By Akela Consulting
NASA's SBIR Ignite program presents a unique and lucrative funding opportunity for high-growth, product-oriented entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. This pilot initiative is crafted to harness NASA's extensive resources, expertise, and brand recognition to offer high-impact startups early-stage funding and a NASA "seal of approval" to incentivize private investment, ultimately providing a vital stepping stone toward commercial success.
NASA's SBIR Ignite Program 2024
Initial Investment Phases:
Phase I: Provides up to $150,000 in non-dilutive funding, allowing small businesses to advance their early-stage technology development without giving up any equity.
Phase II: Offers up to $850,000 in non-dilutive funding, supporting further development and commercialization efforts.
Post-Phase II Funding
NASA's Ignite SBIR Topics
The NASA SBIR Ignite program focuses on cutting-edge technology areas relevant to emerging commercial markets in aerospace. This year has three topics:
Aviation-Ready Electrical Energy Storage for All-Electric or Hybrid Electric Aircraft
Leak-Free Cryogenic Valves and Quick Disconnects
Decision Support Tools Leveraging NASA Earth Science Data
Why SBIR Ignite is a Golden Opportunity for Startups
Non-Dilutive Funding:
One of the standout features of SBIR Ignite is its provision of non-dilutive funding. This means that startups and small businesses can receive substantial financial support without having to relinquish any ownership or equity. This allows companies to retain full control over their business while securing the necessary funds to develop and commercialize their technologies.
Commercialization Focus:
SBIR Ignite places a strong emphasis on the commercial viability of technologies. By collaborating with entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses, NASA aims to foster innovations that will attract significant private-sector investment. This focus ensures that participants are well-positioned to succeed in both the public and private markets.
Application and Submission:
The 2024 SBIR Ignite Phase I solicitation is now open, with submissions accepted until 5 pm ET on July 30, 2024. For details on how to apply, talk to Akela Consulting.
Engagement and Support
At Akela Consulting, we specialize in navigating the complexities of NASA's Ignite program and other federal grant opportunities. Beyond the technical aspects of your submission, we excel in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, whether for NASA SBIR Ignite 2024, the Air Force's AFWERX program, the Army's Applications Laboratory, NIH, or the National Science Foundation and many others grant programs offering funding.
Talk to us today about NASA's Ignite program and discover additional non-dilutive funding opportunities to propel your business forward.
Last Year's Awards
In December 2023, NASA announced its second round of SBIR Ignite Phase I awards, selecting 10 small businesses to receive up to $150,000 each. Earlier, in June 2023, 12 small businesses were awarded SBIR Ignite Phase II contracts, totaling approximately $10 million. These selections reflect NASA's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting small businesses on their journey toward commercial success.
Follow-on Funding
Phase I and II awards are often insufficient to launch a technology into the marketplace. Thus, the NASA SBIR/STTR program has several Post Phase II opportunities to support small businesses beyond the basic elements of the program, helping them and their technologies reach commercialization in the market or infusion into NASA’s missions.
These four opportunities—Phase II-Extended (II-E), Phase II Sequential, the Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program (CCRPP), and Phase III awards—can provide the additional boost needed to achieve ultimate commercialization and infusion goals.
Phase II-E: Requires 1:1 match funding, with a maximum award of $375,000.
Phase II Sequential: Less common, does not require match funding, and offers between $2.5M and $4.5M.
CCRPP: Requires 1:1 match funding, with a maximum award of $2.5M.
Phase III: Funded from non-SBIR sources and can be awarded at any time.
NASA Ignite Summary
NASA SBIR Ignite is more than just a funding program; it's a gateway to significant financial support without the need to give up equity. This unique initiative empowers startups to advance their high-risk technologies into commercially viable products while retaining full ownership of their business. With substantial non-dilutive funding, extensive engagement opportunities, and a flexible solicitation process, SBIR Ignite is an unparalleled opportunity for small businesses aiming to make a significant impact in aerospace and beyond. For more information and to apply for the 2024 SBIR Ignite Phase I solicitation, visit SAM.gov.
To enhance your chances of success and expertly navigate the SBIR Ignite program, contact Akela Consultants today. We are here to help you unlock additional non-dilutive funding opportunities and propel your business forward.