MARCH 10-12, 2026 | RALEIGH, NC
View Co-Located Events



Critical Technology Challenge: Advanced Materials


 

Addressing National Priorities Through Scalable, Secure, and High-Performance Systems

The Critical Technology Challenge is an open-innovation program focused on accelerating breakthrough technologies in alignment with evolving strategic priorities for national security, infrastructure modernization, and economic competitiveness. In 2026, the spotlight is on electronics and microsystems, showcasing innovations in advanced semiconductors, microelectronics, embedded systems, and secure hardware platforms. Join us in Raleigh to define the future of electronics and microsystems!


Why Participate?

Pitch on a global stage – Showcase your electronics or microsystems innovation to top-tier industry, government, and investor decision-makers.

Access major funding – Engage with leaders controlling over $8 billion annually through SBIR, OTA, and related funding vehicles.

Shape the future – Position your innovation at the epicenter of policymaking and industry strategy. 

Submit Now


 

Areas of Interest:

  • Semiconductor devices, fabrication, and materials
  • Advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration
  • MEMS, NEMS, and other microsystems
  • Embedded systems, chip-scale systems, and sensors
  • Secure hardware and cyber-physical security
  • Edge computing and low-power electronics
  • Photonic and optoelectronic systems
  • Radiation-hardened and high-reliability electronics
  • Flexible, stretchable, and wearable electronics
  • and other high-impact innovations in electronics and microsystems

WHO SHOULD APPLY

Ideal participants include:

  • Universities, national labs, and research groups with actionable IP
  • Startups in need of funding, licensing, or strategic partnerships
  • SBIR/STTR and other federally funded innovators seeking growth

 

 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

  1. Submit your Innovation – Open submission window through early 2026.
  2. Pitch and Showcase – If selected, you’ll receive an invitation to present live at the event.
  3. Register to Confirm
  4. Pitch in Raleigh, NC, March 10–12, 2026.
 

Key Dates

  • Submission Deadline: December 15, 2026
  • Finalist Notification: January 2026
  • Pitch & Showcase: March 10–12, 2026
  • Location: Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, NC

Questions? Please contact Emma Mooney: emma.mooney@techconnect.org

 

2025 SPONSORS & PARTNERS

2025 Sponsors & Partners

 

2025 SBIR/STTR AGENCY PARTNERS

SBIR/STTR Agency Partners
TechConnect

Produced by

TechConnect

© Copyright 2025 TechConnect. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use