How Maryland companies navigated the federal funding process
COLUMBIA, Md., (October 7, 2025) — TEDCO, Maryland’s economic engine for technology companies, announces the panel “SBIR/STTR Winners,” taking place at the upcoming 2025 Entrepreneur Expo at The Hotel at the University of Maryland on October 21, 2025. This panel will bring together several Maryland entrepreneurs to share how they went from the first draft to funding success.
TEDCO offers a suite of SBIR/STTR support programs designed to help Maryland companies succeed at every stage of the process—from proposal development to post-award growth. These include: SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab, providing hands-on guidance for crafting strong applications to NSF; SBIR/STTR Matching Funds program, providing matching fund to further strengthen the power of SBIR/STTR awards; Technical Assistance, guiding through the SBIR/STTR application process for DoD, NIH and DOE; and Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) support, helping small businesses access essential expertise and resources and strengthen commercialization strategies. Together, these programs give Maryland innovators the tools, funding and connections needed to compete for and capitalize on non-dilutive federal research and development (R&D) funding.
In this session, attendees will hear from participating companies about:
- Where they started when they first considered applying
- The challenges they overcame during the proposal process
- How the SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab helped them refine and strengthen their applications
- The business impact of winning federal funding
- Moderator: Julia Deng, TEDCO
- Evandro Valente, Airgility, Inc.
- Phillip Singerman, TEDCO Board Member
- Xiaonao Liu, NanoBioFab
- Wayne Sternberger, BLOCKsynop, Inc.
- Elizabeth Clayborne, NasaClip
“Writing your first SBIR/STTR proposal can feel overwhelming,” said Julia Deng, director of SBIR programs, TEDCO. “Our goal is to help Maryland companies understand the SBIR/STTR program requirements and resource availabilities, and prepare them the knowledge and skills to respond with clarity, confidence and strategy.”
Whether you’re preparing your first SBIR/STTR proposal or refining your approach for the next submission, this session offers practical insights, lessons learned and motivation from those who’ve been in your shoes.
TEDCO’s Entrepreneur Expo is Maryland’s premier gathering for entrepreneurs, business owners, investors and thought leaders to connect, learn and be inspired. This year’s event promises a full day of interactive workshops, insightful discussions and dynamic pitches from emerging companies. Don’t miss your chance to attend this “can’t miss” event! Tickets are limited, so secure your spot now and get ready for a day filled with learning, networking and inspiration.