Innovation Update May 15, 2026

NEW! SBIR Coffee Hour: Join Washington APEX Accelerator for SBIR Coffee Hour on 27 May. If you’re a business just discovering the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program, you’re not alone!  Topics covered: SBIR’s history since 1977; Eligibility, agencies, and the three-phase process; Funding amounts, application steps, IP ownership, and commercialization tips; Realistic success rates and free local support. Join virtually or in-person at Lacey MakerSpace at the St. Martin’s campus on May 27 from 9 AM – 10 AM! Register here 

Lockheed Martin is releasing its show of interest for the Department of War Release 2 (R2) 2026 SBIR topics.  The purpose of this listing is to help small businesses seeking SBIR/STTR development connect with the appropriate Lockheed Martin business area points of contact to explore opportunities for collaboration and innovation.  A topic not shown from this release indicates no Lockheed Martin interest.  Contact gsmith@thurstonedc.com for a list of topics and a quad-chart template.

Innovate with ERDC – The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is seeking innovative solutions to modernize the Army’s Prime Power capability through the integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with legacy generator assets, including the MEP‑810D diesel generator. Up to $6,000,000 may be available to make several awards. Submission deadline: May 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM CT View project details & submit: www.erdcwerx.org/testing-evaluation-of-medium-voltage-power-options/ Stay informed! Sign up to receive notifications about future project announcements:    www.erdcwerx.org/join-our-ecosystem/ 

Innovate with DOE – The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation today announced $52 million for 20 projects across 15 states to enhance the competitiveness of American industry and support the onshoring of American manufacturing. Selected projects will accelerate the development of secure, affordable energy technologies in trade-exposed industries to reduce reliance on imports while driving economic growth and supporting job creation for American families and businesses across the country. 

New Topics Monthly – On the first Wednesday of every month, the Department of War releases innovation topics for small businesses through the DoW SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). There are currently 100 active SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) topics, 23 active STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) topics, and 11 active CSOs (Commercial Solutions Opening). 

Commercialization: Strategy Matters – Every successful SBIR proposal requires a rock-solid commercialization plan. Invest time and effort into your commercialization strategy early and plan way beyond phase 1 – how will your company turn this technology into a profitable product? Make sure your Phase I / Phase II commercialization plan hits ALL of these: 

• Names specific end-users or programs 
• Clear Phase III transition path with estimated value/timeline 
• Claer dual-use marketability (example: military primary, with commercial upside) 
• Quantified market size + realistic revenue schedule 
• Evidence of team/company commercialization track record 
• Letters of support (highly recommended) 
• Addresses risks and non-SBIR funding path 
• Follows exact format/length required by the BAA (Broad Agency Announcement)