Maryland technology founders can now apply for TEDCO’s SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab—a structured, results-driven program designed primarily to help teams prepare competitive National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR/STTR Phase I proposals. The curriculum focuses on NSF’s unique expectations, from deep-tech differentiation to commercialization strategy, while building skills that can be applied to future submissions to NIH, DoD, USDA, and other agencies.
Participants work within a disciplined, cohort-based environment that provides expert instruction, one-on-one coaching, and hands-on proposal development support. The goal is simple: equip Maryland innovators to confidently submit a polished, compliant, high-scoring proposal.
Program Snapshot
Program: TEDCO SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab
Primary Target Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Audience: Maryland-based technology startups and small businesses
Focus: Preparing founders to develop and submit a competitive NSF Phase I SBIR/STTR proposal
Structure: Workshops, guided curriculum, proposal coaching, technical review
Outcome: A complete, high-quality NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I proposal ready for submission
Why This Matters
NSF funds high-risk, high-impact innovations with strong commercial potential—but its proposal requirements are rigorous and distinct. Founders must clearly articulate the technical merit, broader impacts, and commercialization strategy, all while meeting strict formatting and compliance standards.
Many early-stage companies struggle to navigate this process alone. TEDCO’s Proposal Lab addresses this by offering targeted guidance on NSF’s evaluation criteria, proposal structure, and required documents—while teaching a repeatable process that applies to other federal agencies as well.
Graduates leave with the skills to pursue additional SBIR/STTR opportunities beyond NSF, strengthening Maryland’s innovation ecosystem and increasing access to non-dilutive R&D capital.
What Participants Gain
Participants benefit from structured, expert-driven support:
- NSF-specific proposal development guidance, informed by agency norms and reviewer expectations
- Hands-on coaching and compliance checks to ensure every required element is complete and aligned
- Structured commercialization planning support tailored to NSF’s Phase I requirements
- Technical editing and narrative refinement to sharpen clarity, logic, and competitive positioning
- A disciplined writing and review workflow that enables teams to stay on track and meet deadlines
- A full NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I proposal package ready for submission
While NSF is the program’s anchor, participants learn an approach they can apply to other SBIR/STTR agencies and future resubmissions.
Who Should Apply
The program is ideal for Maryland-based companies that:
- Have an innovation aligned with NSF’s deep-tech mission
- Are preparing for their first NSF SBIR/STTR submission or aiming to strengthen a past attempt
- Want structured guidance, expert review, and accountability
- Can commit time to workshops, assignments, and writing milestones
This program serves early-stage founders, university spinouts, and technical entrepreneurs developing high-impact technologies.
How to Apply
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the cohort is full. Early applications are strongly recommended.
More Information/Apply Here: https://www.tedcomd.com/funding/tech-transfer/federal-tech-transfer/sbirproposal
How OST Supports the Proposal Lab
OST Global Solutions supports TEDCO’s Proposal Lab by delivering the same systematic proposal development methodology we use to help clients win complex federal contracts. Our team brings deep experience in SBIR/STTR proposal strategy, technical writing, and compliance—ensuring participants leave with a rigorous, compelling proposal aligned with NSF’s standards.
Start Your NSF SBIR/STTR Journey — Apply Now
