MemComputing's Story

Padding Federal and Commercial Growth with SBIR Funding

“I met Russ at the USAF Space Catalyst. When he told me about the Air Force Open SBIR process, I was really impressed and proud to see that the USAF was so open to innovation.

This is why I signed with Long Capture.”

John BeaneCEO, MemComputing, Inc.

Overview

Prior Federal Experience

MemComputing first started working with Long Capture at the end of 2019 after meeting LC’s CEO at the USAF Space Catalyst and learning about the Air Force SBIR Open Topic.

At the time, they had decent commercial traction, but no federal experience.

Problem

Upon signing with LC, they had very little understanding of the processes and logistics of doing business with the government. They had a dual-use technology and an understanding of the commercial market, but knew little about the opportunities to pursue in federal and how to go about that process.

They were looking to get their foot in the door through the AFWERX SBIR Open Topic, and needed the guidance and connections to do so.

Why Long Capture? 

Long Capture made sure to contribute extensively to the conversation about innovation in the USAF, and this helped to shape MemComputing’s own understanding of how their technology could benefit the Department of Defense.

They have worked with us over the past few years and continue to pursue and win federal dollars.

They are currently on the road toward even greater opportunity both with the DoD, and in the commercial sphere, as they continue to build off their success with the SBIR Open Topic.

Objective

Dual-Use Growth

Technology

Computer Hardware Manufacturing

Capture strategist: 

Spencer Armstrong & Wyatt Hughes

The Process

Design a Capture Strategy.

LC Team Lead: Wyatt Hughes

An essential first step for any company to take when starting on this journey is to establish a strategy forward.

Compound Eye was assigned a capture strategist, one of our federal pathways experts, who talked with them to better understand their current traction, both federal and commercial, as well as their goals moving forward.

With this in mind,  the team developed a long-term strategy, to continue to leverage the SBIR AFWERX Open Topic to gather the funding necessary to further develop MemComputing’s technology for the dual-use case.

The strategy included a unique mix of funding opportunities scaling through AFWERX SBIR Phase I and Phase II.

01

Execute Extensive Business Development.

LC Team Lead:Nick Heil

Business Development plays and essential role in any effective federal strategy in both the initial strategy development and  the execution stage.

Initial Strategy Development

When working with MemComputing, our Business Development team worked diligently to seek a federal market for the technology.

The next step was to ensure that MemComputing’s technology got in front of the right end-users, Program Managers, Program Executive Offices to increase their chances of success through the SBIR Programs.

Long Capture’s years of extensive data has found that a letter of support can increase your chances of winning a Phase II proposal by nearly 20%, which is why the Business Develop aspect of any proposal is essential.

02

Coordinate Competitive Proposals.

LC Team Lead:Ashley Harper

A solid proposal is essential for any chance at a winning strategy. Our Proposal team meets with Compound Eye for any solicitation round that fits into their overarching strategy.

Compliance is the first priority during these rounds. Our team reads through every proposal, looking for every indicated requirement to avoid getting the proposal tossed out before it even lands on a decision maker’s desk.

Next, our team focuses on the companies competitive edge. Our team worked with Compound Eye to help establish what makes their technology stand out in business. This edge makes a great case when trying to convince federal decision makers to fund this specific technology.

And finally, our team worked to craft a compelling proposal. This is where we really tell the story and illustrate how the company’s technology could benefit the DoD.

03

Awards Won

By following a strategy while also leaving room for flexibility when a new opportunities arise, Long Capture has helped MemComputing to create and leverage business relationships and craft multiple winning proposals. Each win guides their pathways to further success with the DoD.

USAF SBIR Phase I

  • Amount Awarded: $50K
  • Round: AF 20.1
  • Award Date: March 2020

Learn more about SBIR PI HERE

USAF SBIR PII

  • Amount Awarded: $750K
  • Round: AF 20.1
  • Award Date: March 2021

Learn more about SBIR PII HERE

USAF SBIR PI

  • Amount Awarded: $50K
  • Round: AF 21.2
  • Award Date: November 2021

Learn more about SBIR PI HERE

USAF SBIR PI

  • Amount Awarded: $50K
  • Round: AF 21.2
  • Award Date: November 2021

Learn more about SBIR PI HERE

USAF SBIR PII

  • Amount Awarded: $750K
  • Round: AF 21.2
  • Award Date: July 2022

Learn more about SBIR PII HERE

USAF SBIR PII

  • Amount Awarded: $750K
  • Round: AF 21.2
  • Award Date: July 2022

Learn more about SBIR PII HERE

A Breakdown

From the time MemComputing started working with Long Capture in December of 2019 it took…

  • 3 months to win a Phase I
  • 15 months to win a Phase II
  • 17 months to win an additional Phase II
  • 23 months to win 2 additional phase I’s
  • 31 months to win 2 additional phase II’s

All in, over the past 3 years, Long Capture has helped Memcomputing to win over $2.5 million in government contracts.

This has played a role in padding some of their further pursuits.

SBIR can be a great launch pad, providing R&D funding, as well as the sole-source authority needed to really open the door for small businesses with dual-use technology.