By Daniel Smoot, Office of Army Innovation Programs 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army released 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 Predictive Simulation of Injury Progression solicitation will provide Army medics a deeper understanding of how treatment decisions influence long-term recovery.

Army Challenge

Current moulage techniques do not adapt to correct or incorrect treatments and fail to depict internal healing processes or physiological issues caused by improper care. To address this limitation, the Army asks small businesses to develop advanced technologies that dynamically simulate combat-related injuries and internal physiological responses over time.

Digital tools, such as thin-film displays, could enable trainees to view realistic injury simulations, apply treatments, and observe injury progression or regression within minutes. These technologies could deliver critical insights into anatomical and physiological changes, enhancing medics’ understanding of injury progression.

These advancements may also equip medics to handle the demands of Prolonged Casualty Care in future Multi-Domain Operations and Large-Scale Combat Operations. These scenarios restrict casualty evacuation and require extended treatment in environments with anti-access and area denial tactics. The ideal solution should enhance realism and reduces the burden on trainees, enabling practical and effective training without relying on head-worn devices beyond standard safety equipment.

• Funding Area: Immersive and Wearable
• Phase: Phase I (Feasibility Study)
• Performance Period: Maximum 6 Months
• Funding: Maximum $250,000 Per Award
• Topic Number: A254-029

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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