048: Dr Joseph Grant NASA in Space Technology Mission Directorate discuss the ins and outs of SBIR/STTR

Dr. Joseph Grant – Dr. Grant is employed with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Space Technology Mission Directorate.  He currently serves as the Deputy Program Executive in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.  Dr. Grant has worked with NASA for the last 28 years and has held various positions in the field of Optics and Photonics research before going to NASA headquarters to work with the SBIR program. Dr. Grant has more than 15 years research and development experience in the area of Optics and Photonics.  Dr Grant earned his PhD from Alabama A&M University in Applied Physics.

In today’s interview we go beyond the SBIR/STTR program rules and requirements. We discuss the do’s, don’ts, mistakes and habits of successful SBIR winners.

Dr. Grant and I talk about the vast opportunity for small businesses & universities to fund high risk projects and perform important research utilizing these vehicles. During his tenure at NASA Dr. Grant spent many years attempting to recruit minority participation into these programs a storywhich he shares and the formation of the NASA roadshow.