EVENTS &
OPPORTUNITIES
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SBIR/STTR SUPPORT
Empowering Oklahoma's innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to compete for America’s Seed Fund.
AMERICA'S SEED FUND
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Each year, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs invest $4 billion to stimulate hi-tech development in the U.S.
Our no-cost services help potential candidates find funding opportunities and prepare a competitive proposal.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Whether you’re just getting started or preparing a submission, we meet you where you are. Our team works alongside you to identify the right opportunities, strengthen your strategy, and develop a competitive proposal. We provide year-round, on-demand support tailored to your needs, including:
Solicitation and agency matching
Proposal strategy and development
Technical and commercialization positioning
Pre-submission review and feedback
These no-cost services are available to Oklahoma-based small businesses and research teams pursuing SBIR/STTR funding.
To schedule a consultation with one of our team members, please submit an SBIR Assistance Questionnaire.
Once the form is submitted, you'll receive access to our Bookings Page.
Requests received within 14 days of a deadline are supported as capacity allows and full proposal development support may not be available within this timeframe.
OUR TEAM
Housed at the University of Oklahoma’s Tom Love Innovation Hub, OK Catalyst is the state’s trusted resource for advancing America’s Seed Fund.
Since 2018, OK Catalyst has delivered statewide impact by training and mentoring researchers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in pursuit of competitive SBIR/STTR funding. Our participants have submitted over 160 proposals, resulting in more than 100 awards and contracts and securing $70 million+ in federal and private investment capital to commercialize cutting-edge technologies, strengthen Oklahoma’s research competitiveness, and drive economic growth.
Our work is made possible by a dedicated team of subject-matter experts, proposal strategists, and program managers who bring deep experience in federal funding, commercialization strategy, and entrepreneurial support. Together, we partner with universities, federal agencies, and industry leaders to expand Oklahoma’s role in solving the nation’s most pressing scientific and technological challenges.
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Sarah Betz, MBA
Director
Sarah also serves as the State Program Director for the SBA FAST and OCAST SBRA programs. She is dedicated to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship across Oklahoma and the Heartland. Prior to joining OK Catalyst, Sarah served for more than a decade in the U.S. Air Force. Sarah earned her MBA from Syracuse University.
Vince Sandifer, MS
Lead Proposal Strategist
Vince serves as the Lead Proposal Strategist, bridging the gap from idea to funding by preparing companies to submit their SBIR/STTR grant applications. Vince earned his MS in Microbiology from the University of Oklahoma and has a proven track record in technology commercialization.
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Jaimalene Hough, PhD
Outreach & Recruitment
Jaime helps connect innovators in the OK entrepreneurial ecosystem to funding resources available through the SBIR/STR programs. Jaime earned her PhD in American Studies from Purdue University.
SMALL BUSINESS RESEARCH ASSISTANCE
The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) was established in 1987 by the Oklahoma legislature for the purpose of growing and diversifying the state’s economy through technology development, technology transfer and technology commercialization. The agency takes great pride in being recognized as a best-in-class, results-driven, high-performing and efficient organization that benefits our state by increasing research activity and public/private collaborations leading to innovation, new businesses, job growth, higher wages and an improved quality of life for the citizens of our state and nation. OCAST also is an active supporter of STEM education across Oklahoma’s common education system and provides funding to support internships between local industries and higher education.
For more information visit ocast.gov
FAST PARTNERSHIP
The SBA's Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership program is a competitive program designed to strengthen the technological competitiveness of small businesses. It improves the participation of small technology firms in the innovation and commercialization of new technology, thereby helping keep the United States on the cutting edge of research and development in science and technology.