Due: January 15, 2026
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have transformed other sectors, fiber and textile production in the United States continues to face constraints from outdated automation, import competition, and fragmented micro-factory ecosystems.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.
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
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.