Due: March 7, 2025

The TechConnect Critical Technology Challenge: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing is a premier open innovation program designed to accelerate solutions to the most pressing challenges in materials science and manufacturing. Aligned with the critical technology priorities identified by the federal government, this Challenge seeks bold, transformative ideas that advance the development of innovative materials, enhance manufacturing processes, and enable sustainability, scalability, and resilience across industries.

Accelerate your Critical Innovations:

Participate in the nation’s largest pooling of federal, private, and corporate funding and acceleration opportunities!

• Pitch on a Global Stage – Present your solution to key industry, investment and government decision-makers and funders.
• Access Funders – Connect directly with leadership representing over $8 Billion in annual emerging technology funding through SBIR and OTA contract offices and vehicles.
• Shape the Conversation – Position yourself and your innovation at the forefront of the industry’s transformation, influencing the direction of policy, funding, and development.

Areas of Interest:

• Advanced Materials & Nanotech
• Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing
• Rare Earths & Critical Materials
• Advanced Coatings & Surfaces
• Energy & Sustainable Materials
• AI for Materials & Manufacturing
• Characterization & Imaging
• Biomaterials & Biofabrication
• Manufacturing in Space
• And more…

WHO SHOULD APPLY

Our industry and government tech scouts seek cutting-edge, commercially viable innovations, including technologies from: University and research labs with actionable IP and spinouts; startups seeking investment, licensing, partnering actions; and Federal awardees (i.e., SBIR, OTA DARPA. ARPAE, ARPAH, BARDA).

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Submit your technology for review. If selected, you will confirm your position and pitch to a panel of investment, industry, and national security leadership in Austin, Texas at the conference.

PITCH & SHOWCASE

TechConnect will notify finalists in early April. Selected companies must confirm their participation through either a registration or showcase fee, as indicated upon notification.

Pitch dates: June 9-11, 2025
Challenge location: JW Marriott | Austin, TX