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MARCH 10-12, 2026 | RALEIGH, NC |
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MARCH 10-12, 2026 | RALEIGH, NC |
The intersection of AI, critical infrastructure, and energy grids are a symbiotic necessity, where AI serves as both the primary driver of new electricity demand and the essential tool for managing a complex and secure critical infrastructure. Inspired by the Department of Energy’s emerging Genesis Mission, this Challenge invites innovators to explore how advanced AI models and tools can support national critical infrastructure.
The Biotech in Space Innovation Challenge invites innovators developing transformative solutions that harness unique aspects of space environments — including microgravity, space radiation, and autonomous systems — to accelerate breakthroughs in biotechnology, human health, and advanced biomaterials. Selected participants will gain high-impact visibility, strategic connections, and opportunities for funding and partnerships across government, industry, and investment ecosystems.
TechConnect, in partnership with the National Safety Council, invites applications from innovators and business advancing solutions and interventions with applications in the field of ergonomics. In particular, technologies with potential to reduce the frequency and/or severity of musculoskeletal disorders by mitigating MSD-related risks (e.g. forceful exertion, awkward postures and repetitive motion) in the workplace are of significant interest. Selected finalists in the Challenge will gain unmatched visibility, resources, and connections across the safety ecosystem.
he 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have transformed other sectors, fiber and textile production in the United States continues to face constraints from outdated automation, import competition, and fragmented micro-factory ecosystems.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.
The TechConnect Critical Technology Spotlight: Advanced Materials is a premier open innovation program designed to accelerate solutions to the most pressing challenges in materials science. Aligned with the critical technology priorities identified by the federal government, this Spotlight seeks bold, transformative ideas that advance the development of innovative materials, and enable sustainability, scalability, and resilience across industries.
The TechConnect Critical Technology Spotlight: Advanced Manufacturing is a premier open innovation program designed to accelerate solutions to the most pressing challenges in manufacturing. Aligned with the critical technology priorities identified by the federal government, this Spotlight seeks bold, transformative ideas that advance the development of innovative materials, and enable sustainability, scalability, and resilience across industries.
The TechConnect Critical Technology Spotlight: Artificial Intelligence is a premier open innovation program designed to accelerate solutions to the most pressing challenges in AI and machine learning. Aligned with the critical technology priorities identified by the federal government, this Spotlight seeks bold, transformative ideas that drive advancements in AI technologies, enhance system integration, and enable sustainability, scalability, and resilience across critical industries.
The TechConnect Critical Technology Spotlight: Biotech and Medical is a premier open innovation program designed to accelerate solutions to the most pressing challenges in biotechnology and medical innovation. Aligned with the critical technology priorities identified by the federal government, this Spotlight seeks bold, transformative ideas that advance breakthroughs in biomanufacturing, enhance medical technologies, and enable sustainability, scalability, and resilience in healthcare and life sciences.
The TechConnect Critical Technology Spotlight: Electronics and Microsystems is a premier open innovation program designed to accelerate solutions to the most pressing challenges in electronics and microsystems innovation. Aligned with the critical technology priorities identified by the federal government, this Spotlight seeks bold, transformative ideas that advance breakthroughs in microelectronics, enhance system integration, and enable sustainability, scalability, and resilience across critical industries.
The TechConnect Critical Technology Spotlight: Energy is a premier open innovation program designed to accelerate solutions to the most pressing challenges in electronics and microsystems innovation. Aligned with the critical technology priorities identified by the federal government, this Spotlight seeks bold, transformative ideas that advance breakthroughs in microelectronics, enhance system integration, and enable sustainability, scalability, and resilience across critical industries.
The TechConnect Critical Technology Spotlight: Space, Defense and Mobility is a premier open innovation program designed to accelerate solutions to the most pressing challenges in space, defense and mobility innovation. Aligned with the critical technology priorities identified by the federal government, this Spotlight seeks bold, transformative ideas that advance breakthroughs in space, defense and mobility across critical industries.
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