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Startups and researchers ask $5 million for Minnesota SBIR expansion; speakers said prior $1M produced federal wins
Summary
Minnesota SBIR leaders and startup founders described how prior state seed funding helped companies win federal research awards and private investment; the sponsor requested $5 million one-time for a commercialization institute, but committee staff flagged budget constraints.
Sen. Champion presented Senate File 2427, a one‑time request for $5 million to expand Minnesota SBIR's commercialization supports. Pat Dillon, president and CEO of Minnesota SBIR, said a prior $1 million appropriation helped catalyze federal awards and commercialization for state firms.
Dillon described the program's mission to help Minnesota firms compete for federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards—"America's Seed Fund"—and said since 2014 Minnesota SBIR has helped firms secure over $112 million in federal funding, including roughly $49 million in the last two years. Founders and executives from several companies (Coravi/Coravin Medical, Guardian School Security Systems and others) testified that Minnesota SBIR assistance helped them successfully apply for national awards and attract contractor and investor interest.
Sen. Champion acknowledged the program's track record but noted the $5 million ask from the general fund is substantial and budget pressures may constrain action. Senate File 2427 was laid over for possible inclusion.
