In the world of innovation, understanding where your project stands and where it needs to go is critical. This is especially true when pursuing SBIR funding, where clear progress through key development stages—Proof-of-Concept (PoC), Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and Usability/Feasibility Testing—is a cornerstone of success. At E.B. Howard Consulting, we not only support your understanding of these stages but also help position your proposal for maximum impact.
Here’s how these stages differ, how they align with SBIR funding phases, and how we can collaborate to bring your innovation to life.
Proof-of-Concept: Turning Ideas Into Viable Opportunities
At the PoC stage, the goal is validation. You’re proving that your idea works—at least in theory. For SBIR Phase I proposals, this often involves lab-based research, theoretical modeling, or small-scale experiments. Each agency approaches PoC differently:
- NASA: Focuses on scientific validation for space applications.
- NIH: Concentrates on preclinical studies or early laboratory work.
- DOE: Prioritizes early-stage clean energy technology research.
PoC is where clarity and precision in your proposal are essential. Reviewers want to see feasibility, and that starts with a detailed plan for how you’ll demonstrate it. This is where our expertise shines. We help craft clear, compelling narratives that outline your goals and methods, ensuring your PoC aligns with agency expectations.
Minimum Viable Product: Building Functionality That Matters
The MVP stage is all about functionality. You’re creating the simplest version of your product that can deliver core value. This stage is often the focus of SBIR Phase II funding, where agencies expect to see working prototypes:
- DoD: Looks for prototypes that address specific defense needs.
- DHS: Values operational tools for disaster response or cybersecurity.
- NASA: Requires MVPs tested in environments simulating space conditions.
A well-crafted MVP proposal not only highlights technical progress but also demonstrates a clear path to usability. Our team at E.B. Howard Consulting helps refine your development roadmap, ensuring your milestones align with agency goals and show reviewers the value of continued investment.
Usability/Feasibility Testing: Bringing Ideas to Life
By the time you reach usability and feasibility testing, your innovation should be ready to prove its real-world impact. This phase focuses on practical application:
- DOE: Tests technologies in energy-relevant conditions like grid environments.
- NIH: Conducts trials in healthcare or patient-facing settings.
- DHS: Deploys technologies in field tests with first responders or security agencies.
For SBIR Post-Phase II or Phase III, this stage is critical for commercialization. A proposal at this level must clearly articulate market readiness and user feedback integration. With our deep experience in SBIR proposals, we’ll help you craft a compelling narrative that captures your project’s potential to solve pressing problems.
Why These Stages Matter (and How We Can Collaborate)
SBIR agencies use these stages to gauge the maturity and potential of your innovation. Understanding how Proof-of-Concept, MVP, and Usability Testing align with agency priorities ensures your proposal stands out. But the process can be daunting. That’s why E.B. Howard Consulting is here to collaborate with you. From navigating agency expectations to developing evidence-based narratives, we’re your partner in funding success.
Your innovation deserves to shine at every stage. Let’s make that happen—together.
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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.