By Daniel Smoot, Office of Army Innovation Programs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army unveiled a new immersive and wearable funding opportunity through its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR|STTR) Program. Starting April 2025, the Advanced Fiber-Based Electronic Battery System solicitation will provide Soldiers a safe, stable, high-capacity, rechargeable, and fiber-based battery structure that can integrate into the fabric of their equipment.

Army Challenge

Dismounted Soldiers carry an average combat load exceeding 100 pounds, with nearly 10% of that weight made up of batteries for mission-critical equipment. To reduce this burden, the Army calls on small businesses to develop a fiber-based structural battery system that integrates into assault packs, rucksacks, and other gear.

This innovative technology should shift power storage from traditional batteries to equipment fabric, cutting the weight burden while preserving the operational efficiency of electronic systems. By advancing this solution, the Army seeks to improve Soldiers’ mobility and effectiveness on the battlefield, providing a reliable power source for electronic systems, and significantly lowering the overall weight they carry.

• Funding Area: Immersive and Wearables
• Phase: Phase I (Feasibility Study)
• Performance Period: Maximum 6 Months
• Funding: Maximum $250,000 Per Award
• Topic Number: A254-028

Army SBIR|STTR Submission Window

• Pre-Release Dates (Open Q&A Only): Apr. 2 – Apr. 23, 2025
• Open Period (Proposal Submissions): Apr. 23 – May. 21, 2025

Get Started

Visit the Army SBIR|STTR website and linked topic pages for more details. Submit proposals via the Defense SBIR|STTR Innovation Portal.

About the Army SBIR|STTR Program 

Army SBIR actively releases funding opportunities, including Phase I funding for commercially viable, feasible, and technically sound solutions. Firms with mature technologies that meet Phase I requirements can progress to Phase II or begin directly with Direct to Phase II contracts. Army experts in technical, acquisition, and operational fields guide businesses to align their innovations with the Army’s critical needs throughout the process.

The Army STTR integrates small businesses into the Army innovation ecosystem by coordinating with universities, federally funded research and development centers, or qualified non-profit research institutions. Small businesses serve as prime contractors, performing at least 40% of the work, while research partners complete at least 30%.

ASA(ALT) leverages innovative technologies to give Soldiers a decisive advantage in any environment by developing, acquiring, fielding and sustaining the world’s finest equipment and services. For more information, visit the ASA(ALT) web page and follow @ArmyASAALT.

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