Your Partner in Securing Non-Dilutive Funding
We’re committed to walking alongside you—every step of the way—as you pursue non-dilutive research funding. From day one, we dive deep into your company and technology, working hands-on to craft a strong, competitive proposal. Our goal is to ensure you move forward with confidence, clarity, and a clear path to success.
Executive Director, Katie Thompson
Katie Thompson leads with a deep commitment to fostering innovation. She cultivates strategic relationships across the science and technology community, connecting companies to a broader ecosystem of resources and opportunities. Katie ensures clear, ongoing communication and collaboration with each company, providing tailored support—especially in guiding proposal preparation and positioning ventures for success.
Grant Specialist
Offering personalized, one-on-one support to guide you through every step of the SBIR/STTR submission process—including registrations, proposal writing and editing, securing letters of support, and completing the full submission to your target federal agency.
Gray Ink is a strategy studio dedicated to securing funding for initiatives that drive social and environmental change. Since our founding, we’ve helped clients raise over $58 million in non-dilutive capital—fueling their growth, accelerating impact, and unlocking new revenue opportunities. As recognized writers, researchers, and thought leaders, we blend data-driven strategy with compelling storytelling to provide coaching, strategic guidance, and hands-on support that gets results.
Startup Solution Specialists
Providing personalized support to help founders validate their technology for federal funding opportunities and craft winning strategies for market entry. Beyond funding, we connect startups to a broader ecosystem of mentors, partners, and resources to fuel long-term growth and success.
Douglas Hutchings – is a seasoned founder, CEO, and accidental angel investor with deep roots in science-driven entrepreneurship. While completing his Ph.D. at the University of Arkansas, he launched Silicon Solar Solutions and secured seed funding just days before defending his dissertation. He later spun out Picasolar Inc., leading both ventures to national recognition—including top finishes in 23 global business competitions and the rare honor of closing the NASDAQ with his team. Douglas brings unmatched experience in turning early-stage technologies into fundable, scalable ventures.
Nhiem Cao – President of C12XL and brings over 20 years of expertise in manufacturing, process engineering, and commercialization. He has raised more than $2.8 million in venture capital and secured over $2 million in SBIR grants from the National Science Foundation. Nhiem has led the successful development of sustainable wood-based thermoplastics and is currently advancing a laparoscopic medical device toward market. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Arkansas. His specialties include biomaterials, advanced materials, biotechnology, and medical devices—with deep experience in fundraising, operations, and strategic growth.
Tailored Support with Industry-Specific Experts
We offer personalized guidance from industry-specific technical experts who help refine your technology, ensuring it’s proposal-ready and primed for successful market entry. From development to commercialization, our mentors provide the strategic insights and technical know-how necessary to navigate every stage of the process.
Angeline Rodriguez – Ph.D. Candidate in the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Expertise includes nanotechnology and biotechnology that provide solutions to the healthcare, energy, and defense industries. Experienced in proposal writing, project management, marketing, customer discovery, IP development/licensing, and business model development.
Forrest Payne –Ph.D in Physics, University of Virginia. 15+ years of experience in microfluidic systems with 10 years of experience in medical device development. Expertise in device design and testing, grant writing, and IP development. Experienced in transfer to manufacturing and FDA medical device regulatory
Matt Francis – founder and President/CEO of Ozark Integrated Circuits, Inc. Dr. Francis earned BSEE (’03), BS Physics (’04), MSEE (’07) and PhD (’09) degrees from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Francis is an expert in the scalable design, manufacturing and assembly of extremely reliable single-board computers, from silicon/silicon carbide semiconductors to advanced packaging, ceramics and tests for reliability – including their complex supply chains.
Noah Asher – BBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. Expertise includes health care, defense, biotech, retail, and e-commerce space. Experienced in navigating complex regulatory environments, technology and product development, raising capital, go-to-market and strategic planning, capital budgeting and financial modeling and developing repeatable, scalable business models.
Dr. Humeyra Ulusoy Erol is a seasoned chemical engineer and the Chief Technology Officer of HydraLyze, a leader in electrochemical and membrane-based water treatment solutions. She is also the Co-Founder of Smyrna Technical Solutions (Smyrna.ai), a company focused on bridging the gap between AI innovation and real-world business adoption. Her expertise spans sustainable technologies, advanced materials, and the practical integration of AI, making her a valuable guide for startups at the intersection of science, engineering, and innovation.
Grateful for Our Partners
We are deeply thankful for the support of our partners. Their collaboration empowers us to champion innovation and provide meaningful support to the science and technology community.
