Florida’s small businesses are the backbone of innovation and play a critical role in strengthening our nation’s defense industrial base. Yet, participation in defense contracting by small businesses has declined by nearly 40% over the past decade. This trend threatens both economic vitality and national security. Technology transfer (T2) and commercialization offer a powerful solution – helping innovators bring cutting-edge technologies from home offices and laboratories to real-world applications that support our warfighters and create new market opportunities.

Tech transfer is traditionally the process of moving innovations from federal labs, universities, or research institutions into the hands of industry for commercialization. For defense-related businesses, this means transforming breakthrough ideas into deployable solutions for the Department of Defense (DoD) and beyond. Tech transfer isn’t just about moving government-funded research into the marketplace. It also works in reverse through a process called spin-in. Spin-in occurs when innovations developed in the commercial sector are adapted for defense use. For Florida small businesses, this is a major opportunity. Many cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity tools, and advanced manufacturing techniques originate in private industry. By aligning these solutions with Department of Defense requirements, businesses can accelerate adoption and open new revenue streams. Spin-in strengthens the defense industrial base by ensuring warfighters benefit from the latest commercial advancements while giving innovators access to long-term government contracts.

To succeed in tech transfer and commercialization, Florida innovators should:

• Start Early: Begin commercialization planning during R&D phases (to include SBIR/STTR Phase I & II).
• Leverage CRADAs & Licensing: Cooperative Research and Development Agreements enable joint development and commercialization rights.

• Build Partnerships: Collaborate with universities and research institutions under STTR for access to expertise and facilities.
• Understand Readiness Levels: Use Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Commercial Readiness Level (CRL) frameworks to assess market viability.
• Engage with us!! (Florida APEX Accelerators): To simplify federal procurement and connect businesses to defense contracting opportunities.

Many innovations stall in the “valley of death;” the gap between prototype and production. Programs like DARPA’s Transition Capability Support Program (TCSP) and DoD’s Small Business Innovation Research program help bridge this gap. Additionally, consortium models and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) make DoD more approachable for non-traditional suppliers. Our Network is fortunate to be in partnership with DEFENSEWERX, which gives us unparalleled access to their resources and offerings. Through DEFENSEWERX, innovators can tap into collaborative workspaces, rapid prototyping capabilities, and direct engagement opportunities with DoD stakeholders. This partnership accelerates technology transfer by connecting small businesses with end-users early in the development cycle, reducing risk and increasing the likelihood of adoption. DEFENSEWERX also hosts innovation challenges and events that allow companies to showcase solutions, receive feedback, and build relationships that lead to real contracts. For Florida businesses, this means a faster path from concept to deployment and a stronger foothold in the defense market.

Florida’s small business innovation can strengthen national security and open new markets through tech transfer. By engaging with Florida APEX Accelerator, leveraging programs like SBIR/STTR, and exploring opportunities for spin-in (and spin-out), Florida entrepreneurs can transform groundbreaking ideas into mission-ready solutions. This dual impact – enhancing defense capabilities while driving commercial success – positions small businesses as vital contributors to both economic growth and national security. The time to act is now: connect with local resources, build strategic partnerships, and help take innovation clients from concept to commercialization.

Tia Bond serves as the Technology Transfer and Commercialization Specialist for the Florida APEX Accelerator. She plays a pivotal role in supporting activities to facilitate the transition of innovative technologies into the commercial marketplace and introducing novel technologies into the Department of Defense and other government agencies.