NIH Niche Assessment Program

NIH Niche Assessment Program for Phase I Awardees

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Niche Assessment Program for NIH SBIR & STTR Phase I awardees is a nationwide program funded by NIH to help jump-start the commercialization efforts of SBIR & STTR Phase I awardees funded in fiscal years 2012 and 2013. NIH has contracted with Foresight Science and Technology to perform Technology Niche Analyses (TNA™) for 125 NIH SBIR & STTR Phase I awardees.

STTR awardees are now eligible to participate in this program.

The NIH Niche Assessment Program can help your company's commercialization efforts by:

• Providing market insight and data to strategically position your technology in the marketplace.
• Assisting in commercialization plan development for Phase II applications.
• Introducing small businesses to potential partners.

For a full description of the program, please review the NIH Guide Notice at: NOT-OD-12-146.

To participate in the program, complete the registration form available at:
http://2012nihsetupform.foresightst.com/

For assistance with submitting the on-line Set-Up Form please contact:
Mr. Ryan Hill, MBA
Controller, Finance & Administration
Foresight Science and Technology
Phone: (401) 273-4844 x10
Fax: (401) 273-4744
Email: ryan.hill@foresightst.com

Eligibility Requirements:
All active NIH SBIR & STTR Phase I awardees (by grant or contract) funded in fiscal years 2012 and 2013, as well as those small businesses selected to receive a Phase I award in the first three months of the upcoming fiscal year, will be eligible to participate.

The Niche Assessment Program is appropriate for all types of technologies, e.g., those developing clinical products, as well as those developing software, educational, and multi-media behavioral science products. The program is also appropriate for those seeking strategic alliances, investors, and/or immediate customers.

One hundred twenty-five (125) slots are available and will be filled on a "first-come, first-served" basis. For those with multiple awards, only one project per company will be accepted for the program. The average time to complete a Technology Niche Analysis^® is 2 to 3 months. Since reports will be generated in the order the applications were received, all 125 reports will be completed between November 2012 and early March 2013. However, awardees may indicate a preference when they would like to receive the TNA^® report in the registration forms. NIH and Foresight will try to accommodate such preferences if possible. The Technology Niche Analysis^® report may be helpful in the preparation of the commercialization plan that is required in a SBIR/STTR Phase II application and, as such, applicants should consider the timing of their Phase II submission. The amount of time a program participant will need to expend is minimal (perhaps only a few hours) and participation is free.

Specific questions about TNA's^® may be directed to:
Konstantin Izvolsky, PhD
Director, Assessments
Foresight Science & Technology
Telephone: (401) 273-4844 x25
Fax: (401) 273-4744
Email: konstantin.izvolsky@foresightst.com

General questions about the Niche Assessment Program may be directed to:
Robert Vinson
Assistant Program Manager
NIH SBIR/STTR Program
Office of Extramural Programs
National Institutes of Health
Telephone: (301) 435-2713
Fax: (301) 480-0146
Email: sbir@od.nih.gov