Commercialization roadmap
The commercialization of your innovation, based on a need (such as technology pull) within an agency or the commercial world, is the ultimate purpose for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. This topic ranks third in the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) evaluation process.
This task will determine a path from your laboratory to a military program of record or the private sector. Your proposal needs to offer a sound business plan. To select SBIR and STTR programs for Phase III support, the DoD employs venture capital bankers to screen programs with the best commercialization potential.
The commercialization roadmap task will
- determine the need, timing, and market size for your innovation within agency programs (for example, DoD program of record) or the commercial sector
- explain how this particular SBIR and STTR topic supports your strategic goals
- determine your competitive advantages (such as patents or trade secrets) and possible product pricing
- form a table listing your product’s and competitors’ essential features
- determine your previous success in commercializing technology
- discuss the approach for product distribution, sales, installation, and service
- estimate financial figures in terms of a multiyear plan that reflects development, sales, and marketing expenses
- delineate the steps in moving the innovation to a high manufacturing readiness level in preparation for Phase III
- make a best effort to obtain commitments for additional investment in the technology during Phase II from the private sector, DoD prime contractors, non-SBIR and STTR DoD programs, and other sources
- undertake a best effort to procure Phase III follow-on funding commitments
The next step will help you qualify for the Fast Track process and Phase II enhancement.
