By Daniel Smoot, Office of Army Innovation Programs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army unveiled new immersive, wearable, and sensor funding opportunities through its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Program. Beginning in May 2025, these initiatives aim to empower innovators to revolutionize military logistics, streamline infrastructure repairs, enhance communication systems, and boost Soldier visual capabilities and navigation in challenging mission environments.

Army challenges

Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality for Railroad Inspection & Maintenance: The Army SBIR|STTR Program seeks proposals from businesses to develop stand-alone Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality systems for railroad inspection, maintenance, and training. These systems will enhance military logistics and infrastructure repair by providing real-time visualization, predictive capabilities, and interactive digital overlays. Proposals should address the limitations of traditional methods by streamlining processes, reducing downtime, and improving accuracy in remote or high-risk environments. Inspired by technologies like the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, these solutions must deliver robust, scalable, and practical applications that empower Soldiers and strengthen operational efficiency.

• Immersive & Wearables | A254-031 | A25D-010
• Phase I (Feasibility Study)
• Maximum Six Months | $250,000 Per Award

Emerging Materials for Cryogenic Optical Modulation: The Army SBIR|STTR Program is targeting small businesses with the expertise to develop electro-optic modulators with high modulation efficiency at cryogenic temperatures (< 100 K) for advanced Army infrared imaging systems. Businesses must deliver compact, energy-efficient EOM solutions with low bit error rates (<1E-10), compatibility with digital read-out integrated circuits, and data rates exceeding 20 Gbps. Proposals must prioritize scalability, align with DROIC I/O voltages, and integrate into current foundry processes, favoring technologies capable of becoming standard foundry offerings.

• Sensors | A254-032 | A25D-011
• Phase I (Feasibility Study)
• Maximum Six Months | $250,000 Per Award

Turn-Key Micro Optical-Frequency-Comb Module: The Army SBIR|STTR Program is looking for small businesses capable of developing a low size, weight, and power soliton-based miniature optical frequency comb module. Businesses will deliver a turn-key microcomb prototype, including an external pump laser within a 14-pin butterfly package and control electronics. Proposals will address GPS vulnerabilities, increased bandwidth demand, and the need for low-noise, stable microwave sources in military systems. Businesses will design solutions with features like direct laser pumping, multi-modality operation, and electronic control to support Department of Defense applications and advance photonics research.

• Sensors | A254-033 | A25D-012
• Phase I (Feasibility Study)
• Maximum Six Months | $250,000 Per Award

Micro Display for Augmented Reality Information Overlay: The Army SBIR|STTR Program seeks small businesses to develop advanced micro displays for ground Soldiers. This project optimizes micro-light-emitting diode and organic LED technologies for integration into head-mounted augmented reality systems, enhancing battlefield awareness while reducing power consumption. Vendors will leverage fabrication expertise to create high-resolution, lightweight displays that run on AA batteries for hours. With military and civilian applications, this initiative funds companies to prototype, fabricate, and characterize cutting-edge solutions.

• Sensors | A254-035 | A25D-014
• Phase I (Feasibility Study)
• Maximum 6 Months | $250,000 Per Award

Single Aperture Night Plus Polarization Compass: The Army SBIR|STTR Program needs small businesses to develop a Single Aperture Night plus Polarization Compass to enhance Soldiers’ targeting accuracy. By merging night and polarization channels into a single aperture, the SANPC should improve azimuth accuracy while reducing system weight, complexity, and cost. This initiative will provide funding for companies capable of designing and delivering advanced celestial compasses for handheld systems, with military and civilian applications.

• Sensors | A254-037
• Direct to Phase II (Prototype Development)
• Maximum 24 Months | $2 Million Per Award

Meta Lens Solar Compass: The Army SBIR|STTR Program seeks small businesses to develop a solar compass prototype that uses meta lens technology to enhance performance while reducing weight and cost of handheld systems. By replacing bulky, multi-element optical systems with a single-element meta lens, the solution will simplify design, improve accuracy, and lower costs for celestial navigation applications like the Joint Effects Targeting System. The meta lens solar compass will provide precise azimuth information for geo-locating objects over 5 km, ensuring greater efficiency and performance in military operations.

• Sensors | A254-038
• Direct to Phase II (Prototype Development)
• Maximum 24 Months | $2 Million Per Award

Army SBIR|STTR submission window

• Pre-Release Dates (Open Q&A Only): May 7 – May 27,2025
• Open Period (Proposal Submissions): May 28 – June 25, 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.

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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