You've probably noticed something different about us—and we're excited to share why! After 25+ years of supporting Montana's innovation ecosystem, we're refreshing our brand to better reflect who we serve and what we do.
The Change: We're officially the Montana Technology Innovation Partnership (MTIP). While we've always focused on tech-based entrepreneurs competing for SBIR/STTR funding, we dropped the "technology" from our full name a few years ago... by mistake. Adding "Technology" back into our name makes our mission crystal clear: we support technology innovators developing groundbreaking solutions.
Why It Matters:
Clarity: Technology is at the heart of what we do—from biotech to software, sensors to materials science—we're here with no-cost expert guidance, proposal reviews, and connections to help you secure federal R&D funding to accelerate your product development
Identity: MTIP has been our acronym forever and our new logo keeps MT (Montana) front and center while ensuring our full name reflects our tech focus (and no one uses "MIP" ... cringe)
Consistency: One acronym, one mission, one partnership committed to your success
The Constant: Our commitment to you hasn't changed. For the past 25 years, MTIP program managers and consultants have been privileged to work with Montana's technology innovators. Thank you for your trust and partnership.
Partner News & Events
Check out some of the recent news and upcoming events from MTIP partners
Heading to SPIE Photonics West January 17-22, 2026? Make sure to visit the many Montana exhibitors including MPQA and attend sessions led by MSU faculty!
Alternatives as we await SBIR/STTR Reauthorization
A couple of weeks ago I shared on LinkedIn that the NDAA did not include SBIR/STTR Reauthorization. While fingers were crossed it might happen, we're not surprised. A consensus among the members of the House and Senate Small Business committees about the evolutionary reforms desired (required) in the SBIR/STTR programs must occur.
In that same post, I stressed that diversification of your capital access strategy is more important than ever. As a small nascent or early-stage technology startup (speaking to the 99.9% of MTIP clients), we know that any funding for your initial product feasibility and prototype is like the lift hill of a roller-coaster: the funding enables you to validate the technical feasibility of your innovation, but you're still headed into a roller coaster of product market fit and commercial traction/transition. But without that lift, it's tough to get to the real fun of commercialization.
Image credit: Janis Ozolins
Since the SBIR "lift hill" programs are still on hold, here are a few options open to small businesses and/or early teams that you, depending on your technology, may want to consider:
EGC Webinar "101 Ways to Reposition Your NIH SBIR/STTR Proposal" - not really an alternative, but Dr. Eva Garland and Dr. Angie Pollard will provide a slew of alternative, non-dilutive funding options. The webinar will be held Wednesday January 7th at noon MT. Learn more and register HERE.
The U.S. Army xTech|Edge Strike: Ground competition "is seeking innovative autonomous ground system and launched effects system solutions from eligible small and large businesses across the globe." Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the DoD, earn prize money and potentially receive a contract award or agreement. Responses are due January 7, 2026. Learn more HERE.
The U.S. Army Open Solicitation (AOS): "The first pathway – Active Capability Gaps (ACGs) – provides a continuously open submission where companies can offer solution briefs aligned with Army mission areas." Learn more about the AOS HERE and read the full solicitation on SAM HERE.
The United States Space Force (USSF) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) issued through the Space Acquisition & Integration Office (SAIO) aims to solicit innovative commercial solutions that enhance Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities. Retrieve the full solicitation HERE.
The Department of the Air Force is seeking enhanced white papers for the design, development, integration, and deployment of prototype technologies for Hardware-in-the-loop of Advanced Navigation & Guidance Sensors (HANGS). Whitepapers are due by January 31, 2026. Download the full request for whitepapers HERE.
The NIH 2025 "$100,000 Start an SUD Startup" Challenge: Testing novel ideas in drug use, misuse, and substance use disorders (SUD) to potentially become biotech startups. Submissions are accepted through February 4, 2026. Learn more HERE.
NSF TIP and Stride Ventures Tech Metal Transformation Challenge is designed to accelerate "breakthrough technologies to strengthen the U.S. supply chain for critical and strategic metals" through a multi-year, three-stage program in which "up to eight teams will receive up to $2 million in Stage 1 (10 months) for R&D, up to six teams will advance in Stage 2 (12 months) with up to $2.5 million each for market validation, and up to four finalists will earn up to $3 million in Stage 3 (12 months) to scale and commercialize their technologies." Applications accepted through January 15, 2026. Learn more HERE.
There may be other opportunities that fit your company and innovation. Reach out to discuss possible funding paths for your early stage technology and whether MTIP and our team of consultants may assist and/or referrals to our partners.
In anticipation of renewed and reauthorized SBIR/STTR programs, here is a list of the historical SBIR agencies in order of budget (largest to smallest). Visit the sites below to view their program information, how that agency has run their programs, how they are managing existing grants/contracts, and possible other ways to engage with their offices.
National Science Foundation - You can still submit Project Pitches via NSF's portal, but no invitations to submit proposals will be made until reauthorization.
Most of these agencies also offer other types of research & development funding opportunities outside the SBIR/STTR programs to which small businesses may apply. Feel free to reach out to discuss support we may offer.
Wishing all of you a prosperous New Year! We will share updates via our LinkedIn page regarding any news about SBIR Reauthorization. We are actively developing our Big Sky SBIR Accelerator to address anticipated program changes and look forward to kicking that off in early 2026!
Cheers,
Ann Peterson
MTIP Program Director
Connect with us on social media!
We share so much more throughout the month on LinkedIn! Connect with us there!
Did you miss a webinar?
Many of our webinars are recorded. Subscribe to the MTIP YouTube Channel to catch up on what you missed.
Visit the MTIP website!
The MTIP website hosts a wealth of resources, upcoming events, and applications for FAST microgrants. Visit us!
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