Strengthen your NIH SBIR proposal by learning how to craft a focused, compelling Specific Aims page.

In this hands-on workshop, Hoosier innovators will learn how to build a strong NIH SBIR Specific Aims page that clearly communicates the problem, product, innovation, technical approach, and commercial relevance of their work.

Chopra Science Consultancy LLC will walk participants through the core elements reviewers look for, including the opening hook, unmet need, central hypothesis or product premise, aims, expected outcomes, and potential impact. Attendees will draft each section during the session and receive guidance on making their page clearer, stronger, and more reviewer-friendly.

By the end of the two-hour workshop, participants will leave with a complete first draft of their Specific Aims page.

Please bring your computer.

Register Here

Ready to boost your startup with some serious funding?

Join us for a virtual workshop and discover how to develop competitive SBIR/STTR proposals for both the NIH and NSF.
 
Learn how to craft competitive SBIR/STTR proposals with Nipun Chopra, PhD, founder of Chopra Science Consultancy, an 8-time NSF SBIR/STTR reviewer, and an Indiana Economic Development Corporation-selected grant writer supporting Indiana founders. 
 
Chopra will share insights to help you transform your innovation into non-dilutive funding that moves your company forward, including: 
  • Agency priorities
  • Review criteria
  • How to position your technology
  • Common pitfalls to avoid

This session will also include access to free resources available through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to support founders throughout the funding process.

Event Details: 
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: Noon – 1:00 PM
Location: Virtual (meeting link will be provided to registered attendees.)

 
Register Here

FrameWORX: Advancing Indiana’s Life Sciences Innovation Ecosystem

Indiana is home to one of the nation’s most dynamic life sciences communities, with world-class companies, universities, and entrepreneurs working together across biotech, medtech, diagnostics, and health tech. This event is for the innovators turning ideas into companies, and the partners who want to help them get there.

This FrameWORX will explore how the BioCrossroads Startup Hub, AXIS mentoring, Crossroads Health Ventures, and Indiana’s broader ecosystem provide a step-by-step guide from idea to impact, surrounding founders with funding pathways, mentors, and resources tailored to growing a life sciences startup in Indiana.

 

Event Details

Date:  Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Location: Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI), 16 Tech Innovation District, Indianapolis
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 

Register Here

FrameWORX Agenda

3:00-3:10 PM
Opening Remarks
Indiana innovation landscape overview

Emily Atkinson, PhD
Senior Director of Innovation
BioCrossroads

3:10-3:45 PM
Startup Success Stories Panel
Founders share their journey, challenges, pivots, and breakthroughs

Aaron Schacht
CEO
BiomEdit

Scott Byrd
CEO
Sudo Biosciences

Ramani Varanasi
CEO
LIBRIS

Moderator: Mike Bolinder
Senior Vice President, External Engagement & Chief Innovation Officer
BioCrossroads

3:45-4:20 PM
Fireside Chat: AXIS Mentorship in Action
AXIS mentor and mentee highlight how their partnership shaped the startup

Laura Brown, PhD
AXIS Mentee

Kevin Donnelly, PhD
AXIS Mentor

Moderator: Tara Hobson, PhD
Director of Innovation Programs
BioCrossroads

4:20-4:55 PM
Emerging Development Tools Panel
Discussion surrounding FDA reforms and New Approach Models

Samantha Atkins, PhD
Science and Technology Practice Lead
Guidon

Barrett Tenbarge
Partner, FDA and Life Sciences Regulatory
Faegre Drinker

Moderator: Tayo Sanders, PhD
Partner and Co-Founder
Arrowpoint Labs

4:55-5:00 PM
Closing Remarks
5:00-5:30 PM
Networking Reception
Open networking and refreshments following the FrameWORX discussion
Register Here

This FrameWORX event is presented by:

AXIS Mentorship Program Kickoff Event

 
Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Indiana Biosciences Research Institute 

9:00 AM – Noon

Click the link below to reserve your spot. Spaces are limited. 

 

AXIS is a statewide mentorship program designed to strengthen Indiana’s life sciences talent pipeline by connecting early-career scientists, researchers, and founders with experienced industry professionals.

Built on the proven MIT Venture Mentoring Service (MIT-VMS) model, AXIS offers confidential, team-based mentoring to help innovators navigate challenges, accelerate commercialization, and grow professionally.

Whether you’re a mentor, a potential mentee, or simply curious about how AXIS works, this is a perfect way to get involved.

 
Click the link below to reserve your spot. Spaces are limited. 
 
Learn More
Explore tools and resources available for new life sciences ventures
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