U.S. DoD Innovation Programs

Get familiar with the U.S. defense innovation ecosystem and discover why Canadian companies are perfectly positioned to seize the opportunity

With the backdrop of an increasingly complex security environment defined by rapid technological change, the U.S Department of Defense (DoD) is acutely aware that its competitive military advantage is at risk of further eroding without a rapid, iterative approach to fostering innovation.  

Unrelenting competitive pressures have given rise to an innovation ecosystem within the DoD as well as a realization that technological advantage depends on a healthy and secure national security innovation base that includes both traditional and non-traditional defence partners. This has opened doors for new entrants and smaller-scale vendors—both domestic and foreign—to provide cutting-edge technologies to the DoD.  

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Explore U.S. DoD Innovation Programs 

There are many doors through which you can enter the U.S. DoD defence innovation ecosystem.  

Navigate by program: 

Accelerators 

Accelerators offer programs focused on scaling the growth of an existing company. Accelerators typically provide some seed money and mentors. Programs are typically a few months ending in an opportunity to pitch to investors. 

Air Force Techstars Accelerator | Allied Space Accelerator  | Catalyst Accelerator | Starburst Accelerator | T3 Accelerator 

Challenge Programs 

A challenge program can be a single or recurring competition aimed at solving problems where emerging technologies might provide non-traditional solutions, or to expand the pool of companies working on critical issues. Challenges may offer winners money or may result in a government contract. 

AFWERX | Challenge.gov | Dreamport | ERDCWERX | Hyperspace Challenge | MGMWERX | National Security Innovation Network |  SOFWERX |STRIKEWERX | xTechsearch  

Networking Programs 

Networking organizations build networks and relationships between government organizations, industry, private equity firms, and academia to solve challenging problems.  

AFWERX | Defense Innovation Marketplace | DEFENSEWERX | Doolittle Institute | ERDCWERX | MGMWERX | National Security Innovation Network | NavalX |  
Rapid Reaction Technology Office | SOFWERX | STRIKEWERX

Funding Opportunities 

Funding opportunities are offered by organizations that want to invest in and improve the chances of success start-ups or small businesses that are pursuing advancements in technology. These are not government contracts or agreements. 

Air Force Techstars Accelerator | Allied Space Accelerator  | Catalyst Accelerator | In-Q-Tel | Rapid Reaction Technology Office| Starburst Accelerator | T3 Accelerator

Government Contracting Authorities 

A government contracting authority can make contract awards or agreements for government projects. These organizations have warranted Contracting Officers who are authorized issue contracts on behalf of the government. 

Air Force Research Lab | AFWERX | Army Applications Lab | Army Research Lab | Army SBIR/STTR | DARPA | Defense Innovation Unit | DoD Labs | Naval Research Lab |  
Navy SBIR/STTR | Rapid Innovation Fund

Incubators 

Incubators focus on start-up and entrepreneurial entities with innovative ideas. Not-for-profit and government or university operated incubators want a positive economic impact and a state-of-the-art U.S. industrial base from their program. 

In-Q-Tel | SOFWERX

Interested in a program?

Let us help you navigate the accelerator and funding providers ecosystem and ensure that your preferred program is right for you.

DoD Innovation Program Information

AFWERX 

For vendors looking to do business with the U.S. Air Force, AFWERX—the technology directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory—is the starting point. As the innovation arm of the Air Force, the program seeks to bring together industry, academia and non-traditional contributors to uncover transformational air and space technology. Within AFWERX there are three subprograms: AFVentures invests in emerging technologies, Spark provides training and networking opportunities; and Prime provides funding to accelerate technology development. There are many possible entry points detailed on the AFWERX website, from innovation workspaces and ideation platforms, to crowdsourcing campaigns as well as the AFWERX Challenge program.  

Canadian participation: Welcome. Canadian companies have received AFWERX grants for innovative technology such as high-speed vertical aircraft take-off and landing. 

Technology areas: 

  • Any and all technology advancing Air Force innovation.  

Back to: Challenge | NetworkingGovernment Contracting Authority | Air Force

AFWERX Challenge  

The AFWERX Challenge presents a mission-critical U.S. Air Force problem and a forum for companies and academia to quickly submit innovative technology solutions. Challenges are open to solution providers large and small, U.S. or ally. Timelines can vary, but some challenges progress from initial scoping to contract award in as little as 20 weeks.  

Canadian participation: Welcome. Challenges are open to the U.S. and any allied country. 

Back to: Challenge | NetworkingGovernment Contracting Authority | Air Force

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) 

AFRL is the lead program when it comes to the development of cutting-edge technology for air, space and cyberspace forces. Its virtual front door—Air Force Tech Connect—is an excellent resource to learn about Air Force challenges, grants and funding, Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), upcoming events, collaboration and more. From there you can also find out about Air Force challenges, the AFRL makers hub and the “Ideascale” ideation platform where innovators can submit technology ideas.  

Canadian participation: Welcome. In 2021, AFRL entered into 363 international research agreements, including 26 agreements with Canadian partners. 

Technology areas: 

  • Air Force Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy 
  • Air Force Vanguards 
  • Space 
  • Aerospace Systems 
  • Munitions 
  • Information 
  • Materials and Manufacturing 
  • Basic Research 
  • Directed Energy 
  • Human Performance 
  • Sensors 
  • Artificial Intelligence 
  • Quantum 
  • Hypersonics 
  • STEM 

Back to: Government Contracting Authority | Air Force

Air Force Techstars Accelerator  

A three-month, in-residence program that exposes companies to mentors, corporate partners, investors, and alumni. It provides funding, fundraising opportunities, workshops, curated resources, networking, and peer learning. The program culminates in a demo day in front of angel investors and venture capitalists. 

Canadian participation: Welcome. Techstars includes over 180 Canadian companies in its portfolio. There is also a Techstars Toronto Accelerator Program focused on the regional startup ecosystem. 

Technology areas: 

  • Innovative solutions in any dual-purpose industry. Specific focus areas change annually.  

Back to: FundingAir Force

Allied Space Accelerator  

A virtual program run in partnership with the U.S., the Netherlands and Norway, with a focus on the commercial Space industry. While mainly virtual, participants may also participate in three 1-week on-site visits with the accelerator’s government partners. 

Canadian participation: Seeking clarification.  

Technology areas: 

  • Geospatial analytics 
  • Satellite servicing 
  • Space situational awareness 
  • Resilient communications 
  • Space-based AI 

Back to: Accelerators | Funding Opportunities | Air Force

Army Applications Laboratory 

Army Applications Lab (AAL) looks to link government, academia, industry and civilian innovation ecosystems with the goal of uncovering disruptive technology that aligns with the Army’s modernization priorities. AAL solicits proposals and awards procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, Technology Investment Agreements, and Other Transactions using  Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs).  

Canadian participation: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Focus areas: 

  • Translational Research: adapting emerging technologies to Army capability objectives 
  • Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies: 
    • Robotics 
    • Artificial intelligence 
    • Autonomy 
    • Augmented and virtual reality 
    • Nanotechnology 
    • Quantum information systems 
    • Synthetic biology and biotechnology 
    • Internet of Things (IoT) 
    • Space systems 
    • Advanced networking, communications, and command and control technology 
    • Additive manufacturing 
    • Power and energy systems 
  • Commercialization 

Back to: Government Contracting Authority | Army 

Army and Navy SBIR/STTR Programs 

The Army and Navy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs allow small businesses (fewer than 500 employees) and academia the opportunity to provide innovative research and development solutions in response to critical U.S. DoD needs. Topics are communicated via Broad Agency Announcements, usually three times per year. (see also: AFWERX) 

Canadian participation: None. Only U.S. businesses and research institutions are eligible for SBIR/STTR programs. 

Technology areas: 

  • Any technology meeting emerging DoD needs which can be commercialized for sale in both the private and public sectors 

Back to: Government Contracting Authority | Army | Navy

Catalyst Accelerator  

Sponsored by the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate, Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation is a 12-week program based onsite in Colorado, where second stage businesses get access to office space, investment, experts and other resources to help bring their technology to the next level. Participants are funded $12,000-$15,000 over the course of the program, which culminates in a Demo Day with public and private investors, industry experts, venture capitalists and others. 

Canadian participation: Welcome. For example, an Ottawa company was among Catalyst’s on-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing cohort. 

Technology areas: 

  • Cyber for Space Applications 
  • Data Fusion for Space Applications 
  • Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance 
  • Resilient Commercial Space Communications 
  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing 
  • Terrestrial Weather 

Back to: Accelerators | Funding Opportunities | Air Force 

Challenge.gov  

The U.S. Government’s version of crowdsourcing, Challenge.gov is a listing of challenge and prize competitions run by more than 80 agencies across the federal government; including technical, scientific, ideation, and creative competitions. It helps the U.S. DoD engage directly with the public for innovative ideas and award prizes to breakthrough technologies. Challenge.gov is managed by the General Services Administration (GSA). 

Canadian participation: Welcome. Challenge.gov regularly receives submissions from non-U.S. entities. 

Challenge types: 

  • Ideas 
  • Design 
  • Software 
  • Technology 
  • Entrepreneurship 
  • Scientific 
  • Analytics 

Back to: Challenge | Non-DoD 

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) 

As the Department of Defense’s primary innovation engine, DARPA works within an innovation 

ecosystem that includes academia, industry (traditional, non-traditional, small business, and 

start-ups) and government partners to create new strategic opportunities and novel tactical 

options with military focus. The best entry point for working with DARPA-related opportunities is to search for Broad Agency Announcements (under which it often awards prototype Other Transaction agreements), as well as RFPs and RFIs which are publicized on official federal acquisition websites such as fbo.gov and grants.gov.  

Canadian participation: Welcome. Canadian companies have been among the winners of DARPA competitions, grants, and other funding sources.   

Technology areas: 

  • Rethink Complex Military Systems 
  • Master the Information Explosion 
  • Harness Biology as Technology 
  • Expand the Technological Frontier 

Back to: Government Contracting Authority | Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)

Defense Innovation Marketplace 

Defense Innovation Marketplace enables discussion around DoD investment priorities to help industry better plan Independent Research & Development (IR&D) investment projects. IR&D is conducted without DoD funding by independent contractors and can include basic or applied research, development, and systems as well as other concept formulation studies. The Defense Innovation Marketplace website provides access to valuable information and networking opportunities via Communities of Interest and Technical Exchange Meetings. 

Canadian participation: Welcome. All non-governmental persons or non-U.S. citizens are permitted to participate in technical exchange meetings. 

Technology areas: 

  • Advanced Electronics 
  • Air Platforms 
  • Autonomy 
  • Biomedical – Armed Services Biomedical Research Evaluation and Management (ASBREM) 
  • Biotechnology 
  • C4I 
  • Counter-IED 
  • Counter-WMD 
  • Cyber 
  • Directed Energy
  • Electronic Warfare 
  • Energy and Power Technologies 
  • Engineered Resilient Systems 
  • Ground and Sea Platforms 
  • Human Systems 
  • Kinetic Weapons 
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes 
  • Sensors 
  • Space 

Back to: Networking | Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)  

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) 

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is the only DoD organization focused exclusively on fielding and scaling commercial technologies across the U.S. military at commercial speeds. The Unit helps minimize up-front costs for commercial tech companies interested in working with DoD, and aims to move from problem identification to prototype contract award in 60–90 days (vs. the traditional DoD contracting process which often takes more than 18 months). Prototype projects typically run from 12–24 months and are administered according to Other Transaction (OT) authority. Upon completion, successful prototypes may transition to follow-on production-OT agreements or FAR-based contracts. 

Canadian participation: Welcome. DIU purposely opens select programs to foreign firms to further accelerate research, and has awarded Canadian firms with contracts for innovative technology solutions. 

Technology areas: 

  • Artificial Intelligence 
  • Autonomy 
  • Cyber 
  • Human Systems 
  • Space 

DEFENSEWERX 

DEFENSEWERX is an overarching entity housing a family of innovation hubs, each focused on technology and innovation leveraging local businesses and innovators. Its mission is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem by shaping successful collaborations to innovate and commercialize technologies that benefit the military. 

Canadian participation: Seeking clarification.

DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL) 

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command—known as DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory—is focused on cutting-edge scientific discovery, technological innovation, and transition of knowledge products that offer potential to improve the Army’s chances of success in future conflicts. ARL collaboratively executes its research program with over 250 academic partners and to industry through a mix of grants, cooperative agreements, OTAs or contracts. 

Canadian participation: Welcome. DEVCOM ARL’s xTechSearch competition includes a Global Accelerator Program designed to help finalists work with the U.S. DoD from an international perspective. The U.S. Army hosts the xTechInternational Competition, which encourages international small businesses to engage with the Army, earn prize money and find funding opportunities. 

Technology areas: 

  • Ballistics Sciences 
  • Computational Sciences 
  • Human Sciences
  • Materials and Manufacturing Sciences 
  • Network and Information Sciences 
  • Propulsion Sciences 
  • Protection Sciences 
  • Radar 
  • Information Technology 
  • Optical Sciences 
  • Tactical Electronic Warfare 
  • Space Technology 
  • Computational Physics & Fluid Dynamics 
  • Chemistry 
  • Material Science & Technology 
  • Plasma Physics 
  • Electronics Science & Technology 
  • Biomolecular Science & Engineering 

Back to: Government Contracting Authority | Army  

Doolittle Institute 

An innovation hub of DEFENSEWERX and an AFRL Innovation Institute, the Doolittle Institute supports the Air Force Research Labs Munitions Directorate by working to license and commercialize technologies in the private sector through technology transfer. It  also enables rapid technology delivery, identifies and fosters new R&D partnerships through innovation and collaboration, and develops AFRL’s current and future workforce.The Institute organizes Pitch Day events, tech sprints, a global speaker series and supports regional innovation efforts.

Canadian participation: Seeking clarification.   

DreamPort 

Based in Columbia, Maryland, DreamPort is a partnership between MISI and United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) to accelerate cyber capability innovation. DreamPort conducts Rapid Prototyping Events (RPE) (think ‘hackathon’, but not limited to software) which assemble subject matter experts to novel ways to solve challenges, with the goal of creating a useable prototype.  

Canadian participation: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Technology areas: 

  • Vulnerabilities and Exploits 
  • Network Security, Monitoring, and Visualization 
  • Modeling and Predictive Analytics 
  • Persona and Identity 
  • Permeability and Agility Across Domains 
  • Infrastructure and Transport 

Back to: Challenge | Government Contracting Authority | Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)

ERDCWERX 

A partnership of DEFENSEWERX and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), the ERDCWERX program’s aim is to find new commercial opportunities more rapidly by simplifying the process for industry and academia to engage with the ERDC. Challenges are open to individuals, startups, small businesses, large enterprises, academics, and research labs. ERDC specifically invites non-traditional defence contractors to submit—at no cost—solutions to specific projects. 

Canadian participation: Seeking clarification. 

Technology areas: 

  • Vulnerabilities and Exploits 
  • Network Security, Monitoring, and Visualization 
  • Modeling and Predictive Analytics 
  • Persona and Identity 
  • Permeability and Agility Across Domains 
  • Infrastructure and Transport 

Hyperspace Challenge 

Hyperspace Challenge seeks to accelerate innovation in space-based technologies by connecting startups with innovators in government and academia. The process starts virtually with a webinar series presenting technology needs, followed by proposals and ultimately an in-person component where invited startups can iterate on top concepts. At the end of the process, award winners can receive grants to pursue acquisition and/or contracting opportunities with Air Force or other government entities. 

Canadian participation: Welcome. Canadian companies have been among previous years’ finalists. 

Technology areas: 

  • Change as Challenge parameters are updated. Sign up for the webinar series to learn more. 

Back to: Challenge | Air Force 

In-Q-Tel (IQT) 

IQT is a non-DoD innovation organization that works in tandem with the venture capital community to identify cutting-edge technology that has the potential for commercial success as well as the potential for high national security impact. Focusing on “ready-soon” technology that can be implemented within six to 36 months, IQT partners with the CIA, NSA, U.S. DoD and others in both intelligence and defence. (see also: SOFWERX) 

Canadian participation: Welcome. IQT has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in companies based in Canada, Europe, the U.K. and Australia. 

Technology areas: 

  • Data analytics 
  • Cybersecurity 
  • AI/Machine Learning 
  • Ubiquitous Computing 
  • IT solutions 
  • Communications 
  • Materials/Electronics 
  • Commercial Space 
  • Power/Energy 
  • Biotechnology 

Back to: Funding Opportunity | Incubator Non-DoD

MGMWERX 

MGMWERX is designed to fast-track priority Air Force innovation and scout for concepts, prototypes, or commercially available technologies that can be deployed rapidly into the field. 

The MGMWERX Challenge solicits innovative solutions to pressing Air Force problems from individuals, startups, small businesses, academics, researchers and others. Challenges are typically open and culminate with follow-up events, private meetings and in some cases military contracts.  

Canadian participation: Seeking clarification.

National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) 

A new DoD initiative reporting to the DIU, National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) helps dual-use hardware startups to advance product development in cases where trusted private investment is lacking. NSIC awards Other Transaction (OT) agreements to startups to accelerate productization efforts.  

Canadian participation: Welcome. DIU purposely opens select programs to foreign firms to further accelerate research, and has awarded Canadian firms with contracts for innovative technology solutions. 

Technology areas: 

  • Autonomy 
  • Communications 
  • Power 
  • Sensors 
  • Space 

Back to: Government Contracting Authority | Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)

National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) 

NSIN identifies innovative startups and seeks to overcome traditional generational and cultural differences that exist between defence, academic, and entrepreneurial innovators, with a view to solving national security problems in new ways. As much an accelerator or challenge organization as a networking organization, NSIN also facilitates events that connect service members with academic and non-traditional partners to develop and prototype new solutions. 

The NSIN Defense Innovation Foundry is a six-month intensive program matching entrepreneurs with cutting-edge U.S. DoD lab technologies to assess their commercial market viability. The Foundry offers $50,000 in awards to teams that demonstrate the most commercialization potential.  

Canadian participation: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Operational Focus: 

  • Acceleration: identifies innovative startups  
  • Collaboration: facilitates collision events where military, academic and non-traditional partners come together to develop and prototype solutions 
  • National Service: building models to address generational and cultural difference between stakeholders and provide flexible pathways to serve the DoD 
  • Transition Cell: offers programming support to NSIN alumni 

Back to: Accelerator | Challenge | Networking | Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)  

Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) 

Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. NRL’s scientists and engineers conduct basic and applied research across a wide spectrum of 

scientific disciplines for both immediate and long-range national defence needs. NRL promotes small business participation, with awards made through a variety of contracting instruments, such as Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) and the multiple award vehicle, SeaPort-NxG. 

Canadian participation: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis 

Technology areas: 

  • Autonomous & Unmanned Systems 
  • Chemical & Biological Sciences 
  • Computational Physics 
  • Electronics 
  • Environments [Sea/Air/Space] 
  • Information and Social Sciences 
  • Materials 
  • Nanotechnology 
  • Optical Sciences 
  • Power & Energy 
  • Quantum Research 
  • Space Sciences 

Back to: Government Contracting Authority | Navy  

Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF) 

The Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF) is a collaborative vehicle where small businesses can submit innovative technologies that can be rapidly inserted into U.S. DoD acquisition programs that meet specific defence needs. RIF is administered by the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)). 

Canadian participation: Welcome: RIF award recipients have included firms from Canada, the United Kingdom and Norway. 

Technology areas: 

  • Research topics are identified in the annual RIF Broad Agency Announcement 

Back to: Government Contracting Authority | Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)

Rapid Reaction Technology Office (RRTO) 

The Rapid Reaction Technology Office (RRTO) develops prototypes to increase the speed from idea to developed capability, with a view to fostering a more lethal, resilient, and rapidly innovating Joint Force. RRTO programs include Emerging Capabilities Technology Development, Quick Reaction Special Projects, and the Rapid Prototyping Program.  RRTO provides a streamlined process for funding consideration—contract opportunities are posted to SAM.gov.  

Canadian participation: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Technology areas: 

  • Artificial Intelligence 
  • Biotechnology 
  • Autonomy 
  • Cyber 
  • Directed Energy 
  • Fully Networked Command Control and Communications (FNC3) 
  • Microelectronics 
  • Quantum Science 
  • Hypersonics 
  • Space 
  • 5G 

Back to: Networking | Funding Opportunity | Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) 

SOFWERX 

SOFWERX facilitates collaboration, ideation events and rapid prototyping through an ecosystem that includes industry, laboratories, academia and government. The program is free to join via their website, which provides access to the TEAMWERX challenge platform as well as events such as Tech Tuesdays, where innovators submit their solutions to USSOCOM and other government stakeholders. Based in Tampa, Florida, the SOFWERX facility has large collaborative meeting spaces and a foundry for rapid prototyping in a workshop setting.  

Canadian participation: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Back to: Challenge | Networking | Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) 

Starburst Accelerator  

Based in Los Angeles, Starburst encourages applications from startups developing cutting-edge commercial space technologies. Participants can access partnerships, grants, pilots and early customer traction to help bring their technology to the next level. Starburst has a particular focus on artificial intelligence, but also has broad interest in automotive, agriculture, mining, energy, and industrial manufacturing technologies. The program is a consortium of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin, Maxar Technologies, Science Applications International Corporation, and Israel Aerospace Industries North America. 

Canadian participation: Seeking clarification. 

Technology areas: 

  • Artificial Intelligence 
  • Design and collaboration tools 
  • Autonomous systems 
  • Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) 
  • Terrestrial navigation 
  • Drones/Unmanned Aerial Services (UAS) 
  • Advanced manufacturing 
  • Edge computing and big data processing 
  • Sensors 
  • Power systems (including energy generation, storage, and management) 

Back to: Accelerators | Funding Opportunity| Air Force

STRIKEWERX 

The Air Force Global Strike Command looks to STRIKEWERX to find startups and other non-traditional innovators to develop solutions to its most challenging problems. Through singular-focused, limited-time challenge events, the program makes valuable connections and uses the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to award small enterprises and startups. 

Canadian participation: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Technology areas: 

  • Machine learning/AI 
  • Data analytics and decision tools 
  • Advanced learning technologies 
  • Affordable digital twin 
  • HEMP hardening 
  • Quantum Apertures 
  • Mesh Networking 
  • Laser technology 
  • Power technologies 
  • Advanced materials and advanced manufacturing  
  • AR/VR/MR 
  • Affordable/mobile physical security 
  • Software automation 
  • Beyond the line-of-sight technologies (non-space based) 
  • Digital high frequency gateways 

Back to: Challenge | Networking | Air Force  

T3 Accelerator 

This 10-week intensive program, based partly out of Ohio, is designed to remove traditional barriers to startups working with the DoD, and contributes angel investment funding to get technology more quickly into the field. T3 bridges traditional Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding and entrepreneurial training with a view to bringing SBIR-funded technologies to market. The program equips participants with a business and commercialization plan and an understanding of the SBIR application process. It culminates in a Demo Day in front of SBIR grant funders, outside investors and other Air Force buyers. 

Canadian participation: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Technology areas: 

  • Materials and manufacturing processes focused on low cost 
  • Reusable and minimal maintenance (attritable) structures 
  • Engines and sensors in autonomous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and space systems 

Back to: Accelerators | Funding Opportunity | Air Force

xTechSearch 

The XTechSearch program connects non-defence companies and startups with the Army Science and Technology ecosystem to encourage rapid innovation. The program is designed to get new technology into the hands of forces as quickly as possible through fast-moving award programs that also provide education, mentorship and networking opportunities. Ultimately, 10 small business finalists receive $120,000 each, along with a chance to demonstrate proof-of-concept at an Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference and compete for the $250,000 grand prize. (see also: MGMWERX, NSIN, SOFWERX, STRIKEWERX) 

Canadian participation: Welcome. xTech even has a Global Accelerator Program designed to help finalists work with the U.S. DoD from an international perspective. The U.S. Army hosts the xTechInternational Competition, which encourages international small businesses to engage with the Army, earn prize money and find funding opportunities. 

Technology areas: 

  • Focus changes as Challenge parameters are updated. Sign up for the webinar series to learn more. 

Back to: Challenge | Networking | Army 

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