​Join us for an engaging and informative session on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Designed for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are starting, or considering starting, an innovative company and exploring funding opportunities.   

​The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are competitive non-dilutive funding programs that fund eligible small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D). At DOE, the funding takes the form of grants and cooperative agreements. Projects must have the potential for commercialization and be responsive to DOE topics which are published in advance of each funding opportunity announcement. Our topics are formulated to advance DOE’s mission. DOE offers more than sixty technical topics and 250 subtopics annually, spanning research areas that support the DOE mission in:

• ​Energy Production & Use

• ​Fundamental Energy Science

• ​Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation

• ​Environmental Management

​This workshop will be led by Dave McCarthy, Technology to Market Advisor from the DoE, who will provide expert insights into the DOE SBIR/STTR programs and answer your questions.

​Come ready to learn, ask questions, and explore new funding opportunities. No prior experience or technical background is required!

​Agenda:

• ​11:00 AM – Welcome & Introduction - Gretel von Son (5 min)

• ​11:05 AM – DoE SBIR/STTR Overview – Dave McCarthy (25 min)

• ​11:30 AM – Q&A - Shadi Azoum (20 min)

• ​12:00 PM – Closing

​Speakers:

​Shadi Azoum

​Mr. Shadi Azoum is the current Program Manager for the NAVWAR Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), and Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF) Program Management Offices. He has served in this position since June 2016. Prior to this position, Mr. Azoum led the Science and Technology (S&T) portfolio for PEO C4I, PMW 130 (Information Assurance and Cyber Security Program Office) as the Assistant Program Manager (APM) for Science and Technology (S&T) since May 2011. Mr. Azoum has a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science and Master of Science (MS) in Information Security from Florida State University.

​Dave McCarthy

​Dave’s work on the SBIR/STTR program is three-pronged. 1) To manage commercialization support, including Technical and Business Assistance, and the Phase Shift I and Phase Shift II programs. 2) To direct the semi-annual Principal Investigator meetings for SBIR/STTR awardees. 3) To gather and report post-award progress from prior SBIR/STTR awardees. Dave’s prior work includes entrepreneurship, seed stage investing, and a stint in academia.