Since 1998, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded the Tibbetts Award to small businesses and individuals who have exemplify the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. And since 2011, the SBA has inducted previous awardees who have exhibited long-term success in research, innovation and commercialization within the SBIR program into the SBIR Hall of Fame.
The Tibbetts Award is named for Roland Tibbetts, founder of the SBIR program. There are two types of Tibbetts Awards; one is presented to businesses who have participated in the SBIR or SSTTR programs, and the other award is presented to individuals who have not received assistance from, but who have supported, SBIR and STTR programs. The awards are presented to companies and individuals who promote the mission and goals of the SBIR and STTR programs.
Tibbetts Award winners are chosen based on the economic impact of their technological innovation, and on whether they have met federal research and development needs, encouraged diverse participation in technological innovation, and increased the commercialization of federal research. Former SBIR Hall of Fame winners include Qualcomm, IRobot and Symantec.
All award winners are selected by the SBA, based on the recommendations of a panel of judges. All winners will be invited to the awards program in June at the annual SBIR National Conference at the National Harbor.
The SBA offers the SBIR and the STTR programs for small businesses that are looking to showcase their technological inventions in the commercial marketplace. The SBIR program is a three-phase award program that encourages small businesses to explore their technological potential and helps them profit from their inventions.
The SBA is currently asking for Nominations for 2014 Tibbetts Awards and SBIR Hall of Fame winners. Information about applications, including how to apply online, can be found at http://www.sbir.gov/news/2014-tibbetts-and-hall-fame-award-nominations.
The deadline to nominate is 11:59 pm EDT on Friday May 2, 2014.
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