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Monday, Oct. 27, noon-2 p.m. MT | Join us in person to meet the panelists, network and enjoy a free lunch at BaseCamp at the Pearl East Innovation Campus () or connect virtually via Zoom.

Kick off Translational Funding Week with a guided tour through the vast landscape of translational funding opportunities available to academic researchers, inventors and startup founders. This session will introduce the major non-dilutive funding programs designed to help you turn research into real-world impact, covering federal opportunities like Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), state programs like the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Advanced Industries Accelerator, and regional and national commercialization resources.

You will gain a clearer understanding of what each program offers, how they differ and how they can fit into your innovation journey, from proof of concept to early commercialization. We’ll also hear directly from a panel of deep tech founders who have successfully tapped into these funding streams. They’ll share honest reflections on what worked, what didn’t, and how translational funding helped them build and scale their ventures.

Day 1 Features:

Co-Founder and COO of TissueForm

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Founder and CEO of Icarus Quantum

Founding and CEO of Aspero Medical

Co-Founder and CTO at Mana Battery

Tuesday, Oct. 28, noon-2 p.m. MT, Virtually via Zoom

This session puts you face-to-face with the people who manage Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs at key federal agencies. Program managers will give short presentations about their agency’s unique priorities, application processes, and review criteria—followed by generous time for you to ask questions and join breakout discussions.

This is your chance to ask the questions you won’t find in the guidelines and hear candid advice straight from the source about how to tailor your application, align with agency missions and avoid common pitfalls.

Day 2 Features:

Check back soon as we announce additional panelists.

Stephanie J. Fertig is Director of the NIH Small Business Program, in SEED (Small business Education and Entrepreneurial Development) within the Office of Extramural Research (OER) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She currently oversees the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which are congressionally mandated set-aside programs that provide over $1.4 billion per year to small business concerns. Before joining SEED, she managed the SBIR and STTR Programs at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). During her over 20 years at NIH, she has led the development and implementation of multiple programs focused on small businesses and translational research. She has a BS in chemistry from the University of Virginia and an M.B.A. from the University of Maryland.

Wednesday, Oct. 29, noon-2 p.m. MT, Virtually via Zoom

Translational grant proposals—especially Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)—require a different mindset than traditional academic funding. This session will equip you with the tools to prepare your technology, team, and commercialization strategy to compete successfully. We’ll cover what reviewers are really looking for across agencies, how to frame your story with supporting documents and tips for weaving together technical and commercial narratives.

Whether you're applying for SBIR, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Advanced Industries, or other translational funds, you'll walk away with practical insights and best practices to help you shape a compelling, fundable proposal.

Day 3 Features:

Check back soon as we announce additional panelists.

Ìýis a strategic planning and business development executive with more than 25 years of business-to-business and business-to-government experience, spanning several technology areas, including aerospace systems, scientific instrumentation, industrial equipment and software. He has held leadership roles in a number of functional areas including marketing, sales and consulting services. In addition to his consulting practice, he provides services to client companies through the Colorado Small Business Development Center, Foresight Science & Technology and the Montana Innovation Partnership. He received his BS in mechanical engineering from Clarkson University and his MBA from Colorado State University.

Thursday, Oct. 30, noon-2 p.m. MT, Virtually via Zoom

Federal grants aren’t your only option. This session spotlights regional and state-based funders who support translational innovation through grants, fellowships and commercialization support. Hear directly from leaders at programs like the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Advanced Industries Accelerator, the NSF Ascend Engine in Colorado and Wyoming, Activate, West Gate Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program and others.

These programs can offer quicker funding, more personalized support and strategic connections. Get tips, timelines, and insight on what makes for a successful application—and how to position your venture within the local innovation ecosystem.

Day 4 Features:

Check back soon as we announce additional panelists.

Ìý

Ìýserves as the Chief Operating Officer of Innosphere, a premier science and technology-focused incubator organization. In his role, he leads operational execution, new program implementation and deployment of capital for early-stage venture capital funds. As COO of Innosphere and a partner in multiple venture capital funds since 2019, he has spearheaded the execution of incubator services, winning and managing programs in climate resilience, life sciences, and smart cities. His leadership has tripled and diversified Innosphere’s revenue and expanded its services into six additional states. Additionally, he has coached CEOs in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and medical devices, while serving on multiple company boards and leading early-stage investments. He held various leadership roles at General Electric Energy where he managed complex projects, improved organizational productivity and led successful mergers and acquisitions. Notably, he led a cross-functional team to launch a new product in GE Oil & Gas modernizing the mid-stream space with innovative technology. His extensive background includes experience in the United States Navy as a Nuclear Power Submarine Officer.