About InnovateNV
InnovateNV is a program provided by StartUpNV through the FAST grant awarded to UNLV, in conjunction with the Desert Research Institute, the Sierra Accelerator for Growth and Entrepreneurship (SAGE) and the Knowledge Fund, a program of the Governor's Office of Economic Development. InnovateNV is designed to empower Nevada’s small businesses to successfully engage with SBIR/STTR programs. It features a Speaker Series led by subject matter experts from the Federal Agencies that offer SBIR/STTR grants as well as recipients of grants and consultants who specialize in these programs of non-dilutive funding. The Federal and State Technology (FAST) program is funded through a Cooperative Agreement with the US Small Business Administration.
Contact
For questions about the InnovateNV program, the SBIR/STTR program, or to ask if your company/idea would be a good fit, email Cara O’Hare from StartupNV at info@startupnv.org and the UNLV Office of Economic Development at innovation@unlv.edu
Eligibility
This program is open to any Nevada-based small business that meets the following requirements:
- A for-profit venture dedicated to developing and bringing to market technology-based products or services.
- Potential for job creation in Nevada: Be a Nevada incorporated business or have a primary business location in Nevada.
- Have 500 employees or less
- Must be US owned and operated
- Work must be done in the US
Program Feautres
Receive Dedicated SBIR/STTR Hands-On Support
InnovateNV provides comprehensive, personalized assistance to businesses throughout the SBIR/STTR application process. This includes matching applicants with the most relevant funding agencies, identifying and refining research topics, and offering in-depth NSF Project Pitch support.
For more information or assistance, program participants may reach out to Logan Jones at ljjones@unr.edu.
Attend Monthly Speaker Series Events
InnovateNV’s monthly SBIR/STTR Speaker Series is presented by StartUpNV and features SBIR/STTR experts and agency program managers. These events offer actionable insights on key topics, including proposal writing, commercialization strategies, and agency-specific requirements. Participants also learn about funding opportunities, open application windows, and tips for developing competitive proposals.
Program participants may subscribe for updates on upcoming SBIR/STTR Virtual Speaker Series events, educational programs, and resources.
Participate in the SBIR/STTR Proposal Accelerator Program
The Proposal Accelerator is a nine-week cohort-based program designed to guide participants through the necessary steps to create a winning SBIR/STTR proposal. The program includes comprehensive instruction on critical topics such as proposal structure, cost proposals, commercialization strategies, and grant accounting. Participants also receive one-on-one mentoring from subject matter experts to refine their proposals.
The first cohort starts April 2025. Interested applicants who have been accepted into the InnovateNV program can complete the online SBIR/STTR Proposal Accelerator application.
Apply for Phase 0 Microgrants
InnovateNV offers Phase 0 Microgrants of up to $5,000 to cover eligible expenses incurred during proposal preparation. These microgrants are available to both Accelerator participants and other qualified applicants who have submitted SBIR/STTR proposals, with preference given to InnovateNV cohort members.
Applicants who have been accepted into the InnovateNV program must complete the Phase 0 Microgrants application and be approved to receive microgrant funding.
InnovateNV is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
