Wayne State University's Technology Commercialization Office hosted Christie Canaria, Ph.D., program director of the National Cancer Institute's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program on August 29 at Scott Hall. Over 30 participants attended, representing the Karmanos Cancer Institute (KCI), Wayne State, the Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health System, University of Windsor, plus several small companies from as far away as New York. In addition, numerous people met with Dr. Canaria for one-on-one meetings at KCI on August 28, and at Wayne State on August 29.

The SBIR programs fund $2.5 billion in grants and contracts annually through eleven federal agencies to help early-stage companies commercialize their technologies.  Programs stretch well beyond cancer, and include technologies of interest to the Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation.

Initial phase I SBIR awards amount up to $150,000 for six months; Phase II awards are up to $1 million over a two-year period. The programs are competitive, but assistance is available through federal agencies like the National Cancer Institute (https://sbir.nih.gov/) and BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting, a company funded by the State of Michigan (http://bbcetc.com/).

Dr. Canaria's presentation and supporting materials are available via email by contacting Lori Ibarra at lori.ibarra@wayne.edu.