SBIR Proposal for AI/ML Technology Development

Ricky

Ricky Tan

SBIR Proposal + Early Customers

About this Project:

The project was to secure government funding through an SBIR proposal to support development of advanced AI/ML technology for engineering applications. The goal was to validate the idea, secure early customer interest, and establish foundational financing and support for the startup.

What I Did:

Authored a comprehensive SBIR proposal aligned with National Science Foundation (NSF) goals and proposal criteria
Conducted customer discovery with 30+ industry leaders, securing 3 signed Letters of Intent to support our proposal
Invited to present at the SpaceCom19 conference, which increased visibility, engagement, and our first paying customers
Coordinated with an startup accelerator to secure free office space and access to a local university’s talent pool

Deliverables:

Completed an SBIR proposal with detailed milestones, budget, and schedule
3 signed Letters of Intent from paying customers
Technical pitch presentation for SpaceCom19
Office setup and team recruitment plan
Team picture - Ready for our booth at SpaceCom19!
Team picture - Ready for our booth at SpaceCom19!
Presenting at SpaceCom19 Space Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition
Presenting at SpaceCom19 Space Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition
Meeting Bill Nye the Science Guy at SpaceCom19
Meeting Bill Nye the Science Guy at SpaceCom19

Results:

Received a “Competitive” rating and reached the final round of proposal selection
Established credibility and momentum within government and industry circles
Secured key partnerships and contract revenue from paying customers to build the technology anyway

What People Said:

Well-researched commercialization plan, the firm demonstrated engagement with potential customers. After maturation, the technique has the potential to be applied to several modular systems. Team demonstrated expertise on the topic and incorporates an academic advisor which strengthened the proposal. - SBIR Panel Summary Written Feedback

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Posted Sep 8, 2025

Secured key partnerships and early customers for an SBIR proposal for AI/ML technology development.