Innovation Funding Database
Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Funding
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Types of Opportunities
Broad Topics
Broad topics cover wide areas of interest where the government wants solutions. They’re open-ended and give you room to define how your idea fits the mission.
Specific Topics
Specific topics describe clearly defined needs with exact technical goals or outcomes. They’re focused requests for solutions that meet specific requirements.
Broad Topic Opportunities:
Start Applying ASAP:
Either the deadline is approaching or there is a competitive reason for applying early (such as funds that will be awarded on a first come first serve basis)
Deadline: September 5th, 2026
Funding Award Size: $300k - $2m
Description: Apply for up to $2.1M in NIH SBIR funding for osteoarthritis research using organoids, tissue chips, AI, regenerative medicine, and non-animal technologies. Learn eligibility, timelines, and funding uses.
Deadline: June 24, 2026
Funding Award Size: TBD
Description: The Department of Defense is seeking advanced manufacturing solutions for next-generation supersonic aircraft through the Tradewinds WIRE Special Topic. Submit by June 24, 2026, 12:00PM EST.
Deadline: June 10th, 2026
Funding Award Size: $75k - $400k
Description: The SBA Patriot Pitch Competition will award up to $1 million to innovative U.S. small businesses that have used SBA-backed capital products. Eligible companies can compete for prizes up to $400,000. Applications close June 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
Deadline: July Deadlines
Funding Award Size: $1.5m - $50m
Description: NSF X-Labs is offering up to $50M/year for independent R&D teams developing breakthrough quantum systems, integrated photonics, sensing, and imaging platform technologies. Learn deadlines, eligibility, and topic requirements for the 2026 NSF X-Labs funding opportunity.
Deadline: Summer 2026
Funding Award Size: Typically $75k - $15m
Description: Explore AFWERX Open Topic, SBIR/STTR, D2P2, and STRATFI/TACFI funding opportunities for startups and defense tech companies in AI, space, autonomy, cybersecurity, hypersonics, advanced manufacturing, and dual-use technologies.
Deadline: May 29th, 2026
Funding Award Size: $500k
Description: Apply by 9:30 AM ET, May 29, 2026 for ARPA-E IGNIITE 2026 funding. Early-career innovators can receive up to $500K for transformative energy technologies plus mentorship and national exposure.
Deadline: Rolling Deadline
Funding Award Size: $500k - $5m
Description: Apply to the LUCAS Component Challenge for funding to develop low-cost UAV components and defense technologies. Open for 120 days with rolling reviews and rapid awards.
Deadline: May 19th
Funding Award Size: $500k - $5m
Description: Apply by May 19, 2026 at 07:00 PM for U.S. Army funding to design and deploy a solar + battery microgrid at Fort Stewart. Prototype project with follow-on potential at Hunter Army Airfield.
Deadline: ASAP
Funding Award Size: Up to $8.3M
Description: Apply for DIBC IBAS funding to scale domestic manufacturing and secure supply chains. Up to $8.3M available for prototype projects in microelectronics, rare earth magnets, forging, and RF systems. Deadline not specified.
Deadline: July 7, 2026
Funding Award Size: $200k
Description: The U.S. DOT SBIR FY26 Phase I pre-solicitation is open through May 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Explore key dates, funding opportunities, and how to prepare for the upcoming solicitation.
Deadline: May 21st, 2026
Funding Award Size: $225k
Description: Apply for NASA SBIR 2026 funding—up to $225K for deep tech startups. Deadline May 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. Limited submissions.
Deadline: September 30th
Funding Award Size: Est. $500K to $5M
Description: Apply for FY26 Navy propulsion and power R&D funding through NAWCAD’s open BAA. Submit white papers by 30 September 2026 across energy, propulsion, and aircraft systems.
Deadline: April 30th
Funding Award Size: $2m
Description: Apply for DOE’s $69M Critical Minerals Accelerator (DE-FOA-0003589). Get up to $2M for prototype projects and $8M for pilot-scale technologies in recycling, semiconductors, and lithium extraction. Deadlines start April 21, 2026.
Deadline: Notice to Apply April 26, 2026; Full Application May 14, 2026
Funding Award Size: Up to $12.5 Million
Description: Reimbursement funding for advanced nuclear project development, including engineering, permitting, site work, and supply chain manufacturing readiness in Texas.
Deadline: Rolling deadline until December 31, 2026
Funding Award Size: Est. $500K to $5M
Description: Rolling submission program connecting commercial technologies to USSOCOM needs across AI, ISR, cyber, mobility, medical, and more, with multiple non-dilutive funding pathways.
Deadline: Rolling Deadline Until September 30, 2026
Funding Award Size: Est. $500K to $5M
Description: Funding for basic and applied research across defense-critical areas including AI, materials, energy, cybersecurity, sensing, and space systems to advance U.S. Navy capabilities.
Deadline: May 11th, 2026
Funding Award Size: $25m
Description: Apply by 11 May 2026, 02:00 PM local time for the NSWC Crane Mobility MAC Follow-On. Multi-award contract supporting vehicle prototyping, testing, and integration with task orders up to $25M.
Deadline: September 30th
Funding Award Size: $500k - $5m
Description: Apply for U.S. Army funding to support advanced manufacturing, automation, and digital modernization. Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) open until September 30, 2030.
Deadline: March 25th
Funding Award Size: $500k - $2m
Description: DARPA’s Promethean Clay program (DARPA-PS-26-16) funds breakthrough electrical energy storage systems designed through mechanical and electrochemical co-design. Proposal deadline: April 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET.
Deadline: Rolling
Funding Award Size: $500k - $5m
Description: The Air Force Research Laboratory Endless Forge solicitation offers access to a $149M funding program for materials and manufacturing technologies. White papers accepted until 1400 EST on 19 February 2028.
Deadline: March 20th
Funding Award Size: $1m - $10m
Description: DIBC RPP-CM-26-01 funds domestic processing, refining, recycling, and supply chain expansion for critical minerals including arsenic, graphite, hafnium, nickel, tungsten, and zirconium. OT authority. Closes March 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM (ET).
Deadline: October 2026
Funding Award Size: $500k - $5m
Description: The AFRL/RX Functional Materials Open BAA (FA8650-22-S-5002) provides approximately $48M in Air Force R&D funding through 28 October 2026 3:00 PM Wright-Patterson AFB, OH Local time. Submit a White Paper to compete for photonic, nanoelectronic, quantum, soft matter, and biomaterials research funding.
Deadline: Within 45 calendar days of a qualifying weather event or disaster
Funding Award Size: Up to $300,000 (12-month project period)
Description: Rolling USDA funding for rapid extension and applied research projects that mitigate agricultural production, supply chain, and community impacts from recent weather-related disasters, including droughts, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and extreme temperature events.
Deadline: March 9, 2026
Funding Award Size: $250k to $10 million
Description: This BARDA BioMaP solicitation funds U.S.-based manufacturing projects that can scale antimicrobials and large volume parenterals to population-level production within 24 months. Deadline: March 9, 2026.
Deadline: Submit White Paper ASAP
Funding Award Size: $250k to $10 million
Description: Funding for research, development, and qualification of strategic and critical materials to strengthen domestic supply chains and support Department of Defense requirements.
Deadline: March 26, 2026
Funding Award Size: $300K to $5M+
Description: Funding for demonstration and validation of mature energy, water, cybersecurity, and building technologies that improve resilience, efficiency, and mission assurance at DoD installations.
Deadline: Submit ASAP while funds are available. Closes 1/1/27
Funding Award Size: Est. $500K to $5 million
Description: Funding and collaboration to research, integrate, and demonstrate novel technologies on a high-mobility specialist vehicle platform to inform future UK land manoeuvre capabilities.
Deadline: Submit ASAP while funds are available. Closes 5/31/29
Funding Award Size: Est. $500K to $5 million
Description: Funding for scientific and technical research that enhances homeland security capabilities across DHS operational environments and mission areas.
Deadline: White Papers Due June, 22nd
Funding Award Size: Est. $500K to $5M
Description: This BAA solicits innovative basic research, applied research, advanced technology development, and prototype efforts that advance naval aviation capabilities and directly support Department of the Navy mission needs.
Specific Topic Opportunities:
Start Applying ASAP:
Either the deadline is approaching or there is a competitive reason for applying early (such as funds that will be awarded on a first come first serve basis)
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop an integrated metal-ceramic matrix infusion for high-strength steel landing gear components to replace hard chrome and HVOF, improving wear/corrosion resistance, durability, readiness, and lifecycle cost while reducing hazardous processes.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop scalable multiphysics modeling tools that predict frontal polymerization cure behavior (front temperature/velocity/cure) and resulting distortion/residual stress, while optimizing resin additives and preventing front self-extinguishing.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop a lightweight, rugged, low-power device that converts seawater to safe drinking water for downed naval aircrew. Must fit NACES survival kit constraints, minimize human effort, deliver ≥1 gallon/day, and achieve ≥95% salt rejection across harsh environmental and ejection conditions.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to design a reduced-cost, multi-frequency helicopter dipping sonar that expands ASW inner/middle-zone coverage and adds aviation mine countermeasures (AMCM) capability in a single, retrofit-compatible transducer system.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop and demonstrate a cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage and delivery system for Navy/USMC UAS that achieves high mass fraction and low boil-off, improving endurance, range, and continuous payload power.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Develop nonlinear optical dyes embedded in sol-gel glass that act as optical power limiters to protect EO/IR sensors from frequency-agile lasers and dazzlers while maintaining high infrared transmission and fast response times.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $2 Million (Estimated)
Description: Develop and demonstrate a 10-inch air-launched rocket motor integrating Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) propulsion to increase total impulse and extend operational range by ~30%. The effort advances propulsion performance, thrust shaping, and manufacturing readiness for next-generation tactical rocket systems.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop low-cost, lightweight, flexible printed organic thermoelectric cooling films (tight bend radius <1”) for personal warfighter cooling or conformal cooling of curved military-platform surfaces.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $2 Million (Estimated)
Description: Develop a U.S.-based pilot manufacturing process to produce high-purity zirconium and hafnium metal-organic precursors (e.g., TDMAZ, TDMAH) used in semiconductor, microelectronics, and advanced ceramic manufacturing via ALD, CVD, and CVI deposition processes.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Develop an AI/ML-enhanced optical fire detector capable of operating in aircraft engine nacelles up to 400°F, enabling rapid fire detection, reduced false alarms, and reliable performance in high-temperature environments.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $2 Million (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop a passive structural health monitoring system that detects, locates, and characterizes ship hull cracks in real time, providing automated severity/criticality insights beyond strain-gauge inference methods.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop an A-size deployable low-frequency vertical line array of vector sensors for long-range passive ASW detection, directional sensitivity, and STANAG 4718 compliant communications in deep-water operations.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Development of a portable induction welding system that enables in-situ repair of thermoplastic composite aircraft components on naval aviation platforms, reducing downtime and scrap rates by allowing field maintenance without removing damaged material.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $2 Million (Estimated)
Description: Develop and integrate Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) propellant into a 2.75" Mk66 rocket motor to increase total impulse and extend weapon range by ~30% while maintaining compatibility with existing rocket motor materials, systems, and operational environments.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop a high-power (10W CW) blue laser (425–475 nm) with long coherence length (>10 m) and high pulse repetition (>100 MHz) for reliable continuous operation in demanding Navy environments.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop a throttleable solid-fuel rotating detonation ramjet by integrating a controllable gas generator for precise fuel regulation, enabling stable detonation operation and efficient high-speed propulsion across varied mission profiles.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop an integrated multidisciplinary design, analysis, and optimization (MDAO) framework for hypersonic boost-glide weapons. Solutions should combine physics modeling, AI/ML, and reduced-order models to optimize vehicle geometry, trajectory, and control while supporting cost, manufacturability, and mission trade studies.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Research the impact of additive materials in 3D-printed polymers to control electromagnetic properties while maintaining structural and thermal performance for defense systems, enabling RF attenuation and optimized materials for applications such as antenna radomes and other weapon system components.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to build modular “erector-set” mechatronic vehicle kits—swap-and-reconfigure motors, sensors, and software—for field-built tele-operated/autonomous systems that adapt to mixed disaster tasks (logistics, inspection, recovery) with rugged options (water/fire/cold).
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Develop AI/ML and digital twin tools that automate additive manufacturing by optimizing materials and build parameters, predicting mechanical performance, and enabling rapid production of mission-critical parts across diverse AM systems.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Develop low-cost, moldable metastructure or frequency-selective materials that can adhere to naval platforms and protect RF, microwave, and EO/IR systems while maintaining broadband performance and durability in harsh maritime environments.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop advanced overlay/bond coatings plus an ICME-based coating degradation model to predict and extend turbine hardware life against marine hot corrosion, oxidation, and stress-driven damage across varying temperatures.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop a 3D heterogeneously integrated photonic imaging sensor that combines detector arrays, electronics, and optical data links to enable ultra-high bandwidth, high-resolution, and high-frame-rate EO/IR imaging for advanced defense sensing systems.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop low-cost robocasting (direct ink writing) manufacturing techniques for large-format textured piezoelectric ceramics used in undersea sensors, improving acoustic performance and enabling scalable domestic production of advanced sonar sensing materials.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop SWaP-optimized silicon carbide MOSFETs (10kV+ blocking, 5–10kA pulsed current, <30ns low-jitter turn-on) with advanced packaging for high-power microwave pulsed switching.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Portable, self-powered pier-side UNREP tester/trainer to replace ship-to-ship in-port qualification testing, enabling dry cargo and liquid system testing/training without requiring an actual delivery ship or extra pier space.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop safe, efficient, scalable domestic production of norbornadiene from abundant U.S. feedstocks (preferably bio-feedstocks), targeting >500 metric tons/year, >97% purity, and <$20/kg cost.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop a durable, lightweight, corrosion-resistant articulated beaching ramp for Medium Landing Ships (LSM), supporting 70-ton vehicles, deploying in under 30 minutes, and lasting 30 years in harsh saltwater marine environments.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop automated and additive manufacturing methods to produce durable, high-precision optical components and mirrors for high-energy laser beam director systems used in maritime defense environments.
Deadline: April 29, 2026 (Estimated)
Funding Award Size: $240,000 (Estimated)
Description: Funding to develop and deploy safe, sustainable bridge lighting mitigation that reduces ambient light pollution, preserves night vision, and provides adjustable task lighting at select ship bridge workstations while complying with MIL-STD-1472H and shipboard environmental constraints.
Deadline: July 27th
Funding Award Size: $305K + $1.25M+ in follow-on funding
Description: Apply for NSF SBIR/STTR funding for high-risk, high-impact technologies. U.S. startups can receive up to $305K in Phase I funding and up to $1.25M in Phase II. Project Pitch submissions begin June 2, 2026.