News and Events

The recent reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs brings important changes and opportunities for entrepreneurs, academic innovators, and startup companies seeking non-dilutive federal funding. Understanding how these updates affect proposal development, commercialization strategies, and funding eligibility is essential for organizations looking to maximize their chances of success.

Join us for an engaging discussion featuring perspectives from across the innovation ecosystem. Our panel will explore the current SBIR/STTR landscape, key considerations for applicants, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical strategies for developing competitive proposals.

Featured speakers include:

- Monique Pond from National Cancer Institute (NCI), who will provide insights into the current state of SBIRs and STTRs as well as Institute priorities and what reviewers are looking for in today's funding environment.
- John Ujvari from the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), an expert advisor who has helped numerous companies successfully navigate the SBIR/STTR application process.
- Xiuling Lu, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Nami Therapeutics, who will share firsthand lessons learned from securing SBIR/STTR funding and translating academic innovation into commercial impact.

Whether you are a first-time applicant, a university researcher considering commercialization, or an experienced entrepreneur seeking to stay ahead of policy changes, this webinar will provide valuable guidance to help you identify, pursue, and secure new federal funding opportunities.

Many scientific discoveries have commercial potential, but not every discovery should become a venture-backed startup. Before launching a company, researchers need to understand whether the science, intellectual property, market opportunity, and founding team are positioned for successful commercialization.

​In this session, Dr. Jennifer Chadwick, Director-in-Residence at the Querrey InQbation Lab, will present a practical framework for evaluating startup readiness. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in biotechnology, drug development, and company building, she will discuss the key questions founders, investors, and technology transfer offices ask when assessing early-stage opportunities. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of when a startup is the right path, when additional de-risking is needed, and how programs at The Q can help evaluate and strengthen commercialization opportunities before company formation.

Please register for this event by Monday, July 13 to help us plan appropriately for catering.

This is a closed in-person event, open to the Northwestern community (students, staff, faculty and affiliated startups).  Please register using your university or startup email address.

​Speaker
Jennifer Chadwick, PhD is Director-in-Residence at the Querrey InQbation Lab, where she advises early-stage life science startups translating Northwestern innovations into commercial products. With more than 20 years of experience spanning biologic drug discovery, formulation, translational development, and executive leadership, she has served as Chief Scientific Officer at ProtaGene, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Kansas, and founder of Jennifer Chadwick Consulting LLC. She currently advises biotechnology companies, investors, and universities as a fractional C-suite executive and board advisor. Dr. Chadwick earned her BA from Miami University and her PhD in Chemistry from Purdue University, where she also completed postdoctoral training in structural biology.

Patent Strategy Pitfalls
Safeguard your innovation by avoiding the missteps that can cost you.

Patents are a cornerstone of protecting breakthrough technologies and building long‑term value. Yet too often, founders and researchers overlook critical details—missing filing deadlines, disclosing too much too soon, or failing to align IP protection with business goals. This session will help you anticipate and avoid common pitfalls, ensuring your patent strategy strengthens rather than undermines your venture.

Lunch will be provided.

Please register by September 10 to help us plan appropriately for catering.

This is a closed in-person event, open to the Northwestern community (students, staff, faculty and affiliated startups).  Please register using your university or startup email address.

About the Speakers

Jay Reilly
Partner, Foley Hoag LLP

Jay Reilly is a seasoned transactional and corporate advisor with deep experience serving clients across the life sciences and high-tech industries. He represents biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic, and digital health companies—as well as universities and nonprofits—in complex strategic transactions, licensing and collaboration agreements, venture financing and mergers and acquisitions. His work spans both domestic and international markets.

Jay regularly advises C-suite executives, boards of directors, and general counsels on governance, fiduciary duties, risk mitigation, and enterprise-wide legal strategy. He frequently serves as a trusted senior advisor to leadership teams and as outside general counsel to companies with lean in-house legal departments.

Ben Vaughan, PhD
Associate & Registered Patent Attorney, Foley Hoag LLP

Dr. Benjamin Vaughan is a registered Patent Attorney with a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry. His patent practice focuses on chemical and pharmaceutical inventions, and he has specialized knowledge related to industrial process chemistry and alternative energy technologies.