NOVEMBER 19-21, 2025 | NATIONAL HARBOR, MD
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Addressing Critical Technologies and National Priorities
Transforming Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Challenges into Opportunities.
In alignment with U.S. National Priorities and Critical Technologies, TechConnect is proud to announce its new Critical Technologies Challenge. The Critical Technology Challenge is an open innovation program designed to accelerate transformative technologies in lockstep with rapidly evolving strategic priorities for national, societal, and economic security. The Critical Technology Challenge is an extension of TechConnect's 25+ year Innovation Challenge, now with a formal alignment with national technology priority areas.
Accelerate your Critical Innovations:
Participate in the nation’s largest pooling of federal, private, and corporate funding and acceleration opportunities!
SUBMIT INNOVATION Due March 7
Have a solution? Join the Challenge and help power the next generation of advanced materials & manufacturing innovation.
Areas of Interest:
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.
SUBMIT INNOVATION Due March 7
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
Questions? Please contact Emma Mooney: emma.mooney@techconnect.org
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