Technology Commercialization

The Technology Commercialization Services team provides one-on-one business counseling and advice to small business owners, university researchers, and entrepreneurs looking to advance their innovations to the marketplace. These innovations typically involve intellectual property that contributes to a strong competitive advantage in the marketplace and serves as a foundation for the business. On average, the Technology Commercialization Services team works with over 350 clients and provides nearly 12,000 hours of business counseling.

The NC SBTDC was the first Small Business Development Center in the nation to be officially recognized for providing specialized Technology Commercialization services. The SBTDC is also North Carolina’s designated Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) assistance resource. Our Technology Commercialization Services team has helped North Carolina become a leader in SBIR/STTR awards. Each year, our clients successfully compete to receive tens of millions of dollars in R&D support through this program.

SBIR/STTR Services

Read about the mission of the SBIR and STTR programs which support scientific excellence and technological innovation.
Equity Funding Services

Read about our advisory services and resources focused on preparing businesses for raising equity capital

Technology Event Series

Key training topics include SBIR/STTR federal non-dilutive R&D funding, angel and venture dilutive funding, business development, and connections to local ecosystems.

Equity Funding

When it comes to working with investors, new entrepreneurs are at a disadvantage: They often have misconceptions about the process, do not understand the concept of stage-appropriate capital, and do not understand investor expectations.

The Investor-Ready Entrepreneur program levels the playing field, educating and preparing growth-oriented entrepreneurs to successfully engage private equity investors.

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Innovation

Early stage innovation-based businesses face a unique set of foundational challenges as they get off the ground and grow. The “Business of Innovation” is a workshop series offered in multiple locations throughout North Carolina that highlights the unique needs of innovation driven companies, including university spinouts.

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We Help You With

Building a strong business foundation

Develop a business plan
Design a marketing strategy
Evaluate intellectual property
Create financial projections

Accelerating your success

Recognize needed skill sets and gaps
Assemble an effective team
Communicate your value proposition
Identify prototype production resources

Discover financing opportunities

Identify funding and financing options that match your situation and goals
Understand investor requirements
Assess your readiness for investment
Get ready to make your pitch

Produce competitive funding proposals

Understand the differences between SBIR and STTR
Stay on top of program changes and updates
Develop a funding strategy that incorporates grants and contracts
Receive comprehensive proposal reviews at no charge

Technology Commercialization Resources

SBIR/STTR 12 Week Proposal Guide

The SBIR/STTR 12-Week Proposal Guide offers a step-by-step guide for technology and innovation businesses to build their applications for SBIR and/or STTR funding over the course of twelve weeks. Topics include: due diligence, planning and writing the proposal, creating a commercialization plan, and wrap up, as well as a number of post-submission resources and action items.

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Intellectual Property Guide

Our Intellectual Property Guide is intended to help small businesses and inventors in the development of their inventions and in the maintenance of their intellectual property rights. Topics include patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, commercialization decision factors, licensing, strategic alliances and joint ventures, technology transfer, IP valuation guide, and more.

View The Guide

As part of the SBTDC’s Summer Internship Program, interns will have the opportunity to work with two technology-based clients during the 10-week internship.

Internship Opportunity

Read about the consulting internship opportunities available to qualified graduate students.