Akela Consulting

2025 should be a packed year of SBIR programs. Take a look at the schedule we put together: https://lnkd.in/dbMxaBGU

?? New SBIR & Clean Energy Funding Opportunities – Edition #9 This week’s SBIR Funding Opportunities Report covers major funding programs for small businesses across clean energy, AI, defense, and transportation innovation. Here are some of the programs: ?? DOE’s MAKE IT Prize – $32M for clean energy manufacturing, with up to $500K in Phase I and $4.5M in Phase II. Intent letter due April 22, 2025. ?? Army SBIR (AI/ML) – Focused on interoperability, with up to $250K for Phase I. Due Feb 26, 2025. ?? DoT SBIR (Transportation Tech) – $10M in contracts for projects like 3D highway model viewers, AI-based predictive maintenance, and rail safety innovations. Up to $200K in Phase I and up to $1.5M in Phase II. Due March 7, 2025. ?? NASA SBIR (Space Innovation) – Supporting aeronautics, space exploration, and in-space manufacturing. $150K Phase I / $850K Phase II. Due March 10, 2025. ?? Army xTechIgnite – AI, sensors, and water treatment tech funding, with up to $2M across three rounds. Due March 12, 2025. ?? AFWERX (Dual-Use Tech for Air Force) – Direct-to-Phase II opportunities up to $1.25M. MoU required. Due March 6, 2025. ?? Need help navigating these opportunities? Akela Consulting specializes in SBIR proposal strategy and funding success. Book a call to discuss how we can support your application.

With the recent federal funding freeze making headlines, many startups and small businesses are wondering: Is SBIR funding at risk? There’s been a lot of speculation, but the good news is that the reality is more reassuring than you might think. We took a closer look at what’s happening, what it means for SBIR applicants, and what (if anything) businesses should be concerned about. Read our full breakdown here: https://lnkd.in/dfhhx4qW #SBIR #StartupFunding #FederalGrants #Innovation

Pre-release of the The U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) SBIR Topics! Each project in Phase I is eligible for up to $200,000 in funding and Phase II for up to $1.5M. Proposed Research Topics: ??? 3D-Model Viewer for Highway Construction: Tools for field staff to utilize 3D models during construction. ?? Modular Protected Intersections: Retrofitting intersections with modular safety solutions. ?? Concrete Shrinkage Measurement Device: Innovations to improve infrastructure sustainability. ?? Lidar-Based Tire Inspection: Enhancing tire safety inspections for commercial vehicles. ?? Smart Tire Inflation System: Ensuring optimal weight distribution for improved safety. ?? Rail Stress Measurement Device: Preventing rail buckling with non-destructive stress tools. ?? Next-Gen End of Train Devices: Boosting train safety through enhanced communication systems. ?? Ground Hazard Mitigation Technology: Advanced detection of rail-related ground hazards. ?? Fatigue Assessment System: Monitoring fatigue in locomotive engineers with behavioral indicators. ?? AI Predictive Maintenance for Transit Fleets: Leveraging AI to optimize public transit maintenance. ?? Automated Crash Report Software: Streamlining crash reporting with automation tools. Interested? Feel free to reach out and talk it over.

?? Struggling to identify SBIR funding opportunities that align with your business? Finding the right SBIR solicitation can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. We’ve put together a guide to simplify the process and help you pinpoint programs that could fund your company’s innovations. ?? SBIR Solicitation Search Guide : ??https://lnkd.in/d3hcpSt8 #SBIR #InnovationFunding #SmallBusiness #GrantWriting #StartupFunding

Yesterday, the Federal Government paused funding for many grants and loans, which caused a wave in the SBIR world. We thought the SBIR funding would not be affected. And today we got reassurance that SBIR funding is still full steam ahead! ?? At Akela Consulting, we’re proud to support deep-tech companies navigating this incredible program. With nearly $4B in annual funding across industries, SBIR continues to be a game-changer for small businesses driving innovation in America. If you’re working on your next SBIR submission, we’ve got your back—let’s make it happen! #SBIR #Innovation #SmallBusiness #AkelaConsulting

The federal funding world is a roar this morning following a memo from the President's Office of Management & Budget. "Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs" What does this mean for SBIR funding? Will it be delayed? Take a budget-cut? Get canceled all together?! Well, it's too early to know for sure, however here's why SBIR funding is probably going to be A-OK... SBIR funding is typically awarded as a "Contract for R&D" and not as a "grant". In addition, the purpose of the funding is for research and development of technology which is not counter to any of the President's agenda: "Federal agencies must temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the executive orders, including, but not limited to, financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal." With that said, there may be a few days of confusion which could create some delays etc...but it's too soon to say. Stay tuned for more on this. -Akela Team #sbir #federalfunding

?? SBIR Success Starts with Registration ?? The path to securing SBIR funding begins with registration—but let’s face it, navigating government portals can feel overwhelming. Questions like “Where do I start?” or “What if I get it wrong?” often create unnecessary roadblocks. That’s why we created "Registering to Government Portals to Become SBIR Eligible", the first in our series, "How to Apply to SBIR Grants." This article is designed to remove the confusion and guide you through the process step by step: ? Setting up your Login.gov account ? Getting your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) ? Registering on SBIR.gov and understanding its purpose No guesswork. No wasted time. Just a clear path forward. ?? Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dPCGB62e Stay tuned for the next article in the series: How to Find the SBIR Opportunities Perfect for Your Business. #SBIR #GrantWriting #SmallBusiness #Innovation #AkelaConsulting

?? SBIR Opportunities Report! ?? Busy season! Whether you're working on AI, clean energy, or space exploration, there are programs designed to support your vision. Here’s a quick preview: xTechIgnite (Army SBIR): Multiple rounds of funding, with up to $2M available for advanced technologies. DHS SBIR: Supporting innovations in homeland security, offering up to $1.5M. NASA SBIR: Pioneering space technologies with Phase II awards up to $850K. AFWERX SBIR: Direct-to-Phase II opportunities for dual-use tech, up to $1.25M. Take some time to explore these programs, understand the opportunities, and see how they align with your goals. ?? Read the full newsletter....

Start 2025 the write (get it?!) way. Tips for Winning Federal Funding From SBIR Grant Writers. https://lnkd.in/dpVZkBMc