Kennon Proprietary

Kennon’s SBIR journeyKennon Products, Inc.

Sheridan, Wyoming USA

Kennon Proprietary

Kennon is not a “traditional” SBIR company, or “SBIR mill”, we are first and foremost a manufacturer, dedicated to commercialization

Kennon has focused its SBIR efforts exclusively on Department of Defense (DoD) Topics – primarily because that is where we find our best “fits”

DoD programs are the end user and buyer of the innovations developed under their Topics,• other agencies that is not necessarily the case

Kennon Proprietary

Kennon Proprietary

Kennon SBIRsPhase II:Advanced cabin lining system for the V-22, including anti-ballistic materials (NAVAIR )

now post Phase II

Phase Is:

Advanced hull forms (NAVSEA)

Lightweight blast protection (ONR)

Unsuccessful:

Lightweight aircraft tiedowns (NAVSEA)

UAV noise reduction (Navy)

High temperature armor (MARCOR)

Kennon Proprietary

Kennon Learnings1.Be prepared for a slow pace

don’t plan to make weekly payrolls with SBIR funds funding gaps happen between phases (the Valleys of Death)

2.Partnering with outside entities is essential be prepared to protect intellectual property

3.SBIR funding is largely unfettered, so … be prepared to use it wisely and efficiently be prepared to over-deliver

4.Be prepared to commercialize your innovations the GOAL of SBIR is to COMMERCIALIZE the technologies

you develop, to better your customer, or American society at large

5.If DoD, be prepared to have an approved accounting system at Phase II

6.Use SBIR resources, like WSSI, to help you compete

7.Persevere

Kennon Proprietary

Nice Work When You Can Get It :D