GOVOLOGY: Debunking Myths: Strategies to Protect and Optimize the Value of SBIR & STTR Program Authorities (2026 Update)

Date: July 16, 2026

Time: 12:00 p.m. CDT

Duration: Approx. 90 minutes

Presented by: Jeff Cuskey (Consultant & Expert Witness)

Learning Credits: 1.5 CPEs, 1.5 ATCs

*To register, please see the Govology Event Registration Instructions below. Your registration includes access to the on-demand recording.

This webinar provides insight into the SBA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, including program regulations, common myths, and strategies for protecting and maximizing a participant’s rights, value, and wealth under these programs.

The session also covers significant changes included in the 2026 SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act, including new authorities that allow certain federal agencies to award SBIR Phase II contracts of up to $30 million for periods of up to four years to support the commercialization, production, and scaling of critical technologies.

What You'll Learn:

• Key SBIR and STTR program regulations and requirements

• Common myths and misconceptions surrounding the programs

• Strategies to protect and optimize SBIR/STTR rights, value, and intellectual property

• How SBIR/STTR policies differ from traditional government contracting regulations

• Ways to address government misinterpretations and reluctance to use SBIR/STTR authorities

• Major updates contained in the 2026 SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act

Program Background: 

The SBIR Program was established under the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 to strengthen the role of innovative small businesses in federally funded research and development (R&D). The STTR Program, created by the Small Business Technology Transfer Act of 1992, was modeled after SBIR and designed to facilitate the transfer of technology developed by research institutions through small business entrepreneurship.

Why This Matters: 

Although SBIR and STTR are widely recognized as two of SBA’s most successful small business programs, their unique rules, regulations, and data rights provisions are often misunderstood by both small businesses and participating federal agencies.

More than four decades after the launch of SBIR, these programs continue to face challenges stemming from lack of awareness, misunderstanding, and resistance to fully utilizing the authorities available under the law.

Target Audience: 

Small businesses that want to pursue non-dilutive SBIR/STTR funding to help them complete the maturation and commercialization of their innovative technological solutions, products and/or services.

Instructions: 

*Govology Event Registration Instructions:

As a client of the Northwest Texas APEX Accelerator, you can attend Govology webinars at no cost with a discount code. Please email David Miller at David.B.Miller@ttu.edu to get your discount code BEFORE you click on the webinar link to register.

Get code, then, click HERE to register.

When you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Govology with your webinar link. If you don’t receive it, contact support@govology.com.

1. Create an account on Govology.com if you are new to Govology.

2. Add the webinar to cart.

3. Enter your discount code in the Coupon field and click Apply.

4. Click Proceed to Checkout to complete your registration.

5. Fill out the registration form and click Place Order.

ONLINE | No cost with code

This APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.