Through a partnership with GDI, the Ohio MEP is providing scholarships for a limited number of Ohio companies to participate in the TRIAD Program. The TRIAD Program is a 12-month education and advocacy program that helps improve companies’ access to Department of Defense (DoD) and Federal Agency resources. Participants in the program receive tools, training, coaching, introductions to DoD end-users and the chance to present their technology to a panel of DoD Science, Technology Scouts and Federal Agency Representatives at a TRIAD Pitch Session. The Pitch Sessions are multi-day events that also allow TRIAD companies to ask questions and receive feedback about their innovations. They take place on August 30 & 31 and September 1, 2022.

 The Ohio MEP scholarship recipients secure 12 months of access to communication tools, one-on-one coaching, a spot on the August 2022 Pitch Session roster and introductions to DoD and Agency insiders looking for new innovations to support the Warfighter. Ideal DoD companies offer solutions to problems that challenge the safety, efficacy and mission readiness of the US Warfighter. Some of their areas of interest for new or existing technologies include:

• Force protection and medical
• Domain awareness
• Power and energy
• Detection, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases
• Operations and mission support
• Electronic Spectrum management
• Command and control, computers and intelligence/cyber
• Advanced materials and additive manufacturing
• Weapons

Scouts who go to the pitch sessions to find new innovations will come from a variety of service branches and agencies, including:

• US Combatant Commands
• Army Futures Commands
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Department of Homeland Security
• Department of Energy
• Various Air Force, Marines & Navy offices

Approximately $1 Billion in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant funding is available each year from the DoD to develop and commercialize technologies. SBIRs are offered in three phases:

Phase I: Establish technical merit, feasibility and commercial potential; funding up to $150,000

Phase II: Continue the R&D efforts initiated in Phase I; funding up to $1,000,000

Phase III: Tech commercialization resulting from Phase I/II activities;  no funding, possible contract

If you think your company is a great fit for this opportunity, please reach out to us by filling out the form here.