FedSprout Workshop 1: From Lab to Launch, Navigating NSF SBIR/STTR as a First-Time Applicant
This webinar introduces academic entrepreneurs and early-stage innovators to the NSF’s America’s Seed Fund. It covers key eligibility criteria, how to get started with a Project Pitch, NSF’s evaluation priorities, and how the agency supports cutting-edge innovation. Ideal for spinouts and first-time applicants, the session offers practical guidance and foundational insights to help teams assess whether they’re a good fit and how to position themselves for success.
Featuring: Kaitlin Bratlie, SBIR/STTR Expert and Senior Advisor, Fedsprout
Dr. Kaitlin Bratlie is a Senior Advisor at Fedsprout, where she works directly with startups to develop competitive proposals for NSF’s SBIR/STTR programs. A former NSF Program Director with a portfolio of $50M in seed funding awards, Katie brings insider perspective on how to craft winning submissions. She has also served on the Laboratory Assessments Board at the National Academies and held faculty positions in biomedical and materials engineering. Her mission is to empower deep-tech founders—especially first-timers—with the tools they need to thrive in America’s innovation ecosystem.
About the Host:
Nucleate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of biotech leaders. With chapters spanning 41 geographic regions and participation from over 280 academic institutions, Nucleate sparks new intellectual communities and embeds emerging talent within a global biotech community. Through open-access educational programming, Nucleate helps democratize biotech innovation — removing barriers and helping founders concentrate on building transformational technologies. Visit www.nucleate.xyz for more information, and visit https://nucleate.xyz/privacy-policy/ to read our privacy policy.
We want to thank our HQ supporters for championing our open-access mission and empowering the next generation of biotech entrepreneurs!
About FedSprout:
Fedsprout is a premier consulting firm specializing in SBIR/STTR funding, commercialization, and award management for life science startups. We provide expert guidance on securing non-dilutive funding, crafting winning proposals, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and navigating the commercialization pathways within the SBIR/STTR program. With a proven track record of writing hundreds of proposals and supporting awardees, we help innovators bring cutting-edge therapeutics, diagnostics, and medical devices to market seamlessly.