For small businesses seeking non-dilutive federal funding, engaging with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is worth your time. Known for backing high-risk, high-reward innovation, DARPA funds transformative technologies that traditional investors often consider too early or too bold. Discover how to navigate the DARPA and its high-risk, high-reward innovation ecosystem, including the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, and learn about the resources provided by DARPAConnect. This webinar introduces DARPA’s unique culture and provides attendees with actionable strategies to turn breakthrough ideas into transformative national security solutions.

If your company is building disruptive technology that would benefit the warfighter, join this 1-hour overview of DARPA to learn about:

1. How DARPA Works: A high-level overview of the agency’s mission, structure, and unique approach to innovation.
2. Funding Opportunities: A deep dive into DARPA’s SBIR and STTR programs, alongside other entry points for small businesses to engage with DARPA.
3. Getting Started: Information about DARPAConnect, DARPA’s outreach and education initiative aimed at supporting untapped innovators and breaking down barriers of entry to help new entrants and non-traditionals navigate the process and succeed.

There will be Q&A with the presenter following the presentation.

Register Here

no cost to attend, but registration is required

Featuring:

Featuring Ms. Jennifer Thabet
Program Director, Small Business Programs Office (SBPO) at Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

Ms. Jennifer Thabet is an experienced program manager with an extensive background supporting DARPA and the Department of Defense (DoD). Enhancing the ability of the small business community to create and transition revolutionary technologies that benefit the warfighter, federal government, and commercial marketplace is of paramount importance in Ms. Thabet’s role of program director, DARPA Small Business Programs Office (SBPO). In her role, Ms. Thabet administers the DARPA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. She also leads and helped establish the agency’s inaugural Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA), DARPAConnect, an effort designed to break down barriers of entry for performers new to DARPA and the national security space, and educate them on how to engage and work with DARPA.

Prior to joining SBPO, Ms. Thabet spent more than 13 years with Booz Allen Hamilton supporting DARPA and the DoD by providing program and project management for complex government contracts with a focus on project and financial management. Before her time at DARPA, Ms. Thabet spent time as an attorney, specializing in contract law and general litigation. Ms. Thabet holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis, a Juris Doctorate degree from The George Washington University School of Law, and a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification from the Project Management Institute.

Training Provided By: Michigan’s SBIR/STTR Assistance Program
The Michigan SBIR/STTR Assistance Program provides SBIR/STTR training and proposal development services to technology companies with costs covered in whole or in part by the state. The program is funded by the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and managed by BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting.

Do you know about Michigan’s SBIR/STTR Assistance Program?  The Michigan SBIR/STTR Assistance Program provides SBIR/STTR training and proposal development services to technology companies with most costs covered by a state grant. The program is managed by BBCetc.