Baylor University's Office of Innovation & Economic Development supports institution- wide efforts to increase the quality and quantity of activity and outcomes around innovation, startups, and job creation with an emphasis on enhancing Waco's technology & innovation economic ecosystem.
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The SBIR/STTR programs are often referred to as “America’s Seed Fund” because they provide non‑dilutive funding meaning founders keep control of their company while validating technology and preparing for market entry.
These programs offer a unique way to fund "high-risk" technology development without giving up equity or intellectual property rights prematurely. High-risk research often gets here because it's too advanced for basic research grants but too unproven for private investors.
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For universities, researchers, and faculty entrepreneurs, these programs offer powerful opportunities to:
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- Translate research into commercial impact
- Partner with startups while maintaining academic roles
- Access multi‑phase federal funding pathways
- Build long-term industry and agency relationships
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As the House prepares to follow the Senate's unanimous reauthorization of SBIR/STTR, now is an ideal time for researchers and innovators to understand how these programs work. The five‑year extension provides stability, and the new updates highlighted in the reauthorization (enhanced due diligence, faster contracting, a new Phase II mechanism supporting awards up to $30M) make the programs even more attractive.
Whether you are new to SBIR/STTR or looking to deepen your knowledge, these sessions provide step‑by‑step guidance from experienced national consultants.
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University Participation in SBIR/STTR: Pre-submission to Post-award
March 26, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (CST)
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What: Learn the specific rules for university researchers acting as sub-contractors or small business owners.
Key Highlights: Coverage includes Primary Investigator requirements, sub-contracting limitations, and critical compliance rules regarding "Waste, Fraud and Abuse".
Presenter: Megan Varnum, Ph.D., Sr. Principal Consultant.
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Working with DoD & Speaking Their Language
April 9, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (CST)
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What: The Department of Defense (DoD) offers a wide range of opportunities to solve military needs across nearly every technology area.
Key Highlights: Discover how to navigate the DoD procurement process and "speak their language" to improve your chances of winning Phase I and Phase II contract awards.
Presenter: Monique Branham, 22-year Air Force veteran and SBIR/STTR commercialization expert.
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Basics of Private Funding for Technology Companies
May 7, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (CST)
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What: A review of funding rounds (Seed, A Round, etc.) and how they correlate to technology risk.
Key Highlights: Understand the differences between angel, institutional, private equity, and venture funds, including the motivations of each investor type.
Presenter: Jerry Hollister, BBCetc Executive Consultant and Co-Owner.
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Technology Commercialization |
Celebrating Our Inventors |
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We are proud to recognize Baylor inventors who have advanced the technology transfer process this month through new invention disclosures.
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Adam Goad, Austin Egbert, and Jonathan Swindell have developed a Sparse Extrapolation-Powered RF Load-Pull Measurement System. Existing load-pull measurements require full range impedance tuner hardware, which is very expensive. This invention provides an alternative approach that will still provide a complete load-pull measurements but with significantly fewer measurements using less capable impedance tuning hardware; thereby, reducing costs while also opening new opportunities for load-pull measurements.
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Ryan Kinser, Brian Jordan, and Paul Allison disclosed an Axially Aligned Protrusion Feature for Twin Rod Additive Friction Stir Deposition. In Additive Friction Stir Deposition, ‘interfaces’ between deposited material and existing material often manifests as distinct changes in microstructure, such as grain size and chemical composition. For better mechanical properties, a homogenous grain structure across the physical interface is needed. Building on the group's previous work, a new tool and method to reduce the manifestation of distinct changes in microstructure upon additive friction stir deposition has been developed. The use of this new tool and method will significantly improve the mechanical properties of items made by additive friction stir deposition.
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Through these disclosures, our faculty, staff, and students are ensuring their hard work reaches its full potential, transforming Baylor research into tangible solutions that drive economic growth and solve industry challenges.
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Intellectual Property and Tech Transfer |
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Our team recently joined leaders in Seattle for AUTM 2026 Annual Meeting. The meeting highlighted a significant shift in institutional strategy, moving AI from experimental pilots to a core operational catalyst designed to enhance licensing execution and streamline invention disclosures. This evolution in technology transfer is critical as national leaders, including representatives from the USPTO, underscored the need for universities to move as a unified front in navigating the complex regulatory landscape and federal mandates like the CHIPS Act.
The sessions also spotlighted a growing movement toward mission-driven impact, with organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation advocating for "radical openness" in intellectual property to prioritize societal breakthroughs over traditional royalty-heavy models. This spirit of precision and high-stakes management was echoed by NASA’s Brian Muirhead, who illustrated how the rigorous principles used in deep-space exploration at JPL can be applied to commercializing terrestrial research. These insights reinforce our local efforts to connect high-potential projects such as the market-ready advancements in semiconductors, automotive sustainability, and therapeutics emerging from our own labs with industry partners to solve the world's most critical bottlenecks.
Interested in a market assessment for your own research?
Contact our team to learn more about our commercialization support services.
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Summer Incubation Program |
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We are officially gearing up for our 10-week Summer Incubation Program! This hands-on accelerator equips participants with a comprehensive startup curriculum, complemented by insights from local business owners and personalized mentorship. Founders will have the opportunity to refine their business strategies and overcome specific challenges while utilizing dedicated workspace at the BRIC. To qualify for the cohort, applicants should have a tech-based or service-oriented business idea and must have already begun the customer discovery process to validate market interest. While an official company does not need to be formed, teams should possess the internal capability to develop their business independently.
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Upcoming Events & Programs |
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Stay connected with the
Office of Innovation & Economic Development
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Business Development Director |
| Senior Director, Cyber Initiatives |
| License and Patent Associate |
Strategic Partnership Manager |
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Stay connected with Baylor University
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