Technology, Research & Development
September 15, 2025
Army launches VC-style model FUZE program to invest early in promising military tech
WASHINGTON — In line with the Army’s sprawling modernization efforts, the service announced today it is standing up a new program called Army FUZE, a venture-capital-like acquisition model designed to speed up the private development of emerging technologies for later use by soldiers. The FUZE program aims to invest $750 million per year in emerging, nontraditional, or “bleeding-edge tech firms,” through four existing initiatives: the xTech program, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the Tech Maturation Initiative (TMI) and the Manufacturing Technology office (ManTech), according to Army Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology Chris Manning.
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August 14, 2025
DoD Digitial OnRamp Initiative Summary
The DoD Digital OnRamp initiative is a transformative effort led by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to streamline and modernize how the Department of Defense (DoD) engages with private sector innovators, academia, and startups. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
🔍 Purpose and Vision
The Digital OnRamp is designed to:
- Bridge the gap between commercial/academic technology providers and DoD mission needs.
- Simplify discovery and engagement by using AI to match private sector capabilities with DoD opportunities.
- Lower barriers to entry for small and medium-sized businesses, startups, and academic institutions seeking to work with the DoD[1] [2].
🧠 Technology Backbone
At its core, Digital OnRamp leverages:
- Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) to interpret plain-English descriptions of technologies and match them with DoD needs [3].
- Secure, scalable infrastructure with Impact Level 2 (IL2) and IL4 environments to protect sensitive data[4] [3].
- Modular architecture allowing flexible integration and replacement of AI tools to keep pace with technological advancements [5].
🛠️ Key Features
- Single Sign-On Platform: Users can access a unified interface to search across multiple databases like SAM.gov, SBIR/STTR, Vulcan SOF, etc. [5].
- AI-Powered Matching: Both DoD users and commercial entities can input their needs or capabilities and receive tailored matches [4] [3].
- Online Training & Regional Support: Matched users receive educational resources and can connect with nearby support offices (e.g., Navy Tech Bridges, Air Force Spark Cells) [1] [5].
- User Personalization: The platform adapts to user profiles, offering alerts for new opportunities and customized guidance [5].
🏢 Innovation OnRamp Hubs
Complementing the digital platform, DIU has launched physical OnRamp Hubs in five states (e.g., Seattle, Kansas, Ohio, Arizona, Hawaii) to:
- Serve as off-base front doors for innovators to engage with DoD.
- Facilitate regional coordination and outreach.
- Provide collaborative spaces for DoD intrapreneurs and external partners [2].
📈 Impact and Results
- In a December 2024 tech demo, 100 test users submitted over 7,000 queries, resulting in real contracts and solutions for DoD mission needs [4] [5] [3].
- The MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is set to launch in Fall 2025, with a goal of onboarding at least 1,000 users [1] [4].
🤝 Who Can Participate?
- Startups, SMEs, universities, and researchers with innovative technologies.
- DoD professionals seeking commercial solutions to mission challenges.
- Regional innovation ecosystems looking to collaborate with defense stakeholders.
References
[1] DoD Digital OnRamp MVP Sign Up – diu.mil
[2] DOD opens new Innovation OnRamp Hubs across 5 states
[3] Large Language Matchmaker: DIU tests AI to automatically bring …
[4] DIU to Launch Digital OnRamp Platform This Fall – MeriTalk
[5] DIU Platform to Link Private Sector Innovation with Defense Needs
May 16, 2025
Challenge.Gov
Challenge.Gov, managed by the General Services Administration, is a leading program that supports federal agencies to mature and scale the use of prize competitions in order to advance their missions. Through the Challenge.Gov website, federal agencies can engage public solvers in challenges and prize competitions (together referred to as “prize competitions”) to identify innovative solutions to critical issues.
To find a challenge, click here.
April 16, 2025
USPTO announces new group to mitigate threats to the patent system
Today, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced creating a new group to expand the agency’s efforts to mitigate threats and protect the integrity of the U.S. patent system. The USPTO’s Patent Fraud Detection and Mitigation Working Group represents the agency’s continued commitment to limit improper activity in patent applications and reexamination proceedings at USPTO and reduce patent application pendency.
To read more, click here.
April 11, 2025
Modernizing Defense Acquisitions and Spurring Innovation in the Defense Industrial Base
Executive Orders – April 9, 2025
As Chief Executive and Commander in Chief, I am committed to ensuring that the United States military possesses the most lethal warfighting capabilities in the world. America’s defense industrial base is central to this effort. Similarly, the defense acquisition workforce is a national strategic asset that will be decisive in any conflict, where the factory floor can be just as significant as the battlefield.
Government agency responses due between June 8 and October 6, 2025.
To read more, click here.
March 27, 2025
Six Essential Tips for Understanding Intellectual Property Rights Under Government Contracts
Contractors navigating federal procurement must understand how IP is created, owned, and licensed under government agreements. The failure to properly manage IP rights can lead to the unintended loss of ownership, competitive disadvantages, or disputes with the government over licensing terms. These six tips will help contractors protect their innovations while remaining compliant with government regulations.
To read more, click here.
March 27, 2025
Leveraging USPTO Delays To Maximize Patent Term
Before the USPTO was subject to a hiring freeze, it assumed it would onboard 400 new examiners between fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2026, and still predicted an increase in the backlog of unexamined patent applications. With a hiring freeze in place, the current backlog at nearly 838,000 unexamined patent applications, and the wait for initial examination already over 20 months, applicants can expect the time required to obtain a patent to increase.
To read more, click here.
March 26, 2025
Defense SBIR/STTR Program
DoD uses the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) funding mechanism to procure basic and applied research via issuing topics for scientific study and experimentation, which are directed towards advancing the state-of-the-art, increasing knowledge, or understanding, instead of focusing on, a specific system or hardware solution.
To learn more about funding opportunities and schedule click here.
March 7, 2025
Pentagon aims to accelerate acquisition of new tech through software-contracting change – buyers must default to rapid-acquisition processes long used by DIU, SecDef memo orders
“While the commercial industry has rapidly adjusted to a software-defined product reality, DoD has struggled to reframe our acquisition process from a hardware-centric to a software-centric approach,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote in the March 6 memo. “Software is at the core of every weapon and supporting system we field to remain the strongest, most lethal fighting force in the world.”
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