TL;DR:
Illinois-based life sciences companies participating in the iBIO Propel program may be eligible for up to $15,000 in matching funds through the iBIO Propel SBIR Awards Program. This Phase 0-style funding is designed to boost the competitiveness of SBIR applications. Rolling application process is available.
Funding Is Just the Start:iBIO Propel Helps You Compete at the Federal Level
Writing a successful SBIR proposal requires more than technical merit. Life sciences startups must demonstrate feasibility, regulatory awareness, and a viable commercialization path. Recognizing these challenges, iBIO created the Propel SBIR Awards Program, offering up to $15,000 in matching funds to support eligible companies preparing SBIR submissions.
This grant helps early-stage companies in Illinois offset the costs of grant writing, data development, consultant services, and other application-related needs. For innovators building in biotech, diagnostics, therapeutics, or medtech, this is a powerful springboard to get federal funding-ready.
Exclusive to Propel Companies: But Worth It for the Value
This award isn’t open to just any Illinois startup. To be eligible, you must be an active Propel company for at least 30 days before applying and remain in the program for at least 18 months after receiving funds, including compliance with semi-annual reporting requirements.
This membership structure means companies get more than funding, they also gain access to Propel’s extended mentoring, networking, and commercialization support ecosystem. For life sciences companies serious about SBIR funding, this combination of resources and capital is highly strategic.
A Chicago-based diagnostics startup recently leveraged the iBIO Propel SBIR Awards Program to access $15,000 in matching funds for proposal consulting and feasibility data collection. With both expert guidance and supplemental capital, the team submitted a strong, reviewer-ready SBIR application that advanced its path toward federal funding.
Lack of Matching Support Can Stall Progress: Even for High-Potential Projects
The gap often appears after early-stage research is complete. Without matching support or guidance on proposal development, even strong concepts can struggle to move forward. Reviewers expect polished, substantiated submissions that speak to the science and the strategy.
The Propel Awards Program was built to close that gap, bridging the costs associated with preparing a compelling application and maximizing competitiveness in the SBIR review process.
Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis: Apply When You’re Ready
There is no formal deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This makes the Propel Awards Program highly adaptable to your team’s SBIR planning cycle. If your startup is in the life sciences and already working with Propel, this opportunity is waiting.
Reach out to PROPEL@ibioinstitute.org or visit the iBIO Propel website for full program details and eligibility confirmation.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.