Recent events have been unsettling for government employees and companies alike. The recent communications-stop to external groups, halting of grant awards, and travel ban among other directives have set the stage for possible changes to NIH and other key federal funding agencies.
Short Term: 27 Jan 2025 Memo (M-25-13) has been Rescinded
A memo from the new administration was rescinded 2 days later. There remains some measure of confusion as to the status of executive orders (as distinct from memos) but for now grants and contracts are not frozen.
The evolving government funding landscape presents new opportunities and challenges for innovative companies seeking non-dilutive funding. At Grant Engine, our mission remains steadfast: to work with you to secure the funding necessary to advance your life-saving and industry-changing innovations. We have a proven track record, a resilient strategy, and a commitment to ensuring that our clients not only navigate these changes successfully but emerge stronger.
Medium Term: The Outlook for Non-Dilutive Funding Programs
Government-backed non-dilutive funding programs, particularly the SBIR program and similar programs, continue to demonstrate the highest returns in job creation, company growth, and economic advantage of all government programs. Historically, these programs have remained resilient through multiple administrations and policy changes.
While adjustments may occur, we anticipate continued government investment in innovation, particularly in high-impact areas such as life science R&D, artificial intelligence, and defense technologies.
The SBIR program, which has withstood multiple economic and political shifts since its inception in 1982, remains a critical pillar of federal support. Recent data suggests strong governmental backing for its continuation and potential expansion.
While there is no assurance that history will represent the future, history does provide a relevant data point. In particular, it is worth noting that during the Trump 45 administration the NIH budget increased almost 2x that from Obama and Biden administrations.
- Trump Administration (2017-2021): 21.6% increase
- Obama Administration (2009-2017): 12.6% increase
- Biden Administration (2021-2024): 12.9% increase
Additionally, while Project 2025 does not dictate policy there has been alignment on all policy directives from Project 2025 and the executive orders signed in the first week of the current administration.
On page 755 of Project 2025, there is a call for an increased allocation for the SBIR program, reinforcing its importance to economic growth and technological advancement in the current political environment.
The SBIR program is up for re-authorization on September 30, 2025 after the autumn SBIR deadline, and we anticipate any discussion on possible changes to occur at that time. We do anticipate the Foreign Risk Assessment feature to remain.
How Grant Engine Maximizes Your Success
At Grant Engine, we have the highest win rate across the industry, for our clients. Our focus is clear: securing the funding that enables you to bring transformative products to market. Our commitment to excellence is consistent, and we continuously evolve our approach to ensure you receive the best possible value.
To further enhance client success, we are implementing key strategic initiatives:
1. Expanding Our Offerings
We already have a very cost-effective solicitation search. As well, we are introducing additional solutions that provide greater value – such as Alpha™, our standalone AI writing tool and enhanced support for Grantsmanship + External Review (G+ER) services, ensuring that clients receive the maximum impact and value from our expertise.
2. Enhancing Productivity & Efficiency
We are continuously refining our processes to deliver more grant applications at a higher success rate with reduced effort per grant. This ensures our clients receive the highest return on investment in both time and resources.
3. Leveraging Cutting-Edge Technology
We are integrating powerful tools such as GE CoPilot, NIH biosketch generator, Alpha, and our submissions checker to streamline and enhance the grant-writing process. We encourage clients to take full advantage of these outwardly facing advancements to improve their funding outcomes.
4. Advocating for Continued Funding
As non-dilutive funding remains a crucial resource for innovation, we encourage active engagement with your congressional representatives to support the expansion of SBIR and similar programs. Advocacy efforts can help sustain and increase funding availability.
Democracy.io is a great platform for easily communicating to those elected to Congress in your district. Here is a draft for you to start from.
Preparing for Market Changes
In the event of shifts in NIH funding or increased competition for SBIR dollars, Grant Engine is uniquely positioned to help clients remain competitive. Our proactive strategies, financial resilience, and deep expertise ensure that our clients receive the best possible support in any funding climate.
Key Takeaways for Our Clients:
- We are committed to your success and have the expertise and resources to secure your funding in any market condition.
- We continue to pursue non-dilutive funding for existing clients, who remain steadfast and committed to their pursuit of opportunities across NIH SBIR, BARDA, ARPA-H and the broader Health and Human Services.
- Proactive advocacy is essential. Supporting policies that expand SBIR and NIH funding can benefit the entire innovation ecosystem. As mentioned, Democracy.io is a great platform for easily communicating to those elected to Congress in your district and here is a starting place for your personal message.
- Expanding client value offerings and leveraging technology will enhance your ability to secure funding and bring your innovations to market.
At Grant Engine, we are your strategic partner in securing the funding that fuels your success. We are prepared, resilient, and ready to help you navigate the evolving funding landscape with confidence.
If you have any questions or would like to explore how these changes impact your funding strategy, reach out to our team. Together, we will continue driving innovation forward. To learn more about how Grant Engine can support your innovation funding journey, text us at (650) 885-9872 or email us on greatscience@grantengine.com, or contact us through our website.
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