Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Innovation Challenge

MARCH 10-12, 2026 | RALEIGH, NC
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Accelerating the Future of Smart, Functional, and Sustainable Textiles for Defense and Beyond

The U.S. textile defense industrial base is at a critical inflection point. While advances in materials science and manufacturing have transformed other sectors, fiber and textile production in the United States continues to face constraints from outdated automation, import competition, and fragmented micro-factory ecosystems. The Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Innovation Challenge calls on innovators to develop and demonstrate the next generation of fiber-based systems that are responsive, tailorable, and scalable—enabling rapid design and production to meet emerging Department of Defense (DoD) requirements.

In alignment with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Manufacturing Technology Program, this Challenge seeks groundbreaking solutions that strengthen the domestic textile industrial base through advanced design, automation, data integration, and manufacturing innovation.

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.

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Focus Areas:

Innovators are encouraged to submit solutions that advance one or more of the following priority areas:

Textile Test Methods and Validation
Automated Technologies for Textile Manufacturing
Manufacturing of Advanced Textile Materials and Components
Digital Engineering and Digital Manufacturing
Data and IP Management for Digital Traceability Across the U.S. Textile Defense Supply Chain
Domestic Supply Chain Surety

This challenge does not declare a single winner; instead, individuals selected to participate are honored as finalists.

Application Areas

Solutions may apply across multiple defense and commercial sectors, including:

Advanced protective systems for military and first responders
Space and aerospace structures
Maritime composites and high-durability applications
Energy-efficient manufacturing and supply chain integration
Wearable or deployable systems with embedded intelligence

Challenge Benefits

Selected innovators will receive:

Showcase opportunity at the 2026 TechConnect World Innovation Conference & Expo
Invitation to pitch before government, corporate, and investment leaders
Eligibility for pilot funding and partnership opportunities through affiliated federal and industrial partners
Visibility across the national innovation ecosystem, including integration into future textile industrial base initiatives

Eligibility & Timeline

Open to U.S.-based companies, universities, and research institutions advancing fiber and textile innovation with potential defense or dual-use applications.

Applications Due: January 15, 2026
Finalists Notified: early February 2026
Pitch Event: March 10-12, 2026 at TechConnect World Innovation Conference in Raleigh, NC

Questions? Please contact Laura Murphree: Laura@techconnect.org

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2025 SBIR/STTR AGENCY PARTNERS

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