Technology Commercialization
If your business focus is on innovation, new technology development, or new applications of existing technology, we want to help. You can receive personalized consulting and research at no cost.
To work with one of our Business Advisors, please complete our online registration form.
How we can help:
Eligibility
Our assistance to innovation-based businesses in Alabama is focused on the following:
- Entrepreneurs engaged in biosciences, engineering, agriculture, information technology, and similar high-tech areas
- Entrepreneurs using engineering, science, or technology to develop new products, services, or processes
- Entrepreneurs who have ideas for innovative products or services that apply existing technology in new ways
- University researchers interested in establishing new ventures to commercialize research
- Organizations supporting technology transfer and commercialization that benefits small businesses in Alabama
What We Do
Alabama SBDC assistance is based on the individual needs of our innovation-based small business clients. Generally, they include:
Technology Business Planning
- Business plan development and plan reviews
- Market research and analysis
- Basics of intellectual property
- Commercialization assessment and strategies
Innovation Financing
- Assistance in understanding and accessing R&D money
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
- Equity financing opportunities in Alabama
- Angel capital
- Venture capital
- Traditional financing sources
Intellectual Property
If you’re a business owner looking to protect your invention through trademarking or patent protection, the Alabama SBDC can help. Our knowledgeable advisors can help you identify when a trademark or patent may be needed and offer support through resources from the United States Patent and Trademark (USPTO).
Market Research
- Market, customer, and industry analysis
- Demographics
- Competitor identification
- Industry benchmarks
- GIS mapping
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
The Alabama SBDC works with research-capable small businesses to access federal R&D dollars. We help small businesses:
- Navigate 11 federal agencies that fund R&D projects under the SBIR/STTR programs
- Review proposals and budgets
- Find institutional and company partners to provide research expertise
- Locate research topics that align with project ideas
- Note: This is Not a grant to start a small business. This is a research development program.
Training / Outreach Events
The Alabama SBDC offers a wide variety of events on topics relevant to innovation-based entrepreneurs, such as SBIR/STTR, intellectual property, and market research. We partner with other organizations and institutions in Alabama and beyond to provide additional training opportunities.
SBIR/STTR tutorials are available online at sbir.gov/tutorials.
Meet the Team:
Kristinn Gretarsson
Emily Moore
Tye Warren
Michael Brooks
Kristinn Gretarsson
Mr. Gretarsson has 25 years of experience in international business as a frontline manager, CEO, and board member of companies in medical, biotech and the financial sector. He has extensive experience in driving growth, entering new markets, product development, and brand building. Mr. Gretarsson has led two companies through ISO 9001 certification and secured CE marking and FDA approval for medical devices, diagnostic aids, and skin care products. Mr. Gretarsson was the CEO of ORF Genetics and BIOEFFECT, a world leading company in the development and production of recombinant proteins.
Kristinn’s previous roles also included sales and marketing for a large food products company with 50 distributors and 200 SKU´s, and as International Trade Specialist for the Alabama International Trade Center. Kristinn completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees in business from The University of Alabama.
Emily Moore
Tye Warren
Michael Brooks
Michael Brooks is the Associate State Director of the Alabama Small Business Development Center Network (ASBDC), an economic development program at the University of Alabama’s Office for Research & Economic Development, designed to help grow Alabama’s economy by providing one-on-one, confidential & no-cost assistance to entrepreneurs and existing small businesses.
Michael began his career with the SBDC as an International Trade Specialist with the Alabama International Trade Center in 1998, leading several Trade Center programs, including business development, trade counseling, and export financing. In 2009 he joined the leadership of the Alabama SBDC Network as the Associate State Director. In this position he serves as a liaison to SBA and other business development organizations, oversees the accreditation process for the state’s 10 SBDC locations, and drives innovation and performance improvement across the Network.
He received an MBA in Strategic Management & Marketing, and a BS in International Business from The University of Alabama. He currently serves on the board of directors for the AlabamaGermany Partnership and the North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA), and was nominated to serve on the Alabama District Export Council (DEC).