The Army SBIR Catalyst Program

Purpose

Incentivize integrators and Army customers to transition innovative technologies from pilot programs, prototype projects, research and development projects and SBIR|STTR projects to scalable capabilities, software or service acquisitions. 

Objective

Broker relationships between small businesses, Army transition partners and integrators to catalyze transition potential.

How it Works – Army SBIR CATALYST Program Funding Model

The Army SBIR CATALYST Program uses a unique funding model to incentivize a shared risk structure between the small business, Army transition partners, and technology integrators to achieve successful commercialization of the technology. Projects approved receive $1 million of Army SBIR funding for an initial base period and can receive an additional $7 million in Army SBIR funding with matching funds from both the Army customer and a technology integrator partner, for a total of $15 million.

• CATALYST Base Award: The initial CATALYST award is issued as a SBIR Phase II if the project is already undergoing or completed a prior SBIR award, or Direct to Phase II if it is a new effort. The Phase II award has a total period of performance of 36 months, and an initial base period is awarded for up to $1 million with a 6- to 12-month period of performance. Subsequent enhancements may be awarded throughout the 36-month base period and require matching investments at the time of award. 
• CATALYST Enhancement: Up to $7 million in additional Army SBIR funding is available for enhancements during the overall Phase II 36-month period of performance, and require matching contributions of up to $3.5 million each from both Army transition partner(s) and technology integrator partner(s) assisting with integration and scaling of the technology, resulting in a 2:1:1 funding ratio.
• Total Potential Investment: $15 million or more per small business

Benefits for All Partners

• Small Businesses: Gain access to significant funding opportunities and facilitates strategic partnerships, accelerating technology development and transition to practical application.
• Integrators: Share risk, reduce development costs, and facilitates the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies. Offers the potential for sole-source follow-on contracts, favorable intellectual property positioning, and enhanced long-term competitive advantage.
• Army: Accelerate the acquisition of transformative technologies, strengthens the domestic industrial base, and fosters innovation to address critical Army modernization priorities.

CATALYST Eligibility

• Small Business Qualification: Applicants must qualify as a Small Business Concern and be eligible for a (SBIR or STTR award. (See the Eligibility page for details.) 
  • All research and development activities must be performed within the U.S.
• Prior SBIR/STTR Award: The proposed CATALYST effort must be based on a completed Department of Defense SBIR or STTR Phase II, Direct to Phase II, or Second Phase II award within the past four fiscal years.
• Army Transition Partner Support: A designated Army transition partner must recommend and actively support the proposed technology transition.
• Integrator Partner Commitment: A committed integrator partner, typically a Prime or Original Equipment Manufacturer that directly and regularly works with the Federal Government, must be identified to support the technology transition.

Partner Definitions

• Transition partner is the end Army customer for the technology and typically an Army organization responsible for the successful transfer of a capability from the Science & Technology (S&T) base into programs of record. While typically a Program Executive Office (PEO) – the primary stakeholder accountable for a DOD acquisition program’s cost, schedule, and performance – a transition partner may encompass any Army organization involved in the fielding process. This includes, but is not limited to, Army laboratories, PEOs, Combatant Commands (COCOMs), Army Materiel Command (AMC), and other relevant entities. 
• Integrator partner is typically a Prime Contractor or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), who is responsible for combining technologies and components to deliver a final product or system, and will be providing assistance to solve integration or scaling challenges. A prime integrator is generally a large business with a demonstrated history of direct and regular engagement with the U.S. Federal Government. Beyond prime contractors, an integrator partner can be any entity – excluding the selected small business – with direct experience working with the U.S. Government and managing subcontractors. This includes, but is not limited to, other small businesses, large businesses, and sole proprietorships, all of whom are accountable for ensuring contractual work is completed as defined. 

CATALYST Program Overview

CATALYST FY26 Kickoff: Register to attend the Oct. 30 event from 1-2 p.m. ET via Teams

• The Army SBIR CATALYST Program will host a FY26 Kickoff event on Oct. 30 via Army Teams. This event is open to all interested parties, including small businesses, integrators, and Army transition partners. 
• Attendees will gain insight into key details of the CATALYST program, with a focus on critical decision points for transition and integrator partners. A dedicated question and answer session will follow the presentation. 
• RSVP to receive the Teams invite. 

SBIR CATALYST Awardees

• Solvus Global “Rapid Repair and Restoration for Long Range Precision Fire Cannons”
  • https://armysbir.army.mil/news/catalyst-award-ignites-new-era-innovation-collaboration/
• Compound Eye “Autonomous Navigation Sensor Technologies”
  • https://armysbir.army.mil/news/compound-eyes-growing-army-partnership-leads-to-13m-in-army-sbir-catalyst-funding/
• ANDRO Computational Solutions “Advanced Signal Detection and Characterization Utilizing AI/ML”
• R-DEX Systems “Strengthening SIGINT Classifiers and Identifying Adversarial Attacks”
• EM Photonics “Local Wind Measuring Device”
• MaXentric Technologies “Wideband, Programmable, Multifunctional TRX Module”
• LiquidPiston “Compact Mobile Command Post Auxiliary Power Unit”
• Orbital Research “Networked Lethality Using Weaponized UAS”
• Near Earth Autonomy “Rotorcraft Uncrewed Conversion Kit”