like Inventors Assistance Service and Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance for prototyping and manufacturing help. Federal Funding & SBIR Programs (00:12:40) OK Catalyst's support for federal SBIR awards and an example of dual-use technology commercialization. Rural Innovation & Farm Bureau Accelerators (00:14:00) Oklahoma Farm Bureau's rural accelerator programs and partnerships supporting rural entrepreneurs. Venture Capital Funds & Rural Funding (00:15:08) Explanation of Oklahoma's fund of funds, rural-specific VC, and loan programs for startups. Resource Directories & Where to Find Help (00:16:31) Websites and directories for finding entrepreneurial resources across Oklahoma. The Future of Innovation in Oklahoma (00:17:00) Speakers' visions for Oklahoma's future: AI, tech hubs, collaborative spirit, and growing national recognition. Boomerang Oklahomans & Quality of Life (00:19:41) Return of former residents, affordable living, and new cultural and tech developments in Oklahoma. Global & National Partnerships (00:21:22) Involvement of major brands like Microsoft and Google in Oklahoma's innovation ecosystem. Closing Remarks (00:21:41) Oklahoma's bright future on the global stage; invitation to join the state's innovation journey.

One company is using a material with NASA origins to ensure that athletes stay comfortable.

On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, we hear from Dr. Amy Beckley, Founder and CEO of Proov, a company on a mission to help women take control of their reproductive health. Amy was interviewed by Jamilah Corbitt during our Monthly Innovation Circle. She is also part of the Established Ventures portfolio and a longtime supporter of our community.   Get Involved! Founders, investors, startup teams, entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs), and innovators, we invite you to join the Established Network, our digital hub where creativity, capital, and collaboration collide. https://established.network  As part of the Established Network, we also host the Monthly Innovation Circle, with some great featured speakers and we'll continue hosting these events on the third Thursday of every month. Sign up today at: est.us/TheMIC2025   As part of the Established Network, we also host the Monthly Innovation Circle, with some great featured speakers and we'll continue hosting these events on the third Thursday of every month. Sign up today at: est.us/TheMIC2025   Watch the episode on the Established YouTube Channel at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube   Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us    Subscribe to the Startup of the Year podcast: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/   Startup of the Year helps diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs push their company to the next level. We are a competition, a global community, and a resource. Startup of the Year is also a year-long program that searches the country for a geographically diverse set of startups from all backgrounds and pulls them together to compete for the title of Startup of the Year. Checkout Startup of the Year at: www.startupofyear.com   Established is a consultancy focused on helping organizations with innovation, startup, and communication strategies. It is the power behind Startup of the Year. Created by the talent responsible for building the Tech.Co brand (acquired by an international publishing company), we are leveraging decades of experience to help our collaborators best further (or create) their brand & accomplish their most important goals. Check out Established at: www.established.us Connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) - @EstablishedUs    Connect with us on Facebook - facebook.com/established.us  

In this episode of BioTalk, Sam Tetlow, Founder and CEO of Grant Engine, joins the conversation to unpack how companies can successfully navigate the rapidly changing world of non-dilutive funding. With continued resolutions, shifting agency priorities, and evolving leadership at HHS and beyond, 2025 presents both new hurdles and new opportunities for biotech and health innovators. Sam shares actionable insights on what's changed under the current administration, where funding gaps exist, and how early-stage companies can align proposals with both individual program officers and federal leadership. He also offers proven strategies for building champions, writing competitive applications, and thinking differently about the grant process in today's environment.   Sam Tetlow is the Founder and CEO of Grant Engine, where he leads a team focused on securing funding for leading life science companies through SBIR, BARDA, ARPA-H, NIH, DoD, and NSF opportunities. A serial entrepreneur and experienced investor, Sam has contributed to the success of companies like EpiCypher, Gentris Corporation, and Tranzyme Pharma (IPO in 2011). With over two decades of experience and a 6.2x return on invested capital, he brings deep knowledge of the strategic, financial, and technical aspects of life science commercialization. Sam holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

A new MedTech Unboxed episode is out now with Christopher Haig, President of Efemoral Medical, a company developing bioresorbable scaffolds for treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD), affecting over 200 million globally. Here's a snapshot of our discussion: FlexStep Technology: A balloon-expandable, drug-eluting bioresorbable scaffold with inter-scaffold spaces for flexibility, made of PLLA with a co-polymer for ductility and rapid resorption (1-2 years), eluting sirolimus to prevent restenosis. Clinical Progress: The EFEMORAL I trial (33 patients enrolled across 4 sites in New Zealand/Australia) shows promise, with 20-patient results to be presented by Dr. Andrew Holden at @CXSymposium in London, April 23, 2025. Funding Update: Raised $10M+ in equity through angel investors and $2M+ in SBIR grants; targeting $20M Series B for IDE submission, including GLP animal studies and randomized trials for US PMA approval.

Connect to John Gilroy on LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gilroy/ Want to listen to other episodes? www.Federaltechpodcast.com In traditional commercial selling, a company seeks to understand its business problems and then presents a solution that would save time and money. Understanding federal requirements has a few more barriers than scheduling a meeting with the CIO.   The federal government has security requirements and considerations few commercial companies can even consider. There are no effortless ways to understand system requirements for a company trying to break into the federal marketplace. This has been understood for decades. In fact, Ron Reagan decided to help small businesses understand their needs and provide some assistance. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program was established in 1982. The concept was simple: an agency would post requirements and look for a small company to get a response. If the proposal was favorable, some steps allowed further development and funding. During today's interview, Tom Ruff updated us on the three phases of SBIR and provided specific examples of companies that have successfully navigated the process.

Shadi Azoum, the NAVWAR's program manager for the SBIR/STTR programs, said about 60% of their entire SBIR and STTR awards take advantage of Catapult. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shadi Azoum, the NAVWAR's program manager for the SBIR/STTR programs, said about 60% of their entire SBIR and STTR awards take advantage of Catapult. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, TJ Rowe (2F CRO) sits down with Samuel (Sammy) Semwangu, CEO of Bazze—a company redefining how commercial data is delivered into the national security enterprise. Sammy shares his journey from special operations to Silicon Valley, the tough lessons learned building in defense tech, and how Bazze evolved into the commercial data infrastructure behind some of today's most forward-leaning intel operations.What's Happening on the Second FrontThe shift from nation-state dominance to commercially driven intelligenceHow Bazze built a federated API to unlock insights from 20+ data vendors in secondsWhy aligning with primes and integrators is key to scale—and survivalThe incentive problem inside the building—and why smart software alone doesn't solve itPartner-led GTM, SBIR heartbreak, and why timing > everythingConnect with SammyLinkedIn: Samuel SemwanguConnect with TJLinkedIn: TJ Rowe

Produced by Foundersuite (for startups: www.foundersuite.com) and Fundingstack (for VCs: www.fundingstack.com), "How I Raised It" goes behind the scenes with startup founders and investors who have raised capital. This episode is with with Noah Helman of Industrial Microbes, a startup using programmable microbes to turn renewable feedstocks like ethanol and methane into eco-friendly chemicals and materials. More information at https://imicrobes.com/ In this episode, Noah talks about fermentation technology and the science behind metabolic engineering, how he got his initial funding from government grants in Canada, tips and procedures for applying for grants from the DoD, NSF, SBIR and other agencies, lessons learned from his time in Y Combinator, advice for raising an equity round of capital and finding investors who "get it" (meaning science and biology) and much more. iMicrobes most recently raised a seed round of funding, bringing the company's total investment to over $10M. The funding was led by First Bight Ventures, with participation from Universal Materials Incubator Co. (UMI). How I Raised It is produced by Foundersuite, makers of software to raise capital and manage investor relations. Foundersuite's customers have raised over $21 Billion since 2016. If you are a startup, create a free account at www.foundersuite.com. If you are a VC, venture studio or investment banker, check out our new platform, www.fundingstack.com

Are rules the biggest barrier to government procurement?In this replay episode, Jonathan Mostowski, a trailblazer in government procurement and co-author of the TechFAR Handbook, unpacks the truth about “hacking” bureaucracy in government contracting and how agile acquisition, strategic contracting, and responsible risk-taking can transform procurement into a driver of innovation.He also shares insights on creating culture change through contracting, his experiences authoring the TechFAR Handbook, navigating the pitfalls of SBIR, and tackling the dreaded “Valley of Death”.Learn why contracting should be a business advisory role, not just compliance, and how funding models can better reward innovation.Tune in now for a refreshing conversation on defense procurement!Key Takeaways:(00:00) Introduction (01:00) Meet Jonathan Mostowski(03:10) What is a Scaled Agile Framework?(04:08) Origins and intent of the TechFar Handbook(07:55) The biggest challenge contractors face(10:37) Why Jonathan doesn't “hack” bureaucracy?(14:07) The culture change needed in contracting(15:53) Jonathan's writing process(17:00) The purpose of Jonathan's book Leading Agile Acquisitions(19:46) What would Jonathan change if he were to be a king for a day?(22:44) How impact–not speed—should drive incentives(26:30) Are SBIRs sustainable?(34:14) The reality behind the Valley of DeathAdditional Resources:

In this Healthy, Wealthy, and Smart Podcast episode, host Dr. Karen Litzy welcomes Patrick Tarnowski, PT, MBA, a physical therapist and chief commercial officer at One Step, to discuss the gait analysis. Gait analysis is the study of how we walk, a crucial area of focus for physical therapists, especially regarding aging and overall health. Pat shares his extensive background in healthcare, spanning over two decades, and describes his journey from patient care to leading innovations in gait analysis and patient outcomes. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of gait analysis, how it changes with age, and what it means for improving health and mobility. Please tune in to learn more about this vital aspect of physical therapy and its impact on patient care.   Time Stamps:  [00:01:51] Gait analysis and biomechanics. [00:07:28] Gait analysis essentials. [00:08:35] Observational gait analysis effectiveness. [00:12:38] Correlating patient goals with analysis. [00:18:01] Functional assessment in treatment plans. [00:22:39] Patient confidence and gait analysis. [00:24:56] Gait speed as vital sign. [00:31:15] Gait analysis using smartphones. [00:34:40] Monitoring patients in real world. [00:38:45] Importance of mobility in health.   More About Patrick Tarnowski, PT, MBA: As Chief Commercial Officer at OneStep, Pat is accountable for the company's US market entry through strategic provider partnerships. His deep healthcare experience as a leader in health plans, health systems, medical devices, startups and digital care delivery support and enable OneStep's growth and scale. As an entrepreneur, Pat has successfully launched and scaled care delivery companies, digital solutions that focused on health and wellbeing, disease management and virtual care and worked with providers to achieve success in value-based payment models. He received his degree in physical therapy from Boston University and his master's in business administration from the University of St. Thomas. A lifelong learner, Pat has also held several academic appointments and is a grant reviewer for the National Science Foundation's SBIR seed fund and served as an Industry Mentor for their I-Corp Innovation program. He has been the principal investigator in numerous clinical studies and is the Vice President of Professional Practice of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association's and the Minnesota Cancer Alliance Steering Committee. Pat lives in Minneapolis with his family, dog Maizey and is a committed outdoors enthusiast and endurance athlete.   Resources from this Episode: One Step Website Pat on LinkedIn   Jane Sponsorship Information: Book a one-on-one demo here Front Desk @ Jane Mention the code LITZY1MO for a free month Follow Dr. Karen Litzy on Social Media: Karen's Twitter Karen's Instagram Karen's LinkedIn   Subscribe to Healthy, Wealthy & Smart: YouTube Website Apple Podcast Spotify SoundCloud Stitcher iHeart Radio

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we have expert guests talk about the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) process. They discuss the challenges of turning an idea into a business and taking it to the commercial market, which is where most entrepreneurs fail. We explore how venture capitalists come in to fund commercialization, but if entrepreneurs do not know how to scale and enter into a business, the funding becomes pointless. We also talk about how the SBIR process is not just about technology transfer, as entrepreneurs are seeking to control their technology, sell it to the government, and then take it to the commercial marketplace. They caution against throwing ideas at the SBIR that do not match the needs of the agencies. SBIR helps entrepreneurs market themselves by providing a platform to build on their technology and expertise, so listen to this episode to know how.

In this episode, Jeremy Whittington shares his journey of building a startup without relying on traditional venture capital. Instead, he leveraged alternative funding paths, including government grants and accelerators. We dive deep into the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the I-Corps program, and how startups can secure non-dilutive funding to kickstart their business. If you're an entrepreneur looking for funding beyond VC, this episode is for you!Key Takeaways:

Approximately 99.5% of available data is unclassified. Yet, intelligence agencies often focus on the 0.5% that is classified. How can the U.S. government bridge this intelligence gap? In this week's episode, Ryan Connell speaks with Sammy Semwangu, CEO of Bazze, about how his startup is transforming intelligence with commercial data solutions.With over a decade of national security experience, Sammy shares his early entrepreneurial challenges and how he founded Bazze in 2019 to provide an efficient data query model for defense intelligence agencies.Today, we dive into Bazze's “super API”, the balance between privacy and security, and how shifting intelligence incentives can help close critical intelligence gaps using both classified and unclassified data.Let's dive in!Key Takeaways:(00:00) Introduction (00:50) Sammy Semwangu's entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned(04:44) How Bazze's platform queries commercial data(08:38) Challenges with the SBIR process and contracting(18:29) The future of intelligence sharing in government(22:47) Privacy and ethical concerns with data access(26:54) Incentivizing intel gaps with classified or unclassified data(29:59) The efficiency of unclassified data aggregationAdditional Resources:

Don't miss our newsletter! That's where we drop weekly knowledge bombs to help you make sense of defense!In this episode, Mike sits down with Brett “Snappy”Abbamonte, a former Marine Corps F-35 pilot now at Advanced Strategic Insight (ASI) Inc. Snappy is the program manager for ELITE (ExpendableLower-cost Integrated Training Emitter), a compact, cost-effective system designed to mimic high-end surface-to-air missile (SAM) threats.Dive into how this innovative tech is reshaping training,enhancing readiness, and solving a critical warfighter problem—offering a firsthand look at how operators are using ELITE in the field to sharpen their edge.If you're into military training, cutting-edge technology,and boosting warfighter readiness—this episode is a must-listen. Links• Sign up for the newsletter⁠! • Support us on ⁠Patreon⁠!• Mike Benitez on LinkedIn• Brett “Snappy” Abbamonte on LinkedIn• ASI company• ELITE product ----Follow us on... • LinkedIn• Instagram⁠• ⁠X⁠• ⁠Facebook⁠• ⁠Website⁠----00:00 start01:11 intro03:08 Snappy 04:49 F-35 magnifies a growing problem07:21 the 3-solution problem10:31 good-enough solution space12:12 ELITE13:51 size and power15:35 as a target17:45 customers20:27 remote controlled22:00 how to keep it low cost23:34 creative training25:09 how the training looks26:47 RAF Lakenheath31:19 SBIR experience38:02 valley of death38:34 end of year money40:27 squadron innovation funds42:14 expendable concept validated42:50 Marine Corps weapons school example44:40 expendable allocation46:14 tools for innovative training49:30 memory lane49:45 callsign story51:40 outro#military #nationaldefense #warfare #nationalsecurity#defense #nationaldefense #tech #technology #defensetech #army #navy #airforce #usmc#innovation #war #strategy #aerospace #china #airpower #f35 #training #readiness #electronicwarfare

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we discuss the key components of a successful SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) proposal pitch deck. The importance of including a graphic of your company or logo, providing an overview of your product or service, and showcasing your company's history, expertise, and qualifications are vital. In this episode, we also emphasize the significance of accurately identifying your technology readiness level (TRL) and explaining why your technology is better or different from your competitors. Tune in now as this episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to secure SBIR funding by crafting the perfect pitch deck for their proposal.

Otter will collect information about defunct satellites, supporting NASA's goal to make space safer.

276 Setting Sights High: Equity and Accessibility in Vision Care with Matthias Hofmann, Co-founder & CEO of Eyebot; Boston, MA, USA We love speaking with MedTech founders and so we were excited to have Matthias Hofmann, the co-founder and CEO of Eyebot join us to explain how his team is transforming the way we receive vision care. Before this interview, we had no idea that 25% of US counties lack a practicing eye care provider. We also hadn't thought about the increasing shortage of vision care providers or that our screen-obsessed society is generating a higher per capita need for corrective eye care. And for many, the cost of vision appointments and glasses are so expensive that they forgo this critical pillar of health care. Today, the Eyebot team is hoping to address the healthcare deserts in the U.S. and work with organizations like WHO and others, their technology can make a difference globally. Here are the highlights of our discussion: - Embrace Dynamism: Startups are incredibly dynamic. Project plans can quickly become obsolete, and flexibility is key to navigating this unpredictability. While the first vision care focused startup Matthias worked on had hurdles it could not overcome, that foundation led the way to take up the challenge again once the technology had advanced. - Overcoming Barriers and Scaling: Eyebot addresses the doctor shortage problem by integrating technology into eyeglass retailers and online stores, expanding first in the New England area, California, and other U.S. states. - Self-Serve Vision Centers: Eyebot's kiosks provide self-serve vision tests using infrared light, making it easy for anyone to check their eyes without prior knowledge or instructions. - Immediate Results and Doctor Referrals: The vision tests take about 90 seconds and can detect over 30 different eye disorders. Once an individual completes the vision test, they use a well-tested framework for telemedicine to ensure compliance and effectiveness and to deliver prescriptions and analysis. While technology can enhance accessibility, routine comprehensive eye exams by human doctors remain crucial. Matthias Hofmann is the Co-founder & CEO of Eyebot, an outcome-focused technology company where tech innovation meets vision care. Founded in 2021, Eyebot is on a mission to make eye care more accessible for everyone - at the touch of a button. What used to take days or weeks can now be accomplished in minutes. Eyebot has been backed by leading deep tech VCs and the U.S. government's National Science Foundation via the SBIR program and in 2024, raised $6M in a seed round to propel their expansion. Matthias holds significant experience in new technology development, Medtech, startups, and securing capital through prior leadership roles such as Director & Product Development at Lumicell, Team Lead at Formlabs, R&D Lead at EyeNetra, and postdoc work at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Matthias attended Virginia Tech where he accentuated his engineering degree with a Ph.D. in philosophy. Connect with Matthias Website: https://www.eyebot.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mchofmann/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web and it is ranked the number 10 CEO podcast to listen to in 2024! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ Twitter: @DisruptiveCEO #CEO #brand #startup #startupstory #founder #business #businesspodcast #podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today you'll learn why over 100+ students in the GovClose certification are joining the elite profession of government contracting. They are working as consultants, sales executives and selling theior own products and services to the US government (in some cases all 3)! We'll share insights from our comprehensive certification program under GovClose, guiding you on how to start a profitable consulting business or land a high-paying sales executive job. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, visit GovClose Certification Program to learn more and schedule a call with one of our advisors. Have a question? Send to me directly at: Rick@GovClose.com   [00:01:14] Why Certification and Training Matter Title: The Importance of Certification Description: Explanation of why getting certified and trained in the process of selling to the US government can be highly lucrative for both consulting businesses and salaried positions. [00:03:33] Federal Spending and Small Business Opportunities Title: Federal Spending Insights Description: A look at federal spending trends, focusing on small business opportunities and the types of goods and services the government purchases. [00:06:33] The Certification Program: What You'll Learn Title: Certification Program Breakdown Description: Detailed overview of the certification program, including learning how the government makes purchases, building a federal sales roadmap, and developing a niche strategy. [00:09:42] Selling to the Government vs. B2B/B2C Title: Government Sales vs. Commercial Sales Description: The differences between selling to the government and commercial sectors, and why understanding these differences is crucial. [00:11:00] Starting Your Consulting Business Title: Launching a Consulting Business Description: How to start a consulting business focused on government contracts, including finding leads, establishing expertise, and generating recurring revenue. [00:15:00] Building a Sustainable Client Pipeline Title: Client Pipeline Strategies Description: Strategies for building and maintaining a pipeline of clients to ensure consistent and predictable income. [00:18:15] Effective Pitching and Proposal Writing Title: Mastering the Pitch Description: Tips on effective pitching, writing proposals, and invoicing clients for consulting services. [00:21:30] Real-Life Success Stories Title: Success Stories Description: Case studies and testimonials from individuals who have successfully leveraged the certification program to generate significant income. [00:23:00] Advanced Sales Strategies Title: Advanced Strategies Description: Advanced strategies for selling to the government and running a consulting business, including how to handle niche areas like cybersecurity and SBIR projects. [00:26:00] Salaried Positions in Government Sales Title: Lucrative Sales Jobs Description: Exploring high-paying sales positions within companies selling to the government, and how certification can help secure these roles. [00:28:00] Final Thoughts and Call to Action Title: Final Thoughts Description: Recap of the episode, the importance of investing in oneself through certification, and how to schedule an enrollment interview with an advisor.

Renowned aging in place expert Louis Tenenbaum shares his thoughts on today's $150 billion remodeling industry to meet the needs of older adults. The author of the CAPS Certified Aging in Place course and Aging Place 2.0 white paper shares information on his SBIR grant and introduction of a bill to Congress that would provide incentives for making aging place home modifications. About Louis Louis Tenenbaum is the Founder and CEO of HomesRenewed Ventures. He is a multifaceted professional who has left an indelible mark on the intersections of building, aging, and policy. With a dynamic career spanning several decades, he is recognized as a leading figure in advocating for aging in place and home accessibility. Key Takeaways The CDC definition of aging in place is the ability to remain in your home throughout your life, regardless of your health or condition. Aging in place is carrying out your years with dignity in the home. People have changed and the built environment needs to change to catch up. “Hospital at home is a trend but there is no infrastructure. Family homes are not designed to provide medical care. Roughly 5% of homes in the U.S. meet three out of these five accessibility factors, according to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS). Five accessibility factors: 1. No-step entries, 2. Single-floor living, 3. Wide doorways and hallways, 4. Accessible bathrooms, 5. Lever-style door handles. Aging in Place 3.0 is about interconnected ROI—a seamless, systematic model for delivering aging in place services. Stakeholders need to understand that their ROI depends on other stakeholders. The interconnected return comes from the system. Fall prevention needs to move upstream. Once you've fallen, you have missed out on the value of prevention. Since most falls happen in the shower, why not have grab bars?

In this episode of Building the Base, Lauren Bedula and Hondo Geurts speak with Gina Sims, Director of the DoD's SBIR/STTR office, about revolutionizing defense innovation. Sims shares her journey from Air Force acquisition to leading the $3 billion small business innovation program, discussing how she's breaking down barriers for new entrants, streamlining processes, and fostering collaboration between government and industry. The conversation explores successful strategies for connecting small business technology with warfighter needs, the evolution of the SBIR program, and the critical role of human networking in defense innovation.Key Takeaways:1. The DoD's SBIR/STTR program provides $3 billion annually in non-dilutive funding for small businesses.2. SBIR Phase Three offers valuable sole-source contracting authority, allowing acquisition officers to bypass traditional competition. 3. Success in the SBIR program requires small businesses to clearly connect their technology solutions to specific DoD requirements.4. The Air Force's "open topic" approach has broadened the defense industrial base by allowing companies to propose innovative commercial technologies that could benefit the DoD in ways not yet identified.5. Effective program management requires breaking down silos through human networking and collaboration across DoD.

Artificial Intelligence is empowering the Small Business Innovation Research Development Center at the National Cancer Institute to save the lives of women who have been diagnosed with common cancers. Brittany Connors, SBIR director of investor relations at NCI, discussed how she is working with startups to develop the technology that better detects breast cancer and cervical cancer in their early stages. Connors also highlighted NCI's partnerships with biotech companies and the progress that is being made with the world's first AI-driven platform that uses an automated ultrasound to screen for breast cancer without radiation.