# Presentation: 847899

##                         OCAST & SBIR an Overview

***Dan Luton***
***Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST)***
**6****th**** Annual NIH SBIR/STTR National Conference****June 23 & 24, 2004**

## OCAST’s Mission

* **	****TO FOSTER INNOVATION IN EXISTING AND DEVELOPING BUSINESSES***
- 	**By *****supporting***** basic and applied research**
**	****By *****facilitating***** technology transfer between research     laboratories and firms and farms**
**	****By *****providing***** ****seed-capital for new innovative firms and their products, and**
**	****By**** *****fostering***** ****enhanced competitiveness in the national and international markets by small and medium-sized manufacturing firms in Oklahoma by stimulating productivity and modernization of such firms.       **

## OCAST Technology Pipeline Programs Concept to Commercialization

## OCAST Programs

**	****Oklahoma Health Research Program**** ****(OHRP)**** ‐ Awards seed funds for one to three‐year research projects related to human health. Funds awarded annually on a competitive basis to qualifying universities, non-profits, and businesses.**
**	****Oklahoma Applied Research Support Program**** ****(OARS)**** ‐ Awards funds for one to three‐year R&D projects with significant potential for commercialization. Funds awarded twice annually on a competitive basis to qualifying universities, non-profits, and businesses.**

## OCAST Programs

**	****Intern Partnership Program**** ‐ Supports student and faculty research internships between local industries and colleges and universities. Funds awarded twice a year on a competitive basis.**
**	****Small Business Research Assistance Program (SBRA):**** ‐ Assists qualified small businesses in applying for SBIR and/or STTR awards and sustains qualified small businesses through the funding gap between phases of federal grants. First come, first served to qualified applicants as long as funds remain available.**

## OCAST Programs

**	****The Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence**** – OCAST provides oversight and state matching funds to this affiliate of the national NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. The Alliance helps small and medium‐sized manufacturers modernize in order to compete successfully.  Under a partnership with Oklahoma State University, The Alliance also provides engineering services to small and rural manufacturers through its Application Engineers program.**
**	**

## OCAST Programs

**	****The Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center**** – Funded by OCAST and operated by the private, not-for-profit i2E, Inc. the Tech Center assists start‐up and existing advanced technology companies commercialize new technology by providing services such as: feasibility studies, marketing plans, business plans and access to early stage risk capital.**

## OCAST Programs

**	****The OCAST Technology Business Finance Program**** ‐ Managed by i2E Inc., this OCAST program provides limited pre-seed financing for qualifying start‐up advanced technology firms.  **
**Typical award: $100,000 - $150,000**
**2X payback, but only if the company can**
**	****Inventors Assistance Service**** – Through an OCAST contract with Oklahoma State University, inventors are provided assistance and training.**

## OCAST SBIR/STTR Assistance Program

- Technical assistance
- Referrals
- Proposal development workshops
- Newsletters
- Help assembling project teams
- SBIR/STTR Phase I Incentive - $3,000
- SBIR Phase II Bridging - $25,000

##  New Programs Initiated Under OCAST’s FAST 

_***F***_***ederal ***_***A***_***nd ***_***S***_***tate ***_***T***_***echnology**** partnership program*
- Matching grant program from the U.S. Small Business Administration
- Purpose:
- To stimulate and increase participation in the federal SBIR and STTR programs and
- To increase and enhance successful commercialization of both private sector and university-developed  technology

## OCAST FAST Initiatives

- OCAST’s FAST projects include a variety of initiatives:
- Research university technology commercialization voucher program
- SBIR mentoring network
- Increased SBIR outreach and publicity efforts
- Instructional/informational CD
- Planning for a state SBIR Phase III pilot program
- Regional university voucher program

## OCAST FAST Initiatives

- Research University Technology Commercialization Voucher Program
- Vouchers redeemable at the Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center for:
- Technology valuation
- Business plan review
- Needs assessment
- Market analysis
- Review of venture opportunities

## OCAST FAST Initiatives

- SBIR Mentoring Network
- Proposal development support
- Formal external proposal reviews
- Review of intellectual property status
- Facilitate interaction with successful SBIR firms
- Business/commercialization plan development
- QuickView Analysis and introduction to the Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center

## OCAST FAST Initiatives

- Increased SBIR outreach and publicity efforts
- Statewide networking events – “Tech Night Out”
*Oklahoma Innovations* radio show
- OCAST website
- Print ads in Oklahoma Future Value Magazine
- SBIR awards banquet in conjunction with Oklahoma Venture of the Year awards event
- Monthly SBIR/STTR Newsletter

## OCAST FAST Initiatives

- Instructional/informational CD
- SBIR/STTR 101 – provided by the federal agencies
- Video testimonials of successful SBIR and STTR clients, including manufacturers and established companies
- Overview of all OCAST support programs and services, including affiliate organizations and partners

## OCAST FAST Initiatives

- Planning for a state SBIR Phase III pilot program
- Dawnbreaker workshop – Dr. Jenny Servo
- Working to create a bridge between SBIR Phase II award winners and the Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center
- Educate SBIR companies at Phase I about strategic partnerships and licensing
- Incorporate into SBIR Mentoring Program

## OCAST FAST Initiatives

**Regional university voucher program**
**Vouchers for tech commercialization support and/or:**
**Entrepreneurial workshops**
**Entrepreneurial boot camp**
**Technology development seminars**
**Assistance with creating university technology development programs **

## OCAST

***For more about OCAST programs, ***
***website: ******www.ocast.state.ok.us ***
*** ******phone:****** 405-524-1357 ext 232***
***toll free:****** 866-265-2215 ext 232***
***e-mail:****** dluton@ocast.state.ok.us***