Overview
Unlock Federal Funding with Confidence
Join Grant Engine for an exclusive Webinar built specifically for Arkansas-based startups, researchers, and innovators. As part of our nationwide initiative, this session delivers key insights and strategies to help you secure non-dilutive funding from leading federal, state, nonprofit, and global sources.
With a new administration shaping policy and funding priorities, staying ahead requires agility and expert guidance. This session will equip you with the tools to navigate the shifting landscape and build a long-term, repeatable strategy for funding success.
In this session, you’ll learn:
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The latest federal funding trends and how they impact Arkansas-based companies
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How to create a “Virtuous Cycle” for long-term grant success
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Real-world case studies of companies that scaled from early wins to multi-million dollar awards
- How to align your research or technology with fundable agency priorities
- Where AI can help — and where it can hurt — your proposal
- The most common mistakes that lead to rejections (and how to avoid them)
Join the Office Hours Session (Optional but Valuable!)
After the webinar, continue the conversation during our interactive Office Hours session.
This is your opportunity to:
- Confidentially discuss your specific company and project.
- Ask questions sparked by the webinar
- Gain additional insights from our experts
- Learn through shared Q&A and discussions with other participants
Office Hours are held after the webinar and require a separate registration.
Meet Your Speakers
Sam Tetlow is Founder & CEO of Grant Engine. Grant Engine has a proven model of delivering funding to leading life science companies through the NIH SBIR program as well as DARPA, BARDA and other DoD sources. Sam has successful experience as an entrepreneur and investor in life sciences companies such as EpiCypher (named best University Startup of 2016 by U.S. Congress), ILS Genomics, Immunologix, Gentris Corporation, and Tranzyme Pharma (IPO April, 2011) among others.
As a leader within companies Sam has a functional focus on product development, sales, finance and corporate development. Sam continues to build on his venture capital experience by investing into compelling companies as an Angel. Sam seeks results and has a proven track record. Sam has generated a 5.8x return on invested capital, with 76% cash realization in his last 14 years of investing.
Sam holds a MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School (Beta Gamma Sigma, 2003) and a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Honors, 1993). He has been on Mt. Everest, is a former competitive triathlete, and an avid proponent of doing good while doing well.
Humeyra Ulusoy Erol is a SME and Program Manager at Grant Engine, where she helps clients secure non-dilutive funding. A seasoned chemical engineer and entrepreneur, she holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering and a BS in Bioengineering. Prior to joining Grant Engine, she successfully secured NSF I-Corps, AFWERX, and USDA SBIR awards as a PI.
She is the co-founder and CTO of Hydralyze, which develops electrochemical and membrane-based water treatment technologies, and CEO of Smyrna Technical Solutions (Smyrna.ai), focused on bridging AI innovation and real-world business adoption. Her expertise spans sustainable technologies, advanced materials, and applied AI, making her a valuable guide and trusted partner for startups at the intersection of science, engineering, and innovation.
Humeyra also supports the local entrepreneurial ecosystem as a technology mentor at Science Venture Studio/Winrock International and as an advisor and instructor at Empower Accelerator. A long-time Arkansas resident, she enjoys exploring local trails with her bike and weekend coffee shop hops.