Log In NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Program

Abstract: An overview of the National Science Foundation and the United States Federal Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program is presented. The specifics of the NSF SBIR/STTR program and the related innovation model is discussed along with the presentation of relevant data pertaining to outcomes of this program. Examples of the broad technology areas that are funded are provided. Unique features of the program, what kinds of proposals are typically considered for funding, the proposal review process, and some insights to strengthen proposals are discussed.

Biography: Dr. Murali S. Nair is a Program Director in the areas of Electronic Hardware, Robotics, and Wireless Technologies with the National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR/STTR Program since January 2003. Prior to joining NSF, he was the Founder CEO of a Bluetooth wireless product company. In this capacity, he raised equity capital for worldwide operations in the U.S., China and India. He designed, planned and implemented the product development cycle, and managed the marketing strategy, strategic alliances and business development processes. Before that, he was a Senior Systems Engineer at L-3 Communications where he provided strategic advice to the Executive VP for a complete re-plan of the Hughes contract for real-time, embedded ground control software for the $350M PANAMSAT communications satellite. Prior to joining L-3 Communications, he was a Mission Planner at Motorola Iridium where he was involved in all aspects of satellite operations including orbit determination, generating guidance targets and orbital slot placement. Before joining Iridium, he was a faculty member at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he developed an entire Space Systems Design Lab from concept inception to fully operational mode and national prominence, and supervised five (5) space system designs, three (3) of which were winners in the National AIAA/Loral Design Competition. He is a recipient of a number of awards including NSF’s second highest award for meritorious service and the President’s Innovation Award for Space Systems Design courses while at Embry-Riddle. Murali is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology and the University of Texas. He is a registered professional engineer in the State of Florida.