Accelerator Opens to Applications From Health Tech Innovators

Applications are open for the 2025 Lab2Launch Accelerator for Arkansas researchers and early-stage companies.

Offered by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, the multi-week accelerator prepares companies to tap into federal seed funding through SBIR, the highly competitive Small Business Innovation Research program.

Also known as America's Seed Fund, SBIR and its sister, Small Business Technology Transfer, award over $4 billion in non-dilutive grants and contracts each year to small companies to pursue the commercial potential of innovative technologies.

The accelerator cohort will focus on SBIR/STTR grant opportunities available from the National Institutes of Health.

"We're seeking innovators with novel health tech solutions to take part," said ASBTDC Innovation Specialist Karen Bergh. "Innovations may be for pharmaceuticals, medical devices or diagnostics — any healthcare product or solution that could go forward and eventually help patients."

Lab2Launch offers step-by-step guidance on preparing and submitting a strong proposal aligned with NIH priorities. 

Participants can expect to receive all the resources necessary to prepare a competitive application and will learn from one another as well as from ASBTDC consultants and subject-matter experts.

The accelerator is made possible with Federal and State Technology Partnership Program funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Lab2Launch's NIH cohort is presented with support from Arkansas APEX Accelerator, Arkansas Research Alliance, ARise and BioVentures.

"Our partners for Lab2Launch reflect a shared commitment to empowering Arkansas health tech innovators to take their ideas to the next level," said ASBTDC State Director Laura Fine. "Together, we're opening doors for emerging companies to access critical funding for proof-of-concept work, accelerating the path to commercialization and impact in the healthcare space."

The timing of the accelerator aligns with the agency's spring submission window. Lab2Launch companies will receive one-on-one help to finalize their proposals by NIH's April 5 deadline.

The first session is Jan. 22, 2025. Sessions are virtual, allowing companies based anywhere in the state to easily take part.

How to Apply

To apply, visit asbtdc.org/l2l-accel by Dec. 2. There is no application fee or cost to participate.

Spots are limited. Researchers and companies seeking a first SBIR/STTR grant or contract will receive first preference.

For more information, contact the center's Karen Bergh at (501) 831-2584 or kbergh@ualr.edu.