SBIR Funding Opportunities Report | Edition #8

By Akela Consulting

January 16, 2025

Tips for Winning Federal Funding From SBIR Grant Writers

Before we get to the opportunities, I want to share with you this article we put together. In the article we layout actionable steps to help you approach the SBIR process in the best way. In the article we cover:

1. Government Registration
2. Identifying Opportunities
3. Preparing to Write a SBIR Proposal
4. 5 Common Missteps in a SBIR Proposal

I hope you find it useful and please let us know what you think.

Read the Article

Akela Spotlight - xTechIgnite Competition        

Multiple Topics | Army SBIR | Due Date: Feb 5, 2025

Up to $2M / 3 Rounds

xTechIgnite Program Overview:

• Round 1 (Feb 5 - Mar 12, 2025): Submit Concept White Paper; up to 64 finalists receive $2,500.
• Round 2 (May 1 - May 29, 2025): Final event; up to 24 winners get $10,000 each.
• Round 3 (Jun 12 - Jul 9, 2025): Submit Phase I SBIR proposals ($250,000) or be fast-tracked to Phase II SBIRs (up to $2M).

Topic Areas:

1. Wastewater Treatment - Innovate solutions for Ammonium Perchlorate disposal, improving efficiency and reducing costs
2. Generative AI for Tactical Network - Use AI to enhance command and control with realistic, synthetic data
3. Bridge Health Monitoring - Develop tech to monitor military and commercial bridge health
4. Ruggedized Sensors for Vehicle Safety - Enhance vehicle safety through advanced sensor technology. Direct to Phase II up to $1M
5. AI for Aided Driving - Use AI/ML to assist driving in ground combat vehicles. Direct to Phase II up to $2M
6. AI for Source Selection - Automate and standardize source selection using AI. Direct to Phase II up to $2M
7. AI for Portfolio Management - Use AI to streamline IT acquisition and portfolio processes. Direct to Phase II up to $2M
8. AI for Insights - Apply AI to identify patterns in Army data, improving decision-making

Talk to Akela Consulting about this program

Upcoming        

Homeland Security Related Tech | The DHS SBIR | Jan. 21, 2025

Phase I $175k / Phase II $1M - $1.5M

The DHS SBIR program is seeking innovative solutions to address significant challenges in public safety, cybersecurity, and advanced technology. If your work aligns, this could be a great opportunity.

Talk to Akela Consulting about this program

Dual-Use Technology | DoD SBIR | February 5, 2025

Phase I ~$180k - $250k / Phase II up to $2M

With over 130 topics spanning a wide range of technologies the first cycle of Department of Defense’s 2025 SBIR program is packed with opportunity.

Here are some of the focus areas and a few sample topics:

• Mixed Reality
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Navigation Systems
• Deep Neural Networks
• Supply Chain Analytics
• Energy
• Autonomous Robotics
• Unmanned Aerial Systems and Counter UAS Systems
• Advanced Infrastructure & Advanced Manufacturing
• Advanced Battery Technologies
• Cybersecurity
• Large Language Models
• Data and Sharing
• Advanced Materials, and more.

If this piques your interest, consider taking a few minutes to explore these topics further and see if any align with your development plans.

Talk to Akela Consulting about this program

Clean Energy Innovation | OCED SBIR | Q1 2025

Anticipated Funding $4.3M / Due Date: TBD

The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) is preparing to release an SBIR solicitation titled “Pilot-scale Rapid Operational Validation of Key Energy Infrastructure Technologies (PROVE IT).” This program aims to support small businesses advancing critical clean energy infrastructure.

With $4.3M in anticipated funding per program, PROVE IT will focus on two key areas:

1. Point Source Carbon Capture: Pilot-scale-ready purification, capture, and regeneration systems.
2. Long-Duration Energy Storage: Innovative electrochemical systems beyond widely deployed technologies.

Deadlines are expected in the first quarter of 2025.

Talk to Akela Consulting about this program

Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning | Army SBIR | Feb 26, 2025

Up to $250K / Phase I

The Army has announced a new SBIR opportunity focused on “Artificial Intelligence for Interoperability.” The objective is to use Large Language Models (LLMs) and other AI techniques to improve how different systems integrate, especially in tactical environments. The goal is to make data from various sources and formats work together more seamlessly.

Phase I offers up to $250,000 for a 6-month period to research and develop AI methods that can help integrate traditional software systems. You’ll need to propose AI approaches for system integration and define metrics to assess data interoperability.

Talk to Akela Consulting about this program

Deep-Tech Innovation | NSF SBIR | March 5, 2025

Phase I $305k / Phase II $1.25M ?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is essentially an open-topic SBIR with an agenda to help foster American technology innovation. This program prioritizes high risk innovations with the potential to make a large market impact. ?

Talk to Akela Consulting about this program

Space-Related Innovation | NASA SBIR | March 10, 2025

Phase I $150k / Phase II $850K ?

NASA’s 2025 SBIR Phase I solicitation categorizes funding opportunities into mission-aligned subtopics, emphasizing cutting-edge technologies for aeronautics, space exploration, science, and technology development. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD)

• Focus: Sustainable aviation, VTOL tech, zero-emissions aircraft, and advanced air traffic systems.
• Example Subtopics:

Exploration & Space Operations (ESDMD/SOMD)

• Focus: Human exploration systems, lunar technologies, and autonomous space capabilities.
• Example Subtopics:

Science Mission Directorate (SMD)

• Focus: Earth and space science innovations, including remote sensing and extreme-environment technologies.
• Example Subtopics:

Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)

• Focus: Pioneering space technologies like nuclear propulsion, in-space manufacturing, and lunar infrastructure.
• Example Subtopics:

Talk to Akela Consulting about this program

Biotech, med-device, dig. health, & more | The NIH SBIR Program | April 5, 2025

Phase I $307k / Phase II $2.04M

The National Institute of Health has an annual budget of $1.3B to fund small businesses over a wide-range of health related technology and drug development.

Talk to Akela Consulting about this program

Special Mention        

Dual-Use Open Topic | AFWERX SBIR | March 6, 2025

Direct to Phase II (D2P2) $1.25M ?

AFWERX, the U.S. Air Force’s innovation arm, challenges you to demonstrate how your solutions can serve the Air Force’s needs. This cycle, the program is exclusively seeking Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2) proposals. Any technology is fair game—as long as it helps the Air Force achieve its goals. To qualify, you’ll need to secure a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from an Air Force customer as the first step toward success.

Talk to Akela Consulting about this program

That’s all for this Funding Opps Report. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Have a great day,

Josh Bar-on

Book a call with me

www.akelaconsultants.com