Stacy L ChinFounder, KeepYourEquity · I get the government to write you checks

5 PhDs & MDs. ZERO FUNDING? Too smart for SBIR grants?

18 Oct 2026 · 1 min

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In this short advisory, Stacy L. Chin explains that while a team heavy with PhDs and MDs may look impressive for a Phase 1 SBIR proposal, it can actually reduce the chances of securing Phase 2 funding. Phase 1 focuses on demonstrating that the technology works, whereas Phase 2 requires evidence that the team can navigate regulatory pathways, scale manufacturing, and commercialize the product. Reviewers therefore look for a balanced team that includes expertise in regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and market execution, not just scientific credentials. Chin warns founders that the team that wins Phase 1 may need to evolve for Phase 2 success.

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Can having too many PhDs and MDs on your SBIR team actually hurt your chances of getting funded? It can, and it sounds crazy, right? But here's what most founders don't realize. The team that won your Phase 1 SBIR application might actually be holding you back in Phase 2. Why? Because Phase 1 is about proving your technology works. Phase 2 is about proving you can actually bring it towards the market. So yeah, having 3 MDs and 2 PhDs on your team is super impressive, but who's handling the regulatory? Manufacturing, the commercialization. Because reviewers aren't just asking if your team is super smart, actually asking whether your team can actually execute and actually make money from your technology. And here's the thing founders always miss: team that got you to Phase 1 isn't always the same team members that'll get you to the next milestone in Phase 2.