Optimizing the Joint Open Topic SBIR Program with an Online Innovation Solution

Union is the software as a service platform for managing startup communities, using data to connect startups and organizations, such as the DoD. We service accelerators, incubators, educational institutions, corporate and private entities by increasing efficiency and streamlining communication in the program, as well as allowing programs to engage, track, and support participating startups in a structured, measurable way. For the last year Union has been working with the Air Force to improve the experience for startups and innovators that are going through the SBIR/STTR programs. With Union, the Air Force has been able to engage, track, and support participating startups in a structured, measurable way establishing effective communication between these startups and Air Force personnel. Wanting to further create efficiencies and success for SBIR/STTR programs, Union will dedicate this Phase I to learning and understanding the particular needs of the Joint Open Topic SBIR program through extensive customer discovery with each party.