Introduction by Pat Dillon, President and CEO at MNSBIR
Meet This Month's Featured Innovator
Pat Dillon, CDR, USN (Ret.), MBA, is the Founder, President, and CEO of MNSBIR, Inc., a 501(c)(3) private, non-profit organization dedicated to helping startups and small businesses secure non-dilutive funding from America’s Seed Fund—the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs and other federal funding.
With over 30 years of expertise and deep relationships in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems of Minnesota and Wisconsin, Pat has become a pivotal figure in fostering business growth and innovation. MNSBIR, Inc. also collaborates closely with the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic to support the translation and commercialization of federally funded research with strong potential for future market applications.
Pat proudly served 40 years in the United States Navy, both active and reserve, serving in aviation and intelligence communities. A combat veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, she served in Kabul, Afghanistan, from 2011 to 2012. Thanks to the Vietnam Era GI Bill, Pat earned both an MBA and a BS in Business Administration from Winona State University, Winona, MN.
Continue reading to learn how MNSBIR is working with innovators to create long-lasting impacts.
Technological innovation drives growth—and here in Saint Paul, that spirit of creativity and problem-solving is stronger than ever. Every day, we meet with startups and small businesses developing novel product concepts that could transform industries and improve lives. But even the best product concepts need the right support to become a reality. That’s where MNSBIR, Inc. comes in.
Through the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, startups and small businesses can compete for non-dilutive funding that enables them to conduct high-risk, high-payoff research and development that leads to the commercialization of a novel product or service—without giving up ownership or equity.
These programs are powerful tools for startups and growth, and MNSBIR can help Saint Paul companies navigate them successfully. Across industries from med tech to clean energy, 36 Saint Paul companies have secured federal SBIR/STTR awards with MNSBIR’s support.
Hear from Pat Dillon and Brennan Townley, CEO of Collaboration.AI, about an MNSBIR success story (Video from MNSBIR)
Our team guides Minnesota startups and small businesses through every step of the process, from proposal development to commercialization planning. Whether your focus is healthcare, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, or data science, we help turn novel ideas with strong commercial potential to become future products and services that have long-lasting economic and social impacts.
As part of Saint Paul’s thriving innovation ecosystem, MNSBIR proudly partners with Full Stack Saint Paul, Ramsey County, and others to ensure startups and small businesses with novel product concepts to apply for federal funding—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—that can succeed.
In the latest Princeton Review rankings of undergraduate entrepreneurship programs, the University of St. Thomas Schulze School of Entrepreneurship is ranked No. 11 internationally – up eight spots from last year. The 2026 ranking places the Schulze School in the top 10 in the U.S., and No. 5 in the Midwest, Minnesota’s top entrepreneurship school and third among institutions with less than 10,000 students.
UEL, Minnesota's leading laboratory-based incubator, welcomes Sam Shuster as its new Executive Director. A PhD neuroscientist and lifelong entrepreneur, he brings a deep understanding of technology commercialization and firsthand experience starting and growing lab-bench based businesses. Sam joins UEL as they celebrate their 20th anniversary.
Saint Paul Snapshots
Quick local hits you shouldn't miss.
The University of Minnesota has been ranked among the top 50 institutions producing tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and innovators by Fast Company.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is soliciting grant applications for Advancing the Future MedTech Workforce through December 1.
Grid Catalyst has released a new study entitled Bridging the Innovation Gap: Why Utility-Startup Partnerships are Key to Energy Abundance.
The University of Minnesota's College of Biological Sciences is offering a new biotech startup course called “What do you need to start a biotech company?". Read how the course prepared this student to take his next step to commercialize his inventions.
Students tackle real-world problems through a STEM partnership program between the Science Museum of Minnesota and TRANE Technologies.
Tech & Entrepreneur Training Resources
✨ MacNest, a program that connects students with early-stage Twin Cities startups for a 10-week summer internship, is building a new generation of entrepreneurs. Early-stage startups looking to work with Macalester students can contact Linda at lseebaue@macalester.edu to learn more.
✨ Lunar Startups Accelerator is now accepting applications for its Spring cohort. If you are a founder with an in-market product or service who is interested in scaling your business, apply today! (Sponsored by Full Stack Saint Paul)
✨ Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is launching a new Clean Tech Accelerator. Interested in joining the GESMN’s solar installer 4-week training program? Register for their weekly Wednesday info sessions to get started. Explore all programs at gesmn.org/training.
Full Stack Saint Paul is a public-private collaboration leveraging the power of tech and innovation to drive equitable, resilient economic development in Saint Paul.
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