Session Organizers: Pat Dillon, MNSBIR, Inc. and Edward Chinchoy, National Science Foundation
In this session, we will explore non-dilutive federal funding opportunities available through the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The SBIR and STTR programs collectively provide over $4.6 billion annually, accounting for more than half of the United States’ seed funding for startups and small businesses to conduct research, develop innovative technologies, and commercialize novel solutions. Each participating federal agency, including NSF and NIH, operates its SBIR/STTR programs independently, aligning funding priorities with its mission and strategic focus areas. While agencies vary in scope, NSF and NIH specifically support technological innovations in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other life sciences fields.
The NSF offers up to $2 million in non-dilutive seed funding for deep technology and innovative research and development. The NSF pioneered the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program over 40 years ago. Today, along with 11 other federal agencies, these programs provide over half of the United States’ annual seed funding for technology-driven startups and small businesses.
The NIH offers significant non-dilutive funding for novel projects in the life sciences. As the largest source of early-stage capital for the sector, NIH’s small business programs help transform promising scientific concepts into viable healthcare solutions, bridging the gap between research and commercialization.
Ashley Mooneyham, Momease Solutions and Superior Medical Experts
Ashley Mooneyham, PhD
Co-Founder and CEO | Momease Solutions
President | Superior Medical Experts
Ashley Mooneyham, Ph.D. is the Co-Founder and CEO of Momease Solutions, a multi-award winning medical device startup that is developing the next-generation of breast pump accessories to improve the comfort, yield, and efficiency of the breast pump experience. Research and development of Momease's flagship product, a pump-enhancing bra, has been majority funded by an SBIR grant from the National Institutes of Health (NICHD). Dr. Mooneyham holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology from the University of Minnesota where she focused on women's health by studying drivers of ovarian cancer chemoresistance.
Scott Burwell, Neurotype Inc.
Scott Burwell, PhD
Founder & CEO
Neurotype Inc.
Scott J. Burwell, Ph.D. is the Founder & CEO of Neurotype Inc., an NIH-funded startup pioneering neurotechnology solutions for addiction treatment. He has led multiple SBIR-funded projects totaling over $1 million in federal funding, including NeuromarkR™, a first-of-its-kind regulated device for monitoring cue-induced drug craving in opioid use disorder, and Modit™, a closed-loop brain training biofeedback device designed to reduce drug craving. His current work combines EEG-based biomarkers, neurofeedback, and digital therapeutics to enhance addiction care. Dr. Burwell holds a Ph.D. in Biological Psychopathology from the University of Minnesota, and has extensive experience in behavior genetics, substance use disorders, and translational neuroscience.
Efraín Torres, Adialante
Efraín Torres, PhD
Co-Founder & CEO
Adialante
Session Organizers
Ed Chinchoy, BS, MS, PhD
Program Director
SBIR/STTR
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Ed Chinchoy joined the U.S. National Science Foundation as an SBIR/STTR program director in 2021. Ed has several decades of medical device industry experience in startups and global medical device manufacturers. He founded and served as CEO, executive roles for two startups and held a variety of global commercial positions responsible for product division strategy, product management, pipeline planning at Abbott (St. Jude Medical) and Medtronic, where he began his career as a scientist. Ed earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering and a doctorate in biomedical engineering from the University of Minnesota.
Pat Dillon, CDR, USN (Ret), MBA
President and Founder
MNSBIR, Inc.
Pat Dillon, CDR, USN (Ret.), MBA, is the Founder, President, and CEO of MNSBIR, Inc., a 501(c)(3) private, non-profit organization dedicated to helping startups and small businesses secure non-dilutive funding from America’s Seed Fund—the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. With over 30 years of expertise and deep relationships in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems of Minnesota and Wisconsin, Pat has become a pivotal figure in fostering business growth and innovation.
MNSBIR, Inc. collaborates closely with the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic to support the translation and commercialization of federally funded research with strong potential for future market applications. In recognition of her contributions, Pat was honored with the Small Business Administration Tibbetts Award in 1999.
Pat proudly served 40 years in the United States Navy, both active and reserve, contributing to aviation and intelligence communities. A combat veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, she served in Kabul, Afghanistan, from 2011 to 2012. Thanks to the Vietnam Era GI Bill, Pat earned both an MBA and a BS in Business Administration from Winona State University, Winona, MN.