Youngstown Innovation Hub, Ohio Aerospace Institute Kick Off Pilot Small Biz Cohort

The Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense, managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), and the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI), affiliated with Parallax Advanced Research, are launching a new pilot initiative designed to help Ohio small businesses compete for National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I funding.

The three-month hybrid program will guide a select cohort of 5–10 companies through developing a competitive NSF Project Pitch and building a complete, submission-ready Phase I proposal package.

The program is built for Ohio-based companies developing technical innovations with research and development (R&D) objectives. Over 12 weeks, participants will receive structured support, expert coaching, and dedicated working sessions to accelerate their readiness for NSF review.

Two-Stage Program 

The cohort is structured in two parts:

• Part 1 (Weeks 1–4): Project Pitch Development: Participants will develop or refine their NSF Project Pitch, including sections on technological innovation, technical challenges, market opportunity, and company capabilities. The goal is to secure an NSF invitation to submit a Phase I proposal. 
• Part 2 (Weeks 5–12): Phase I Proposal Build: Companies invited by NSF, or those with clear plans to resubmit after prior feedback, will work through the full Phase I proposal package. This includes drafting all NSF-required documents, a comprehensive technical work plan, and budget development aligned with NSF rules. The program provides structured reviews, a mock panel (red team), and a final compliance check.

• High-Touch, Hybrid Support Model
  The initiative combines virtual sessions with up to three in-person working days in Ohio, designed for high-impact collaboration:

• Pitch Studio (Week 1–2): Focused development of the Project Pitch and NSF-fit assessment
• Proposal Lab (Week 6–7): Writing sprints and budget support for major proposal sections
• Red Team & Readiness Review (Week 11–12): Mock review, revisions, and compliance walkthrough

Participants also receive 1:1 coaching, written feedback cycles, and dedicated proposal and budget support.

Important Dates: 
Application Released: June 30
Applications Reviewed on a Rolling Basis
Applications Due: July 20
Selected Applicants Notified: July 22
First Cohort In-Person Session (Attendance required in Youngstown, OH): July 29, 1-5 p.m. ET

Access the Cohort Program page and application, HERE.

About the Youngstown Innovation Hub
The Youngstown, Ohio-based Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense brings together cutting-edge facilities, talent, and strategic partnerships to advance American manufacturing. 

About NCDMM
NCDMM delivers collaborative manufacturing solutions that enhance our nation’s workforce and economic competitiveness. NCDMM has knowledge and depth in commercial and defense manufacturing areas to innovate, improve, and advance manufacturing technologies and methodologies. 

About Parallax Advanced Research & the Ohio Aerospace Institute 
Parallax Advanced Research is an advanced research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. 

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.