Are you planning on applying for the NSF SBIR/STTR program? Wondering how to write a good NSF project pitch and increase your chances of getting the funding? Then, you’re in the right place.
Today, we’re sharing eight valuable tips for writing a winning NSF project pitch.
Before Writing
#1 Make Sure You Have a Unique Innovation Idea
Before you start writing your project pitch, make sure that you read the NSF R&D definition top to bottom so that you can be entirely certain your technology innovation idea is a good fit for the program. In order to write a winning project pitch, you must have a winning idea first. A simple Google search will help you determine whether your idea is truly one of a kind and innovative. It’s important to note that the NSF will reject any pure engineering or incremental development project because the funds are intended for unproven and high-impact projects only.
#2 Gather Relevant Evidence
When determining whether a startup is eligible for the program, NSF looks for the following four characteristics: impact, technological innovation, market pull, and scale. So, if your idea has what it takes in terms of these aspects, you will need to address them in your project pitch and add relevant supporting evidence. So prior to writing your pitch, make sure you have all relevant information on hand to convince the NSF that you’re the right choice for the program.
#3 Select and Study Your Technology Topic Area
Another thing you should do before you begin writing is to select your technology topic area, find it on the NSF provided list, and get familiar with it as much as you can. For example, suppose your topic is Artificial Intelligence. In that case, you will be able to find all relevant details on the NSF website, such as detailed portfolio, subtopics, and featured companies with examples of NSF-funded projects. Additionally, you can check out the current Phase I awardees who are still conducting research under your topic so that you can get an even better picture of what the NSF is looking for.
#4 Make Sure You Comply With The Eligibility Requirements
The final step before you start writing is to check the eligibility requirements and make sure that your company can meet the criteria. Otherwise, the NSF program is not for you.
When Writing
#5 Outline Key Elements in Your Pitch
The purpose of writing a project pitch for your technology innovation idea is to prove to the NSF that your idea is a good fit for the program. For that reason, there are four key sections that you’ll need to cover, and it’s imperative to answer precisely what they ask for in each section of your pitch. Of course, given the importance of the project pitch, you could always use some extra help to put your idea into words. Here you can find our free guide to writing a winning NSF project pitch and get invited to the Phase I application.
#6 Don’t Be Too Concerned About the Word Limit
As you probably already know, there is a word limit to keep in mind for each pitch section. Nonetheless, while writing your first draft, try not to be too concerned about it because it’ll slow you down and prevent you from putting your thoughts into words. Instead, focus on explaining your idea at this stage of the writing process; you’ll easily simplify the language afterward and fit the required limit.
#7 Review Your Final Draft
Once your draft is done, it’s time to review everything and make sure each section is within the words limit. Word counters differ a little bit, so don’t be paranoid if you’re a few words over or under, remember that what’s most important is the content of your project pitch.
After Submission
#8 Be Ready to Answer Clarification Questions
Finally, after you’re done writing your project pitch, prepare yourself to answer clarification questions that the NSF board might have. This only means that your project is still being considered for Phase I, but they need additional information about it, so they give you a chance to clarify. For example, they might ask you about your idea’s impact, market pull, or ability to scale.
The most common concern that the NSF might have is regarding the true R&D nature of the project. So going back to our first (and most important) tip for writing a winning NSF project, ask yourself again: is your idea indeed focused on research and development and not incremental development? Does it have the potential to impact the market? And ultimately, is it going to make a difference?
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