Federal agencies often key to funding success for many early stage startups

fun,” she said.

Rajesh Mehta, SBIR program director for the National Science Foundation, said he hosts weekly webinars to help companies that want to apply for funding. He and other program managers agreed, though, that it’s probably not necessary to hire a grant writer. Most startups are lean and can’t afford that.

He said about 90 percent of applications come in on thelast day — a risky bet, because there are lots of application materials to send in, and if any pieces are late, the proposal will be rejected.

Companies in Pittsburgh look flush with SBIR funding; it’s not uncommon to hear about startups securing Navy or Army contracts or to learn CMU has landed yet another DARPA grant.

RE2 Robotics, a Lawrenceville-based startup that builds robotic arms for underwater and ground applications, was awarded a $2.9 million SBIR contract in April to develop a drop-in robotic kit that will turn the Air Force’s existing construction ground vehicles into remotely manned cleanup crews.

The startup landed 18 phase I grants, 13 for phase II and 11 in phase III, according to Jorgen Pedersen, president and CEO. Each level of SBIRfunding increases to expedite research and development and to help companies eventually commercialize theirproduct.

In total, Mr. Pedersen said, that backing adds up to $25 million-30 million in nondiluted investment.

“We are a product of the SBIR program,” Mr. Pedersen said.