Events Calendar

The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs support small businesses across the United States to develop innovative cancer technologies with strong potential to help people live longer, healthier lives. The programs are a critical source of non-dilutive financing for early-stage companies, providing over $200M in fiscal year 2024 to develop next generation technologies. Registration is required. Please register to attend here.

Presenting at this event will be Ming Zhao, PhD | Program Director, SBIR Development Center, National Cancer Institute.

Dr. Zhao will cover:

• Overview of SBIR/STTR eligibility requirements
• NIH SBIR/STTR process and new cancer-focused grant and contract funding opportunities from NCI
• NCI SBIR/STTR initiatives such as NIH Innovation Corps (I-Corps™) Team Training Program, Applicant Assistant Program, etc.
• NCI Investor Initiative to help NCI SBIR-funded companies to connect with investors, venture capitalists, strategic partners, and business leaders from the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.
• Practical strategies on how to successfully submit competitive research proposals.

Agenda

• 10–10:30 a.m., Registration & Networking
• 10:30 a.m.–noon, Presentation & Q&A

Opportunity to meet 1-on-1 with Dr. Zhao

Later in the day, selected companies will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Dr. Zhao. If you are interested, please check the "I would like to request a 1-on-1 meeting with Dr. Zhao" at the event registration page here.

About Dr. Zhao

Dr. Ming Zhao is a Program Director at the National Cancer Institute's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Development Center. In this role, Dr. Zhao develops and manages SBIR/STTR programs and contracts focused on cancer therapeutics, molecular diagnostics, medical imaging, radiotherapy, AI-aided technology development and global health. In addition, Dr. Zhao also takes part in various initiative including the NCI Investor Forum, Applicant Assistant Program, workshops, and targeted funding announcements (e.g., Cancer Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment Technologies for Low-Resource Settings). Prior to his appointment at NCI in 2009, he worked in industry including GE and Pfizer for over 10 years. 

Co-hosted by the Iowa Economic Development Authority

The event is co-hosted by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). IEDA administers several programs supporting entrepreneurial development including America's Seed Fund and The Continuum of Funding. The program assists innovators to obtain federal and state funds. For more information visit https://www.iowaeda.com/.