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Programs below describe funding pathways. Check the official notice for current application windows, eligibility and award terms.
8 programs
US public · Department of the Air Force
AFWERX / SpaceWERX SBIR & STTR
Research and prototypes for Air and Space Force missions.
Who it suits
Eligible US small businesses developing dual-use technology.
Before you apply
Check ownership, topic fit and phase requirements; STTR requires a research partner.
Official program and requirements ↗US public · Department of the Air Force
AFWERX STRATFI / TACFI
Matching funding pathways for moving Phase II technology toward operational use.
Who it suits
Companies with qualifying Phase II work and a government transition partner.
Before you apply
Check prior award eligibility, customer commitment and matching funds in the current notice.
Official program and requirements ↗US public · DARPA
DARPA SBIR & STTR
Topic-driven research for technically ambitious defense capabilities.
Who it suits
Small businesses with research aligned to a DARPA topic.
Before you apply
Review the current topic, technical objective, ownership rules and submission instructions.
Official program and requirements ↗US public · Department of the Navy
Navy SBIR & STTR
Small-business research addressing naval science and technology needs.
Who it suits
US small businesses developing technology relevant to Navy and Marine Corps needs.
Before you apply
Confirm the topic, phase, small-business eligibility and any research-partner requirements.
Official program and requirements ↗US public · Defense Innovation Unit
DIU commercial solutions
Prototype contracts that adapt commercial technology to defense mission challenges.
Who it suits
Commercial technology companies with a solution relevant to a published problem.
Before you apply
Review the solicitation and prototype deliverables; a successful prototype may support follow-on production.
Official program and requirements ↗US public · US Army
Army xTech competitions
Prize competitions connecting innovators with Army technology challenges.
Who it suits
Innovators whose technology matches a specific competition.
Before you apply
Check each competition’s eligibility, prize structure, deadlines and transition pathway.
Official program and requirements ↗US public · National Science Foundation
NSF America’s Seed Fund
Early-stage research funding for commercially promising deep technology.
Who it suits
US startups with substantial technical risk and commercial potential, including relevant dual-use technology.
Before you apply
Review the Project Pitch process and eligibility; connect the research to a commercial market.
Official program and requirements ↗Private program · Techstars
Techstars Space & Defense
Accelerator programs supporting commercial space and defense technology companies.
Who it suits
Startups seeking an accelerator, mentoring and investment for a relevant business.
Before you apply
Check the specific cohort, location, investment terms and equity requirements.
Official program and requirements ↗Build a funding plan around your next milestone
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