Federal GrantDOD
DoD AFWERX Open Topic SBIR Phase I
Department of the Air Force / Space Force
Max Funding
$75,000
Deadline
2026-09-15
Location
Nationwide (US)
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Deadline scheduled for 2026-09-15. Export directly to your schedule.
Program Summary & Scope
AFWERX Open Topic enables early-stage technology companies to adapt commercial innovations for U.S. Air Force and Space Force defense applications. Phase I funds customer discovery to identify Air Force end-users for follow-on Phase II contracts.
Key Requirements & Eligibility Criteria
- Customer discovery period lasts 3 months to secure Air Force Stakeholder signatures
- Fast-track eligibility for Phase II awards up to $1.25M upon successful customer matching
- 51%+ U.S. ownership required at time of award
Eligible Startup Stages
Pre-SeedSeed
Target Industries & Sectors
DefenseTechAIHardwareDeepTech