U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Small Businesses Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler visited Perspective Therapeutics in Coralville, Iowa. The company has used funding from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop cancer treatments.
Ernst and House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams have introduced the INNOVATE Act. The bill aims to improve the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs by focusing investments on commercially viable technologies. It also seeks to protect U.S. intellectual property from foreign espionage.
During the visit, Ernst said, “Perspective Therapeutics is proof that innovation does not just come from the coasts but is thriving here in the heartland, and I am thrilled Administrator Loeffler has championed that cause. The INNOVATE Act will ensure that there are more small business success stories like them in Iowa and across America. The SBIR-STTR programs must focus on investing in the best and brightest companies that are supporting our warfighters and developing the critical technology that powers our nation.”
Miller-Meeks added, “Iowa’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and Perspective Therapeutics is a shining example of how innovation can flourish right here in the heartland. Through programs like SBIR, we can empower entrepreneurs to pioneer groundbreaking medical technologies, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen our communities. I will continue working to ensure Iowa innovators have the resources and opportunities they need to compete and win on the global stage.”
Loeffler stated, “The SBIR program provides seed funding for American entrepreneurs who power innovation in national security, health sciences, and agriculture. As part of President Trump’s agenda to strengthen our broad-based technological leadership, congressional reauthorization of SBIR is essential. I thank Chair Joni Ernst and Chairman Roger Williams for their commitment to critical technology breakthroughs, and ensuring that the most innovative U.S. small businesses have a runway into the future.”
Michael Schultz, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of Perspective Therapeutics said, “We’re honored to welcome Senator Ernst, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks and Administrator Loeffler along with the SBIR team to Perspective Therapeutics. The support we’ve received from SBIRs has been instrumental in enabling us to advance our mission to develop innovative radiopharmaceuticals to improve outcomes for cancer patients and has also given us the confidence to invest in R&D and manufacturing capabilities here in the U.S. This visit is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the passion driving our science, the excellence of our team, and the meaningful economic impact we’re creating in the Iowa community.”
