NASA SBIR Ignite Catalyst - Hybrid Electric Power for Drones

Enabling Deep Tech/Driven Dual Use Companies to Scale

NASA has launched a new SBIR program that promises to provide continuous funding at development milestones. It's called SBIR Ignite!

SBIR Ignite is a new way for small businesses that have a commercially-viable technology idea (TRL 4+) to use NASA as a stepping stone in their path towards commercial success.

The program includes community/ecosystem building and an acceleration component called the SBIR Ignite Catalyst Program in advance of the release of the solicitation. The SBIR Ignite Catalyst Program is designed to help founders at any stage learn more about and prepare to apply for SBIR Ignite funding. This call for applications is for you to participate where you will get paired with and build relationships with relevant investors, NASA SMEs, other relevant government funders, about your invention/product/company vision.

All applicants (who can attend in person or virtually) can join general admission sessions, including expert panel discussions and networking events.

Ten applicants at each event will be selected to talk about their technology one-on-one at the event with NASA subject matter experts, venture investors, government officials, regulatory experts, and communications and marketing strategists.

This application is for concepts around hybrid electric power and the event will be juxtaposed alongside the AIAA Aviation 2023 conference in San Diego!

Details:

With the growing demand for sustainable aviation, there is an urgent need to develop primary power plants that can deliver high performance while minimizing environmental impact.
We need power plants that include high fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiency, low weight, and the ability to operate on net zero fuels.

Components are sought for integration, ground, and potential flight testing for a 1500 lbs. class hybrid electric drone. Proposals should support market introduction to the existing large UAV or the emerging electric and hybrid electric aircraft markets. We are looking for ideas and solutions applicable for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Aircraft in the 1500 to 5000 lbs size class with near term market entry onramp.

Some examples of of this are, but not limited to:
A turbofan with generator, power electronics, and liquid cooled thermal management
An internal combustion engine with generator, power electronics, and liquid cooled thermal management, including those equipped to run unleaded fuels or other net zero fuels
A fuel cell with integrated balance of plant for regulated electrical output and thermal management
A combination of the above technologies into a combined cycle power system

Innovative power plants will be critical in enabling hybrid electric drones to fly longer distances, carry heavier payloads, and perform more complex missions.

References
Subsonic Single Aft Engine (SUSAN) Aircraft - Glenn Research Center | NASA, https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/aeronautics/eap/airplane-concepts/susan/

More Information at https://www.h4xlabs.com/sbirignitecatalyst and https://sbir.nasa.gov/ignite.
If you have further questions or inquiries reach out to h4xlabs@bmnt.com.