The United States Department of the Navy is moving fast. They have changed the SBIR and STTR programs. They want technology in the hands of sailors, and they want it now.
Here is what is happening:
Speed is the point. The Navy cut contract wait times by 60%. Small businesses cannot wait for money. Now they do not have to.
Navy Launch. This program helps Phase II companies find private capital. It turns a prototype into a product. It moves tech from the lab to the fleet.
Dual-use tech. The Navy wants tools that work for the warfighter and the commercial market. It makes the business strong and the Navy stronger.
Real testing. The Navy SBIR Experimentation Cell (DoN-SEC) puts tech on ships early. They find out what works in the salt spray before they buy it.
The deadline for the 2026 Navy Launch track is March 23.
Apply. Move fast.