SBIR TAP Alum Awarded Phase II Funds to Improve Supply Chain Efficiency

17.11.22 09:09 PM By Jennie Hempstead

Photo courtesy of 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
A Silicon Valley tech pioneer specializing in artificial intelligence that efficiently manages supply chains has been selected to receive $749,971 in SBIR/STTR Phase II funding.

Through Put Inc., based in Palo Alto, California, applies the power of AI to maximize supply chain efficiency. The Phase II funding will be used to investigate its potential to fill capability gaps in the Department of the Air Force. 

ThroughPut’s Phase II success comes after the company’s participation in programs sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory and executed by Wright Brothers Institute in partnership with the Entrepreneurs Center, both of Dayton, Ohio. In late January 2022, ThroughPut participated in the five-day Small Business Innovation Research Technology Acceleration Program (SBIR TAP), designed to give companies an understanding of SBIR programs, discovering business value within technology markets, and developing commercialization pathways.

The SBIR TAP program is a collaborative program providing companies with the education to identify commercial and defense market value, improve business development practices, and build business acumen. The goal is to build an ecosystem of small businesses positioned to rapidly respond to Air Force needs, while exploring multiple funding pipelines that ultimately drive down the cost of technology development. The program is facilitated by the Entrepreneurs’ Center, which provides commercialization training through in-depth, interactive learning seminars, plus supply consulting services with experienced counselors, entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts. The Air Force, knowing the value of well-prepared small businesses who develop technologies for future Air Force acquisition programs, is the main sponsor of the SBIR TAP program. WBI works closely with EC to ensure the curriculum will enhance the relationship between the companies and the Air Force, addressing critical technology gaps and connecting AFRL researchers to the technical solutions provided by the small businesses.

"The entrepreneurs and staff at the Wright Brothers Institute’s SBIR TAP have helped us to merge as a Silicon Valley startup into the government SBIR/STTR ecosystem. We have been introduced to varied subject matter and business experts at WBI who were able to critique our approach and also provide feedback on our company's pitch and business positioning within the U.S. Air force,” said Cameron A. Nazeri, Head of Operations and Government Projects at ThroughPut. “The experts at WBI have provided support and experiences to better navigate both the SBIR/STTR contracts and working as a first-time government contractor. We are grateful for the time and effort from all the experts at the WBI."

Since the SBIR TAP’s inception in 2015, more than 200 small businesses have participated in the curriculum. Almost 8,200 SBIR awards have been granted, and almost a quarter of a billion of dollars has been awarded to qualified small businesses.

“One of WBI’s strongest qualities is collaboration and we take great pride in seeing companies successfully navigate the government contracting process,” said Eric Hill, WBI’s Technology Broker. “Companies participating in the SBIR TAP programming gain insight and feedback into the acquisition process and our hope is that they answer the needs of the Air Force with a winning government contract.”



Jennie Hempstead