Frank Coppersmith, CEO of Smarter Reality, LLC, has raised millions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, helping to propel the company to new heights. As a participant in the NSF I-Corps™ Southwest Hub program, Coppersmith refined his entrepreneurial and commercialization skills, which contributed to Smarter Reality’s growth and success in both government and commercial sectors.
Smarter Reality, based in Austin, Texas, has become a leader in developing advanced simulation, training, modeling, and artificial intelligence solutions for high-demand clients. Smarter Reality’s reputation as a fast-growing company is reinforced by accolades from Inc. 5000, Austin’s “Fast 50,” and the Financial Times 500.
The company’s success in securing SBIR Phase I & II awards has enabled it to develop innovative software solutions for the U.S. government, including a mobile video game for Air Force recruiting, a virtual Air Operations Center training system, and an Agile Combat Employment trainer. These projects demonstrate Smarter Reality’s ability to deliver high-quality, mission-critical software for government clients. The company’s recent initiatives, including collaborations with the 655th ISR and the USAF Academy, further highlight its capabilities in AI-driven technology.
Smarter Reality’s commercial projects have also been a significant part of their growth, with applications ranging from healthcare tools to educational platforms. Many of these products incorporate advanced AI technologies such as speech-to-text, large language models, and generative AI, allowing the company to stay at the forefront of innovation.
While Smarter Reality has benefited from SBIR funding, Coppersmith’s participation in the NSF I-Corps program played a crucial role in refining his approach to product-market fit and customer discovery. The I-Corps program provided valuable insights into commercialization strategies, helping Coppersmith apply those lessons to Smarter Reality’s continued success. His experience in I-Corps has been vital to expanding the company’s impact and scaling its operations effectively.
Through the combination of SBIR funding and Frank Coppersmith’s NSF I-Corps experience, Smarter Reality continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions to both government and commercial clients, establishing itself as a key player in the world of AI and simulation technology.
