R&D Plan Accelerator
Learn from a consultant who has written and reviewed hundreds of research and development plans for high-tech and STEM-based startups. Create a robust R&D plan to help guide your development efforts and create a winning grant proposal.
Your Success
This 60-day accelerator is designed to help high-tech innovators develop a comprehensive Research and Development (R&D) plan. Participants will define product scope, conduct market research, establish milestones, budget resources, and prepare grant applications. By the end of this program, participants will have a complete R&D plan tailored to their high-tech product, ready for both internal development and grant applications.
Take Action
Set in place your R&D plan to form the foundation of a successful business
Set Goals
Set short and long-term R&D objectives for your business
Make a Plan
Finalize your R&D process and action plan
Our Advantage
Join over 150 entrepreneurs from some of the top startups in the U.S.
Take Action
Email and Live Class-Based
Step by Step Plan
Our Curriculum
Module 1
Introduction to R&D Planning for High-Tech Innovations
- The importance of an R&D plan
- Key components of an effective R&D plan.
- Case studies of successful R&D
Module 2
Defining the Scope of Your High-Tech Product
- Identifying the core problem
- Defining product goals, specifications, and outcomes.
- Conducting feasibility analysis.
Module 3
Conducting Market and Technology Research
- Aligning your product with market needs.
- Analyzing existing technologies
- Assessing challenges and risks in development.
Module 4
Setting Milestones and Deliverables
- Breaking down the R&D plan
- Establishing measurable milestones
- Creating a realistic timeline
Module 5
Budgeting for R&D
- Estimating costs for research
- Identifying funding needs
- Preparing an R&D budget
Module 6
Building a Technical Team and Leveraging Resources
- Identifying team members
- Leveraging external resources
- Defining roles and responsibilities.
Module 7
Prototyping, Testing, and Iteration
- Developing prototypes
- Establishing protocols
- Iterating and refining the product.
Module 8
Regulatory Considerations and Intellectual Property
- Navigating regulatory requirements.
- Ensuring compliance
- Protecting intellectual property
Module 9
Writing Your R&D Plan for Grant Applications
- Structuring the R&D plan for grants
- Writing a clear and compelling narrative.
- Incorporating timelines and budgets.
Module 10
Implementing Your R&D Plan and Monitoring Progress
- Developing systems to track progress.
- Setting up metrics to measure success.
- Production and commercialization.
How It Works
daily emails with a lesson and assignments
Templates
Live Sessions
Feedback on commercialization sections
Reviews
“Colleen provides valuable, constructive feedback. I would definitely use her again and would not hesitate to recommend her.”
“Colleen was so great to work with. She just got it and was proactive about making suggestions. We’re hoping to work with her again”
“I have a great experience working with Colleen. She’s extremely knowledgeable and also very easy to work with.”
“Colleen was amazing to work with. She was very supportive of my ideas and business. Invaluable! Her firm also provided very timely market research and other research for our business.”
“It was great working with Colleen! Her expertise makes her well-suited to provide realistic counsel and helpful guidance. I’ll definitely be working with her again in the future.”
“Colleen is a deep expert, always available to provide guidance, and committed to her client’s success. I highly recommend Colleen and plan on leveraging her knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.”
About Colleen
Dr. Colleen Spiegel has helped over 150 companies with their grant proposals, supporting both R&D and commercialization planning, and guiding clients through the intricate steps of the non-dilutive funding process. With a rich background in entrepreneurship, she has founded multiple companies, including her own high-tech venture, giving her firsthand insight into the unique challenges faced by high-tech entrepreneurs. Dr. Spiegel is also an accomplished author of scientific and engineering textbooks, such as Designing and Building Fuel Cells (McGraw-Hill, 2007) and PEM Fuel Cell Modeling and Simulation Using MATLAB (Elsevier Science, 2008), underscoring her strong technical foundation crucial for product development. Over her career, she has consulted for more than 170 companies and held positions at prominent organizations like Bausch & Lomb,
gaining
diverse industry experience across pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and energy. This depth and breadth of expertise make Dr. Spiegel uniquely qualified to guide your company through non-dilutive funding processes and the path to successful commercialization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Non-dilutive funding refers to sources of capital that do not require you to give up equity or ownership in your company. Common examples include grants, contracts, and awards from government agencies, foundations, or industry organizations.
Our services will be open to waitlist members first, with priority access expected within the next few weeks.
We primarily serve high-tech startups, small businesses, and innovative entrepreneurs looking to secure non-dilutive funding through grants.
Our consulting services guide you through the entire non-dilutive funding process. We assist with identifying relevant opportunities, developing competitive proposals, optimizing your funding strategy, and managing post-award requirements.
Non-dilutive funding is ideal for startups, small businesses, and high-growth companies, especially those in technology, healthcare, energy, and other innovation-driven industries. Businesses that are pursuing R&D projects or developing cutting-edge products often find these funding sources valuable.
Grants typically fund research or projects that align with the mission of the granting agency but allow more flexibility in how funds are used. Contracts, on the other hand, are agreements where you provide specific deliverables or services to a government agency in exchange for funding.
We specialize in opportunities such as SBIR/STTR grants, technology grants, industry innovation challenges, and other specialized programs from federal and state agencies. We also identify private foundations and industry consortia offering non-dilutive funding.
Eligibility depends on the specific program. We start with an assessment to determine whether your business meets the necessary criteria, including industry, project stage, and alignment with funding agency priorities.
Our process typically
involves:
a. Initial assessment and consultation.
b. Researching and identifying funding opportunities tailored to your business.
c. Developing a strategic funding plan.
d. Writing, reviewing, and submitting proposals.
a. Initial assessment and consultation.
b. Researching and identifying funding opportunities tailored to your business.
c. Developing a strategic funding plan.
d. Writing, reviewing, and submitting proposals.
The timeline can vary widely depending on the funding source and program. Grant application cycles typically range from 3 to 9 months, while contracts and industry awards may have shorter or longer timelines.
Yes, we provide comprehensive grant writing services, including developing the narrative, budget, technical documents, and other required sections. We ensure your proposal is well-aligned with the funder’s goals and stands out among competitors.
Success depends on having a well-defined project with strong alignment to the funder’s priorities, a clear commercialization plan, and a compelling proposal. Our consulting services focus on maximizing your competitiveness by addressing these critical areas.
Our services are customized based on your needs. We offer a range of pricing options, from hourly consulting rates to full-service packages that include strategy development, proposal writing, and submission. Please add yourself to our waitlist for further information.
Non-dilutive funding does not require giving up equity, but it does come with obligations like reporting requirements and project-specific restrictions. We help you navigate these challenges to ensure compliance and proper budgeting.
We offer post-award support to help you meet reporting requirements and assist with preparing for follow-on phases of funding or seeking additional non-dilutive opportunities.
Yes, many businesses successfully combine non-dilutive funding with venture capital, angel investments, or debt financing to build a robust funding strategy. We can help you develop a cohesive plan that integrates various funding sources.
You can get started by adding your contact information to our waiting list. We’ll assess your needs, discuss potential funding opportunities, and determine the best approach to assist you with securing the capital your business needs.
Questions? Let's TaIk.
We’ll help you determine if SEMSCIO is the right fit for you and answer any of your questions.