SBIR reauthorization: news from the source
Eric Blatt has been on the ground engaging with the two Senators’ offices that are negotiating the SBIR reauthorization. His LinkedIn posts on the reauthorization have been helpful and are timely, and it appears there’s going to be news on 25 February that is particularly timely to share.
Why this webinar, why now
This webinar provides the latest intelligence on where the SBIR Reauthorization stands, what’s in play as the deal gets negotiated, and what to do now about it. Join us for essential on-the-ground intelligence from a leading contributor to success in progress towards getting the program reauthorized, and more importantly what to do right now about it.
This session gives you the practical, execution-oriented view: what the lapse means, what changes the program is likely to experience, and how to keep your funding moving in this time of reauthorization.
The SBIR / STTR program are America’s Seed Fund, but the statutory authority for the program expired September 30, 2025, creating real uncertainty for new solicitations and new awards. Attendees need to understand the immediate implications of the current reauthorization status, potential program changes, and - critically - how to build a resilient funding strategy that doesn't solely depend on SBIR/STTR.
Who should attend
- Founders and CEOs building R&D-driven companies
- BD and capture leads owning the funding pipeline
- Product and technical leaders planning Phase I to Phase II proposals, as well as those interested in larger strategic funding.
- Companies in life science, dual use/defense, energy, and advanced tech
What you will learn
- What is actually happening in reauthorization: where things stand legislatively and what near-term paths look like, including the House-passed one-year extension bill and Senate status
- What you can and cannot do during the lapse: what “expired authority” means in practice, and what agencies are communicating to existing recipients
- How to protect your funding roadmap: immediate steps to de-risk your next 60 to 120 days if SBIR timing slips
- Where to find funding right now: the highest-signal places to source non-dilutive dollars beyond SBIR, plus how to qualify opportunities fast
- How to position for speed when SBIR reopens: a readiness checklist so you are prepared to move the moment agencies restart cycles
Live agenda (60 minutes)
- SBIR/STTR status briefing (10 min)
What changed, what has paused, and what has not - Legislative pathways and what to watch (15 min)
H.R. 5100 status and key decision points that can move timelines - Where to find funding now (15 min)
A practical sourcing map for active non-dilutive channels, and how to triage fit in minutes - Execution playbook (10 min)
How to keep momentum: agencies and partnerships to build, product development moves to make, and what to do now to keep your momentum moving - Q&A (15 min)
Bring your situation: What you need funding for and when, what problems you’re experiencing specifically, and who / which groups you need access to
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.
Eric Blatt is a Partner at Scale LLP and a leading voice on intellectual property and government innovation for emerging companies building in national security, dual use, and defense tech markets. Eric combines deep IP and litigation experience with practical fluency in federally funded R&D, including SBIR and government data rights. He began his career as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and is recognized for his ability to synthesize new technologies, craft persuasive arguments, and deliver cost effective outcomes across patents, IP transactions, and strategic partnerships. Eric also serves as Executive Director of the Alliance for Commercial Technology in Government and mentors founders through programs including the Navy’s SBIR/STTR Transition Program and MIT’s Mission Innovation Program.
Zev Orzy brings deep expertise in securing federal funding for early-stage technology companies, with particular strength in navigating federal agencies focused on defense, space, and energy. As Co-Founder and CEO of Akela Consulting, Zev built the firm into a recognized DoD SBIR consultancy that helped various small businesses secure millions in government and defense contracts. Zev has been personally responsible for securing over $75M in non-dilutive funding and federal contracts for dozens of companies across sectors such as advanced materials, alternative energy solutions, and space technology. Prior to founding Akela, Zev served as Department Manager and Team Leader at Eagle Point Funding, where he accelerated R&D and commercialization efforts for technology firms pursuing federal opportunities. Zev has also excelled in a military capacity, serving as a field operator and intelligence analyst in an Israeli Special Forces reconnaissance unit in the elite Commando brigade. Zev holds a B.A. in Business Administration and Finance from Reichman University in Herzliya, Israel.