SBIR/STTR Webinar: Powering Your Pitch: DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I and Program Updates

DOE has opened its Fall 2026 SBIR/STTR Phase I topics, and the way in has changed. Before you can submit a full proposal, you need a pitch that earns an invitation.

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced more than $200 million in funding opportunities across multiple phases for small businesses developing innovative technologies. Under DOE’s restructured program, only invited pitches move on to a full proposal, and pitches are due December 16. For applicants used to other agencies, this is a different process, and a strong pitch can make or break your chances. Join the Illinois FAST Center for a webinar that explains what DOE’s new approach means for you, so you can decide whether to apply and put your best pitch forward.

Led by Dan Gisser, PhD, MBA, principal of Tillerline Associates and an IL FAST Center consultant with expertise in defense technology, energy systems, and applied engineering, this session will cover:

• Program updates following reauthorization, including DOE’s restructured SBIR/STTR program
• The opportunity: award sizes, topics, and eligibility
• How the process works, from pitch to invitation to full proposal, and the key dates
• What makes a compelling pitch, and how pitches will be reviewed
• What is known so far about the Phase I proposal structure and timing
• Where to find more information and resources

With DOE’s December 16 pitch deadline approaching, it’s the perfect time to understand the new process and plan your pitch.

About the Speaker

Dan Gisser, PhD, MBA, is the owner and manager of Tillerline Associates LLC, a technology management consultancy that helps innovators in companies, universities, and government access R&D funding, including SBIR/STTR awards. He brings proposal review and grant panel experience, and as a consultant with the Illinois FAST Center, he supports hard tech, deep tech, and engineering based proposals to DoW and DOE.

This is a free, virtual event, but registration is required. After you register here, you will receive an email with a link to complete a separate Zoom registration. Please complete the Zoom registration to receive your personal link to join the webinar.

Recording Notice: By registering for this webinar, you acknowledge and agree that it will be recorded and shared online for public viewing.

For more information and how to access more resources, visit the FAST Center at Illinois website. 

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.