ALTITUT's Capital
SBIR Studio Program
A rigorous, 12-month commercialization incubator designed explicitly for graduate students, faculty members, and deep tech researchers. Secure America's Seed Fund and bridge the lab-to-market gap.
Incubating Deep Tech Startups
The program provides the foundational capital, operational structure, and strategic grant-writing support required to successfully launch a venture and secure America's Seed Fund. By bridging the lab-to-market gap, we empower academic innovators to build high-impact startups fueled by non-dilutive government capital.
What is the SBIR/STTR Program?
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs—collectively known as America's Seed Fund—are highly competitive federal programs that award over $4 billion in non-dilutive funding annually to small businesses.
Funding is awarded as grants or contracts. The government takes zero equity, zero royalties, and preserves your full intellectual property ownership.
Awards progress from Phase I (up to $275k for feasibility study) to Phase II (up to $2M+ for prototyping and full R&D translation).
Designed explicitly for deep-tech innovations that require substantial scientific research and engineering validation before commercialization.
Core Program Pillars
Selected teams receive an immediate $10,000 injection of seed capital. This early funding is dedicated to establishing the business entity, covering initial legal or operational costs, and providing the runway needed to prepare a competitive federal grant application.
A structured, year-long timeline that guides researchers from early discovery to a fully submitted SBIR proposal. The program ensures ventures are properly established, compliant, and positioned to operate seamlessly once federal funds are disbursed.
A tailored educational framework that simplifies the mechanics of building a deep tech startup. Founders will master intellectual property strategy, market validation, and business modeling, while utilizing interactive pitch and speech feedback tools to refine their grant presentations and investor communications.
Direct access to a dedicated network of industry experts, experienced founders, and investors who are invested in the innovation economy and understand the unique challenges of deep tech development.
Who Should Apply
This program is engineered for scientific innovators and university researchers who are ready to dedicate the next year to transitioning their laboratory technologies into real-world solutions. Whether you are finalizing a discovery or ready to incorporate, this studio provides the financial and structural foundation to scale.
Required Submissions
Applications must include the following assets in order to be considered for evaluation.
Pitch Deck
Upload your pitch deck PDF detailing your startup concept.
Format: PDF UploadExecutive Summary
Submit a concise Executive Summary (maximum 1 page / 500 words) outlining your proposed venture. Write for a business and grant-review audience, minimizing heavy academic jargon.
Must explicitly address five areas:
1. The Problem & Market
- Pain Point: What specific, real-world problem are you solving?
- Target Customer: Who actively experiences this and represents your paying market?
2. The Innovation (Deep Tech)
- Core Technology: What is the scientific breakthrough/innovation?
- Development Stage: Theoretical concept, prototype, or lab-validated?
- IP Status: Standings (provisional, university-owned, unprotected).
3. Commercialization Strategy
- Competitive Advantage: Better, faster, or more cost-effective?
- Revenue Model: How does this operate as a financially viable business?
4. The Founding Team
- Key Personnel: Who is the PI or technical lead? Highlight expertise.
- Capacity: Bandwidth to execute deliverables over the 12-month program.
5. SBIR & Program Alignment
- Federal Agency: Which agency (NSF, NIH, DoD, DoE, etc.) best aligns with your SBIR?
- Kickstart Capital: Exactly how will the initial $10,000 be utilized to achieve an immediate business milestone?
Introduction Video
In 1 minute, tell us about you, the team, the tech, and why you are a fit for this program.
Format: 1-Minute Video PitchLaunch Your Deep Tech Venture
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Take 5 minutes to submit your details and get instant access to the incubator resources.