Innovation Funding Database
Aerospace & Space Tech 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: 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.
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: 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: 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: ASAP
Funding Award Size: $500k - $5m
Description: Explore the ACC/A2 & Air Force Intelligence Community CSO (FA7037-26-S-C001). Monitor for AI, cyber, JADC2, and data innovation funding opportunities.
Deadline: Rolling Deadline
Funding Award Size: $500k - $5m
Description: Apply for IARPA’s ETA Program (DOI-ETA-FY26-30). Rolling white paper submissions for AI, geospatial, and advanced R&D projects.
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: Rolling Submission Deadline
Funding Award Size: $20M–$100M
Description: AFRL MSDEW ARA offers $20M–$100M awards for electronic warfare, sensor fusion, and defense systems. Rolling calls open through 13 JULY 2027.
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: Rolling Submissions
Funding Award Size: $500k - $10m
Description: Apply to the Golden Dome for America Commercial Solutions Opening. Rolling submissions through 30 September 2035 for innovative defense technologies, prototypes, and mission-critical capabilities.
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: Rolling Submissions
Funding Award Size: $400k
Description: Apply for FAA Aviation Research 2025 funding through a rolling BAA. Awards up to $400K/year for aviation R&D across pavements, AI/ML, flight systems, and safety technologies.
Deadline: Rolling until September 2026
Funding Award Size: $500k - $5m
Description: The Air Force AMIC Commercial Solutions Opening (FA4890-CSO-0001-24) seeks innovative commercial technologies for AI, cybersecurity, communications, counter-UAS, and data systems. Submissions accepted until September 5, 2026.
Deadline: April 3rd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $14m
Description: The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is seeking contractors for the COMET IDIQ supporting missile evaluation, testing, and intelligence analysis at the Missile & Space Intelligence Center. Proposals due APR 03, 2026 04:00 PM
Deadline: Rolling
Funding Award Size: $500k - $5m
Description: The Air Force Research Laboratory’s “Networking the Fight” BAA offers up to $24M per award for technologies enabling secure cross-domain data sharing and resilient networking at the tactical edge.
Deadline: February 27, 2026
Description: Apply to DIU’s Runway Independent Maritime & Expeditionary Strike (RIMES) opportunity. Prototype OT funding for long-range unmanned aerial systems. Deadline: February 27, 2026 at 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time.
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: February 17, 2026 at 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time
Funding Award Size: $300K to $5M+
Description: Apply for DIU funding for containerized autonomous drone delivery systems. OT prototype contracts with DoD. Deadline Feb 17, 2026.
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.
Deadline: White Papers Due May, 20th
Funding Award Size: Est. $100K to $10M
Description: The Air Force Research Laboratory is seeking innovative research and development in advanced radio frequency (RF) and electro-optical / infrared (EO/IR) sensing technologies to support future air, space, and command-and-control sensor systems.
Deadline: Executive Summary Due April 17, 2026
Funding Award Size: Est. $500K to $5 million
Description: DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office seeks revolutionary defense technologies and systems that enable rapid design, manufacturing, sustainment, and disruptive battlefield capability across multiple focus areas.
Deadline: Submit white papers ASAP before funds are allocated.
Funding Award Size: $100K to $10 Million+
Description: Funding for research and development of spacecraft propulsion technologies to improve resiliency and counter satellite threats, including chemical, electric, and multi-mode propulsion systems.
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Funding Award Size: $1M (Track A) to $3M (Track B)
Description: Funding for U.S. companies to develop and demonstrate robotic surface and aerial mobility systems capable of transporting and deploying science payloads in Martian environments.
Deadline: April 9, 2026
Funding Award Size: $500K - $5M
Description: Funding for research and development supporting advanced naval air platforms, sensors, computing, security, and mission systems for manned and unmanned aviation.
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: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $2,000,000
Description: Compete in the Army xTech Kinetic Reach competition to develop autonomous logistics, power generation, recovery, and sustainment solutions for contested military environments. Winners can earn cash prizes and access Direct-to-Phase II SBIR funding worth up to $2,000,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $300,000
Description: Compete in the Army xTech|Inversion competition to commercialize high-potential Army intellectual property. Eligible small businesses can win cash prizes, access Army technology portfolios, and secure Phase I SBIR funding opportunities worth up to $300,000. Total awards exceed $1 million.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $3,000,000
Description: Develop next-generation space-based directed energy technologies, including high-energy lasers and particle beam systems, for power transfer, space operations, and defense applications. SpaceWERX seeks innovative solutions for beam control, thermal management, precision pointing, and space-qualified directed energy architectures. Funding up to $3,000,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $2,000,000
Description: Develop advanced fall detection, impact mitigation, and autonomous recovery technologies for humanoid robots operating in military environments. The Air Force seeks innovative solutions that reduce damage from falls, improve robot reliability, and enable safe human-robot collaboration in maintenance, logistics, and hazardous operations. Funding up to $2,000,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $2,000,000
Description: Develop a scalable fleet management platform that coordinates humanoid, mobile, and industrial robots across Air Force maintenance and sustainment operations. Seeking advanced AI-driven solutions for autonomous task allocation, real-time monitoring, human-robot collaboration, and operational optimization. Funding up to $2,000,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $2,000,000
Description: Develop and validate a nickel molybdenum plating technology that replaces hazardous hard chrome plating in aerospace applications. The Air Force seeks environmentally compliant surface treatment solutions that improve fatigue resistance, corrosion protection, and durability for critical aircraft components such as landing gear actuators. Funding up to $2,000,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $2,000,000
Description: Develop an advanced heating solution for the MHU-196 Weapons Hydraulic Trailer to ensure reliable hydraulic performance in extreme cold-weather environments. The Air Force seeks innovative thermal management technologies that improve sortie generation, reduce maintenance burden, and enhance mission readiness for munitions handling operations. Funding up to $2,000,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $2,000,000
Description: Develop a modular Flush Air Data System (FADS) that enhances flight data accuracy, survivability, and mission assurance for Air Force Global Strike Command aircraft. Seeking advanced air data sensing technologies that provide jam-resistant, stealth-compatible, and all-weather performance while reducing reliance on traditional pitot-static systems. Funding up to $2,000,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $2,000,000
Description: Develop advanced AI-enabled search and tracking software for electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors used on Special Operations aircraft and autonomous platforms. USSOCOM seeks innovative solutions that automate target detection, improve situational awareness, reduce operator workload, and accelerate mission execution. Funding up to $2,000,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $250,000
Description: Develop a high-speed mid-wave infrared (MWIR) hyperspectral imaging system for missile plume characterization, target signature analysis, and defense sensing applications. The Air Force seeks advanced infrared imaging technologies capable of high-resolution spectral analysis, rapid data acquisition, and real-time target characterization. Funding up to $250,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $250,000
Description: Develop a lightweight, high-efficiency CO₂ (R-744) compressor for military aircraft thermal management systems. The Air Force seeks innovative cooling technologies capable of supporting high heat loads, transcritical operation, and next-generation avionics, radar, and electronic warfare systems. Funding up to $250,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $250,000
Description: Develop an AI-powered cybersecurity platform that enables post-quantum cryptography (PQC) adoption, automated threat detection, risk scoring, and compliance monitoring for Air Force networks. Seeking innovative solutions that strengthen cyber resilience against emerging quantum-enabled threats while maintaining legacy system compatibility. Funding up to $250,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $250,000
Description: Develop advanced AI and machine learning solutions to automate legal data management, improve military justice outcomes, and enhance decision-making for the Air Force District of Washington Judge Advocate. Seeking innovative technologies for document classification, predictive analytics, eDiscovery, generative AI, and legal workflow automation. Funding up to $250,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $300,000
Description: Develop a field-portable system that identifies the chemical composition of ultrafine, fine, and coarse airborne particles in real time. The Defense Health Agency seeks advanced particulate analysis technologies that detect carbonaceous, metallic, biological, and aerosol contaminants to improve force health protection and exposure monitoring. Funding up to $300,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $300,000
Description: Develop a low-cost, ruggedized ultrafine particulate sensor capable of detecting particles as small as 10 nanometers in real time. The Defense Health Agency seeks advanced environmental monitoring technologies to improve exposure assessment, force health protection, and occupational safety in military and industrial environments. Funding up to $300,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $100,000
Description: Develop an AI-enabled digital workforce twin that helps the Defense Logistics Agency model workforce performance, simulate future scenarios, generate synthetic data, and drive 10x productivity gains. Seeking innovative solutions for workforce planning, AI integration, organizational design, and mission readiness. Funding up to $100,000 Phase I.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $100,000
Description: Develop an AI-driven platform that automates vendor economic dependency analysis, supply chain risk assessment, and financial compliance for the Defense Logistics Agency. Seeking innovative solutions that leverage public financial data, AI, and advanced analytics to support audit readiness, supply chain resilience, and SFFAS 47 compliance. Funding up to $100,000 Phase I and $1M Phase II.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $100,000
Description: Develop safe, high-performance non-lithium battery technology for military logistics, field operations, and energy resilience. The Defense Logistics Agency seeks domestically manufactured battery solutions that improve safety, storage life, transportability, and extreme-environment performance while reducing reliance on foreign supply chains. Funding up to $100,000 Phase I and $1M Phase II.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $315,000
Description: Develop advanced Counter-UAS (C-UAS) technologies that detect, track, identify, and neutralize hostile drones and drone swarms. The Department of the Navy seeks innovative AI, machine learning, sensor fusion, and non-kinetic defeat solutions to protect military forces, critical infrastructure, and operational assets. Funding up to $315,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $315,000
Description: Develop a portable long-range listening device capable of accurately identifying and recording sounds from over 200 meters away. The U.S. Marine Corps seeks advanced acoustic surveillance technologies for intelligence collection, force protection, and operational awareness. Funding up to $315,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $315,000
Description: Develop a dual-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) solution that enhances wide-area ocean surveillance, vessel tracking, and environmental monitoring. The U.S. Navy seeks advanced multi-band SAR technologies that improve maritime domain awareness, target detection, and search-and-rescue operations. Funding up to $315,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $315,000
Description: Develop an intelligent satellite imagery scheduling platform that integrates multiple commercial providers to optimize collection speed, image quality, coverage, and cost. The U.S. Navy seeks advanced software solutions for maritime domain awareness, automated tasking, and resilient space-based intelligence collection. Funding up to $315,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $315,000
Description: Develop an advanced electro-mechanical ammunition loading system for the Navy’s MK 45 5-inch Gun System. Seeking innovative solutions that improve reliability, increase firing rates, reduce hydraulic system dependence, and modernize naval weapon handling for contested environments. Funding up to $315,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $315,000
Description: Develop a compact, high-bandwidth communications solution capable of transmitting 4 terabytes of data in 60 seconds across distances exceeding 5,000 nautical miles. The U.S. Navy seeks innovative technologies for rapid data transfer, tactical communications, and combat system intelligence distribution. Funding up to $315,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $315,000
Description: Develop a real-time Zero Trust security platform that protects critical Navy combat system data through advanced authentication, micro-segmentation, AI-driven threat detection, and secure access controls. Seeking innovative cybersecurity solutions that reduce access latency, improve resilience, and strengthen data security. Funding up to $315,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $315,000
Description: Develop advanced inter-satellite communication technology that enables real-time data sharing across commercial satellite constellations. The U.S. Navy seeks innovative hardware solutions to improve maritime target tracking, reduce latency, and enhance situational awareness for open-ocean operations. Funding up to $315,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $315,000
Description: Develop an AI-driven maritime intelligence platform that automates object tracking, Pattern of Life analysis, future-state forecasting, and threat prioritization for the U.S. Navy. Seeking advanced machine learning solutions for maritime domain awareness, change detection, and decision support. Funding up to $315,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $315,000
Description: Develop a secure satellite tasking platform that enables classified communication between the U.S. Navy and commercial satellite providers. Seeking cybersecurity, encryption, and secure communications solutions that support CUI and Secret-level operations while reducing tasking timelines by up to 90%. Funding up to $315,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $315,000
Description: Develop advanced Pattern of Life (PoL) analytics for the U.S. Navy to identify anomalous maritime and airborne activity in congested environments. Seeking AI-driven solutions that fuse AIS, ADS-B, radar, and sensor data to improve threat detection, situational awareness, and ship self-defense. Funding up to $315,000.
Deadline: July 22nd, 2026
Funding Award Size: $315,000
Description: Develop an AI-enabled Terminal Defense System Weapon System Coordinator (TDSWC) that streamlines Navy ship self-defense operations and accelerates weapon system upgrades. Seeking MBSE-based software solutions for real-time engagement coordination across CIWS, RAM, directed energy, and counter-UAS systems. Funding up to $315,000.
Deadline: June 11th, 2026
Funding Award Size: $500k - $2m
Description: AFGSC is seeking U.S.-made handheld drone detection device prototypes for nuclear installation security. Applications due Jun 11, 2026 at 04:00 PM. Learn eligibility, requirements, evaluation criteria, and how to apply.