New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation & Technology and Kean University Sign MOU to Expand SBIR/STTR Support for Entrepreneurs Statewide

The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) and Kean University (Kean) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand support for New Jersey-based entrepreneurs seeking federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding.

Under the agreement, Kean through its Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship will implement a comprehensive Phase 0 SBIR/STTR Grant Writing and Entrepreneurs Training Program and provide targeted technical assistance to early-stage companies and innovators across the state. The initiative is designed to increase both the number of SBIR/STTR applications submitted from New Jersey and the overall competitiveness of those proposals.

“New Jersey has extraordinary scientific and entrepreneurial talent,” said Judith Sheft, executive director, CSIT. “This partnership with Kean University strengthens our commitment to helping innovators access federal research funding, commercialize breakthrough technologies and create high-quality jobs throughout the state.”

Expanding Phase 0 Support for Entrepreneurs. 

As part of the MOU, Kean’s Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship will:

• Implement a Phase 0 SBIR/STTR Grant Writing and Entrepreneurs Training Program. The program will provide structured training to help small businesses and startup founders understand federal agency priorities, proposal requirements, commercialization expectations, and the strategic positioning necessary to compete successfully for SBIR/STTR awards.
   
• Provide Technical Assistance to Entrepreneurs and Innovators. Kean will deliver hands-on support to selected companies, including:
  • Drafting and refining SBIR/STTR grant proposals
  • Preparing and strengthening executive summaries and abstracts
  • Developing detailed project descriptions and research plans
  • Conducting and articulating market analysis and commercialization strategies
  • Assisting with budget preparation and budget justifications
  • Reviewing supporting documentation and compliance elements
  • Advising on related proposal components and submission readiness

This technical assistance will be tailored to the specific federal agency (e.g., NIH, NSF) and the targeted topic area of the applicant.

• Develop a Structured Application, Review, and Approval Process. To ensure quality and impact, Kean will establish a formalized process for selecting companies to receive grant-writing assistance. This will include:
  • A standardized application process
  • Defined eligibility criteria
  • A review and evaluation rubric
  • Transparent selection procedures
  • Ongoing performance tracking and reporting

This structured approach is intended to prioritize high-potential innovations while maintaining equitable access to support across New Jersey’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Strengthening New Jersey’s Innovation Economy 

The SBIR and STTR programs provide non-dilutive federal funding to small businesses engaged in research and technology development. However, the competitive nature of these programs requires strategic planning, technical precision, and strong commercialization positioning.

“This collaboration reflects Kean University’s mission to advance innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development,” said Keith Bostian, Ph.D., associate provost for science and technology at Kean University. “Through the Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship, we will provide structured training and high-quality proposal development support that helps New Jersey companies compete successfully for federal research funding.”

By combining CSIT’s statewide leadership in innovation policy with Kean’s academic expertise and commercialization infrastructure, the partnership aims to:

• Increase the volume of SBIR/STTR submissions from New Jersey
• Improve proposal quality and funding success rates
• Accelerate commercialization of emerging technologies
• Support startup growth and job creation
• Strengthen New Jersey’s position as a national innovation leader

Entrepreneurs interested in participating in the Phase 0 SBIR/STTR Program or applying for technical assistance are encouraged to contact the Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship at Kean University for additional information at info@ilsebio.com.

About CSIT 
In August 2018, the former New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology was reestablished as CSIT. Comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as academia, the Commission is tasked with leading the way in promoting the State as a home for academic and technological research, development, and commercialization. Visit www.njeda.gov/csit/ for more information about CSIT incentive programs.

About ILSE
The Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship (ILSE) is a nonprofit innovation hub established in 2014, supporting startup formation, incubation, entrepreneurial training, and scientific services for the life sciences community.  Through accelerator programs, operational support, and structured founder development, ILSE helps researchers and entrepreneurs transform scientific discoveries into high-impact biotech ventures. For more information on support and training programs for entrepreneurs, visit ilsebio.com. 

About Kean University
Kean University, New Jersey’s urban research university, is a national institution of higher education recognized for its diversity, innovation and the social mobility of its graduates. Designated an R2 research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Kean ranks among the top eight percent of U.S. universities for research and doctorate production. Founded in 1855 as a teachers college, Kean has evolved into a thriving research university that supports students as they persist to graduation, give back to their communities and launch successful careers. Kean’s six colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate programs, seven doctoral degree programs and more than 70 options leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications, across a full range of academic subjects. With campuses in Union, Toms River and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, as well as Kean Online, the University provides students of all backgrounds an affordable and accessible world-class education. Learn more at www.kean.edu.