Maximizing R&D Tax Credits for 2026

Overview

Join BlueByrd and tax & growth specialists for an objective look at how 2026 tax changes shape the path from development to market entry.

Understanding the 2026 Landscape

For many organizations, the disconnect between the R&D lab and the sales floor is widened by tax complexity. Recent legislative shifts have fundamentally altered the "cost of innovation," making it essential for leadership to understand how tax credits influence the long-term commercial success of new products.

Why 2026 is the "Year of the Refund"

For years, businesses were burdened by Section 174 amortization. But with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the landscape has shifted back in your favor. If you aren’t adjusting your strategy now, you’re leaving six-to-seven figures on the table.

In this exclusive panel, we’ll dive into:

• Legislative Analysis: A deep dive into the current status of R&D expensing under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act and what it means for your 2026 fiscal planning.
• The Commercialization Threshold: Analyzing where "Qualifying Research" ends and "Commercial Activity" begins to ensure accurate, defensible claims.
• Capital Allocation: How maximizing R&D credits can stabilize the cash flow required to support the high-risk phase of new product launches.
• Risk Mitigation: Understanding the IRS’s updated documentation requirements to protect your organization during the transition from development to market-ready offering.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the Four-Part Test to see what qualifies and what doesnt
2. Evaluate the impact of R&D tax relief on your 2026 Go-To-Market (GTM) budgets.
3. Identify often-overlooked qualifying activities.

Why BlueByrd Is Hosting This Conversation

At BlueByrd, we believe revenue isn’t a target—it’s a result of doing things the right way.

We partner with growth-focused organizations every day to uncover hidden revenue, align strategy across teams, and turn smart decisions into measurable impact. Hosting this event is no different.

This panel is about:

• Seeing R&D tax credits as a strategic lever, not a checkbox
• Connecting innovation investments to real financial outcomes
• Helping leaders make confident, defensible decisions

Panelists

Brian Broussard: Executive Vice President - R&D and Section 179D, CSSI – Cost Segregation Services, LLC.

Brian began his career after graduating from the University of Houston with a Bachelors in Architecture. After working for a few architecture firms in Houston, In 2010, Brian traded his T-Square and AutoCAD for a copy of the IRS code and a calculator and has not looked back. Currently, Brian leads the staff at CSSI of experienced R&D project managers from various backgrounds including engineers, modelers, accountants, technical writers and attorneys. Regardless of the size of the client, he is directly involved in all phases of the study process, from initial engagement through final reporting.

Dustin Williamson: Managing Director, VCFO

Highly analytical and forward-thinking, Dustin’s areas of expertise include finance structures, strategic planning, valuations, turnarounds, traditional and unconventional investments, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, global business management, executive partnerships, international negotiations, and revenue growth.

Dustin is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Valuation Analyst, Chartered Global Management Accountant, and holds Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Champion Certifications. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysis.

He studied at Baylor University for Accounting and International Business as a double major and has a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Spanish from Thunderbird, Graduate School of Global Management.

Prior to joining vcfo, Dustin held a number of executive-level positions, including serving as the CFO for Novastar LP, Endura Products Corp., and Liberty Pipeline Services, Managing Director and CFO for Solvient, and Executive Vice President and CFO for Cross Atlantic Investors. His vast expertise in strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, executing joint ventures, streamlining profit growth, executive partnerships, and valuations made Dustin an asset in each of his previous roles. Thanks to previous international experience at Arthur Andersen LLP, Dustin brings a unique, global perspective to each of our clients.

In his spare time, Dustin enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife and four children. He and his family’s volunteer activities center around the kids’ school and church interests. He is a reluctant but avid home remodeler. Dustin is also an IRONMAN finisher.

Richard Byrd: CEO, BlueByrd

Growth and job creation. For Richard, these things are as critical for a company as they are for a functioning society. Consequently, he takes a holistic view of marketing with unique strategies that help companies achieve their growth targets.

In a career spanning 25+ years, he has served as Chief Marketing Officer for numerous organizations in the technology, life sciences, industrial, and oil & gas industries. Generating more than $80 billion in new revenue for his clients, he has successfully commercialized hundreds of technologies. He has also overseen the brand and communications strategy for dozens of mergers and acquisitions.

As Global Creative Director at SLB, he managed several multi-billion-dollar brands, rolled out numerous technologies, oversaw the creative product of the international oil & gas services giant, and managed a large staff on multiple continents. He has also led creative agencies and business development during his career.

As a volunteer, Richard has served with Houston Cares animal rescue, Boy Scouts of America, and on the board of the Houston Business Marketing Alliance. When he’s not working, you’ll probably find him in a kayak or on a hike—where’s he’s thinking about working.

Who Should Join the Conversation?

This event is designed for leaders who care about growth and governance:

• CFOs & Finance Leaders looking to maximize returns without increasing risk
• R&D & Innovation Leaders responsible for qualifying activities and documentation
• Tax & Compliance Professionals preparing for increased scrutiny
• Executive Teams who want smarter, more connected revenue strategies

If you’re investing in innovation, this conversation is for you.