SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference 2026 Brings U.S. Startups Closer to Federal R&D Funding

America’s Seed Fund has opened its SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, bringing technology-focused startups, small businesses, researchers, investors and federal innovation officials together for a three-day program focused on research funding and commercialization.

The conference is being held from September 22 to September 24, 2026, at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center, just outside Washington, D.C. The event is designed to help innovators understand federal funding opportunities and connect directly with agencies participating in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

America’s Seed Fund Connects Startups With Federal Agencies

America’s Seed Fund is the umbrella identity for the federal government’s SBIR and STTR programs, which provide non-dilutive funding to technology-focused startups and small businesses developing new technologies.

The organization says its funding programs are intended to help companies develop technologies and move them toward commercialization without requiring entrepreneurs to give up equity in their businesses. America’s Seed Fund describes SBIR/STTR as the nation’s largest source of early-stage non-dilutive funding for high-growth technology startups.

The Fall Innovation Conference gives participating companies an opportunity to learn how different agencies structure their programs, identify relevant opportunities and better understand the process of competing for federal awards.

11 Federal Agencies Are Participating

A central feature of the 2026 conference is direct engagement with representatives from 11 federal agencies participating in the SBIR/STTR ecosystem.

The official program includes agency representatives from organizations such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, NASA, Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, National Institute of Standards and Technology and other federal departments.

This agency-level access is particularly relevant for startups that may be developing technologies aligned with specific government research or mission requirements.

Conference Focuses on Competitive Proposals and Commercialization

The event is not limited to networking. Programming is designed to help entrepreneurs understand how to build competitive proposals and navigate the differences between federal agencies.

Sessions include an introduction to SBIR/STTR programs, discussions about agency priorities, agency reverse pitches and direct question-and-answer sessions with federal program officials.

The conference also addresses what happens after a company receives an award, including pathways for moving federally supported technologies toward commercialization.

DARPA’s conference information highlights topics such as Phase III opportunities, Other Transaction authorities, private capital investment and industry partnerships as potential routes for companies looking to transition technologies beyond initial SBIR/STTR awards.

Non-Dilutive Funding Remains a Key Attraction

For early-stage technology companies, non-dilutive government funding can provide capital for research and development without the equity requirements associated with traditional venture investment.

America’s Seed Fund says its SBIR/STTR programs award more than $5 billion annually in non-dilutive funding. The programs support small businesses working to develop technologies and bring them to market.

The funding model can be particularly relevant for startups working on technologies that require substantial research before reaching commercial scale.

Startups Can Learn How Different Agencies Evaluate Innovation

One challenge for companies seeking federal R&D funding is that agencies can have different missions, priorities and application processes.

The Fall Innovation Conference includes programming specifically focused on navigating these differences. A scheduled session titled “Navigating Agency Differences” is designed to help new applicants understand which agencies may be appropriate for their technologies and how to position proposals for different funding environments.

Another session, “SBIR Agency Reverse Pitches,” gives participating agencies an opportunity to explain their priorities and opportunities directly to innovators.

Commercialization and Private Investment Also Take Center Stage

While SBIR/STTR programs begin with research and development, the conference also places attention on the transition from federally funded research to commercially viable products.

DARPA says the conference will cover innovation pathways involving Phase III awards, other transaction mechanisms, private capital and industry partnerships. These pathways are intended to help companies move beyond early government-supported research toward broader commercialization.

For founders, that makes the event relevant not only to companies searching for their first federal award but also to existing awardees considering their next stage of growth.

National Harbor Becomes a Meeting Point for the Innovation Ecosystem

The SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference 2026 is taking place at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, from September 22 through September 24.

The broader event program includes an exhibition area featuring more than 200 exhibitors, alongside an SBIR/STTR agency pavilion where small businesses and universities can meet participating federal agencies and learn about areas of interest.

The conference therefore combines federal funding education with networking among entrepreneurs, government officials, researchers, investors and industry participants.

Why the Conference Matters for U.S. Tech Startups

For technology startups, access to R&D capital can be an important part of moving an idea from laboratory development toward commercialization.

The SBIR/STTR framework provides a federal route for eligible small businesses to pursue funding for technology development. Events such as the Fall Innovation Conference give founders an opportunity to understand the programs before submitting proposals and to interact directly with agency representatives.

The 2026 conference also comes at a time when startups across areas including artificial intelligence, defense technology, healthcare, energy, cybersecurity and advanced engineering are seeking ways to finance research-intensive development.

By bringing multiple agencies together in one location, the conference provides companies with a clearer view of where their technologies may fit within the federal innovation landscape.

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference 2026: What to Know

The event runs for three days, from September 22 to September 24, 2026, at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

America’s Seed Fund says attendees can meet its leaders and experts, learn how to develop competitive proposals and access resources supporting their SBIR/STTR journey. The program also includes opportunities to hear from entrepreneurs and resource providers about commercializing technology.

For U.S. technology startups and small businesses pursuing federal R&D support, the conference serves as a direct gateway to information about available programs, agency priorities and commercialization pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference?

The SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference is a three-day America’s Seed Fund event focused on helping startups and small businesses understand federal research funding and commercialization opportunities.

2. When is the SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference 2026?

The 2026 conference is taking place from September 22 to September 24, 2026.

3. Where is the SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference being held?

The conference is being held at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C.

4. What does SBIR stand for?

SBIR stands for Small Business Innovation Research. It is a federal program supporting research and development by eligible small businesses.

5. What does STTR stand for?

STTR stands for Small Business Technology Transfer. The program supports collaboration between small businesses and research institutions to advance innovative technologies.

6. What is America’s Seed Fund?

America’s Seed Fund is the umbrella program associated with the federal SBIR and STTR programs. It provides non-dilutive funding to technology-focused startups and small businesses.

7. How many federal agencies are participating?

The 2026 conference program is designed around 11 participating federal agencies representing America’s Seed Fund.

8. Is SBIR/STTR funding non-dilutive?

Yes. America’s Seed Fund describes SBIR/STTR awards as non-dilutive funding, meaning eligible companies can receive R&D support without giving up equity as they would in a conventional equity investment.

9. What topics are covered at the conference?

Topics include SBIR/STTR fundamentals, agency differences, proposal development, agency priorities, commercialization, research security and pathways for transitioning technologies toward the market.

10. Who can benefit from the SBIR/STTR conference?

Technology startups, small businesses, researchers, universities, entrepreneurs and organizations supporting innovation can benefit from the conference by learning about federal funding programs and connecting with participating agencies.