Army FUZE Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Opportunities - Phase I (Feasibility)

Army FUZE Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Opportunities - Phase I (Feasibility) is sponsored by U.S. Army. The U. S.

Army, through its Army FUZE SBIR initiatives, offers funding opportunities for small businesses to propose innovative research and development solutions in response to critical Army needs.

Open Period: April 15 to May 13, 2026 *Pre-Release (Q&A Only) was open from September 3 to September 23, 2025. The program has adjusted the open period dates to maintain a four-week proposal submission window.

Affordable Ka-Band Metamaterial-Based Electronically Scanned Array Radar for Test and Training: This topic seeks low-cost Ka-Band radar solutions through advancements in metamaterials to mimic the performance of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) without the high cost. In addition, software-related technologies and any other applicable advanced technologies should be analyzed and utilized.

1 – 6 months, up to $250,000 Li-ion 6T Battery Focused Open Topic: This topic solicits innovations to the MIL-PRF-32565 Li-ion 6T batteries—a critical enabler to military fuel usage reduction through mild hybridization and silent-watch, while providing reduced weight, increase energy density, and extended cycle life.

1 – 6 months, up to $250,000 Pre-Release (Q&A Only): April 15 to May 5, 2026 Open Period: May 6 to June 3, 2026 In-Transit Visibility (ITV) Blockchain : This opportunity drives military logistics forward with a real-time ITV system.

By integrating blockchain technology, sensor fusion, and predictive analytics, the system should deliver precise, near real-time tracking of assets and personnel across platforms to provide commanders with a comprehensive common operating picture. Scalable and interoperable, it must optimize resource allocation and situational awareness, seamlessly connecting with military enterprise systems.

1 – 6 months, up to $300,000 Modular Payloads for Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) : This contract opportunity seeks to revolutionize UAS capabilities through modular payloads compatible with the Picatinny Common Lethality Interface Kit.

Through a Soldier-centered iterative design, selectees can collaborate with government and UAS vendors to develop advanced, broadly compatible technology for modular payloads, including electro-optical, communications relay, and electronic warfare, to boost battlefield versatility and shape future Army UAS strategies.

1 – 3 months, up to $150,000 xTech|Phantum White Paper Submission Period: April 15 to May 13, 2026 xTech|Phantum : The xTech|Phantum competition, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Army Directorate for Strategy & Transformation this spring and summer, will focus on technologies that could strengthen the Army’s ability to sense, measure, and maintain precise timing in complex operational environments.

The xTech|Phantum competition will consist of three parts: call for concept white papers; final pitch event/technology showcase; and an opportunity to submit a Phase I Army SBIR proposal. The competition will award up to $200,000 in cash prizes to selected participants.

Up to 16 finalists will receive a cash prize of $2,500 each and an opportunity to pitch their innovative technology solutions to a panel of Army and DoW subject matter experts (SMEs) in July 2026, at a Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (SWMAC) facility in Arizona. The Army intends to select up to eight winners of the competition to receive an additional cash prize of $20,000 each.

Final winners of the competition may submit a Phase I Army SBIR proposal worth up to $300,000 that should support proof-of-concept demonstrations with a period of performance not to exceed six months. Please note that only winners of the xTech|Phantum competition are eligible for the SBIR proposal submission. Proposals submitted on DSIP by non-winners of the xTech|Phantum competition will not be evaluated .

Additional details on the topic areas and prize structure can be found in the RFI . 1 – 6 months, up to $300,000 To apply to the SBIR open topics: Review full topic descriptions on the Army SBIR|STTR Topics Page . Register your business on the Defense SBIR|STTR Innovation Portal .

The Army FUZE SBIR|STTR Program funds small businesses developing dual-use technologies with military and commercial applications. Benefits include: Expert support in technical, acquisition, and operational areas. Collaboration opportunities with research institutions, venture capital firms, and prime contractors.

Acceleration of mission-ready systems aligned with Army priorities. The Army FUZE SBIR|STTR Program invests in U.S. small businesses and research institutions to develop early-stage technologies that can meet Army operational needs. The program offers non-dilutive funding, protects intellectual property and enables flexible transition pathways, making it easier for small innovators to deliver real-world solutions for soldiers.

SBIR|STTR serves as a core component of Army FUZE, the Army’s integrated transformation ecosystem that connects private-sector innovation with defense priorities. The program turns emerging technologies into dual-use capabilities, drives economic growth, and delivers battlefield advantages. Stay up to date on new topics, due dates, and events: Visit the Army SBIR|STTR website .

Contact us: Army SBIR|STTR mailbox . Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology ASA(ALT) releases contract opportunities on an ad-hoc basis to meet Army research and development needs. Army Futures Command (AFC) releases topics during three specific solicitation periods throughout the fiscal year to address the Army’s current and anticipated war-fighting technology needs.

Army STTR follows AFC’s topic release schedule but partners with a university, federally funded research and development center, or a qualified non-profit research institution as part of their contract. Is the opportunity to establish the scientific, technical, commercial merit and feasibility of your proposed innovation. Is focused on the development, demonstration and delivery of your innovation from Phase I.

Represents the commercialization phase of the program in which the company can market their products or services developed in Phase II, either to the government or in the commercial sector. Allows small businesses to submit to Direct to Phase II applications if they performed the Phase I research through other funding sources. Provides funding to projects that require additional funding during their open Phase II contract.

A Phase II Awardee may receive one additional, sequential Phase II award to continue the work of an initial Phase II award. The sequential Phase II award has the same guideline amounts and limits as an initial Phase II award.

Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (supply chain management, logistics coordination, target identifications and simulation) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (additive manufacturing) Autonomy (unmanned systems, drones, ground vehicle capabilities) Chemical and Biological (detection, defense) Cyber (biometric authentication, secure communications) Electronics (microelectronics, Very-Large-Scale Integration (VLSI)) Electronic Warfare (jamming, spoofing) Human Performance (wearables) Immersive (augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality) Network Technologies (antennas, radio frequency, communications systems) Position, Navigation, and Timing (GPS) Power (batteries, generators) Software Modernization (high performance computing, data management and visualization) Sensors (infrared sensing) Weapons Systems (hypersonics, munitions and projectiles, directed energy)