Want DoD Funding? Start with a Poster at TechConnect
- Tom Kenny
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
With Defense TechConnect 2025 around the corner (November 19–21, National Harbor, MD), it’s time to look beyond exhibits and keynotes—and focus on one of the most strategic visibility opportunities in the defense innovation landscape: Poster Submissions.
What Is the Defense TechConnect Poster Program?
At its core, the poster program is a curated showcase of cutting-edge technologies, research breakthroughs, and dual-use innovations that matter to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
Participants prepare a visual display (poster) of their innovation, which is then presented in a dedicated setting where military tech scouts, government funders, and defense contractors are actively engaging.
It’s not just a display. It’s a high-touch gateway to partnership, funding, and long-term visibility.
Why It Matters at Techconnect?
DoD Visibility: Poster presenters gain face time with program managers and acquisition leads actively looking for new solutions
Access to Non-Dilutive Funding: Federal grant and OT program leaders attend with real funding authority
Dual-Use Pathways: Research and products that serve both civilian and defense markets are prioritized
Interactive Format: Poster sessions foster more meaningful 1:1 feedback than typical pitch or panel formats
Commercial Readiness Feedback: Innovators gain real-time validation (or refinement) for market deployment and defense procurement alignment
Recent Standouts from Defense Techconnect 2024
2024 poster presenters included:
Industrial Production of Boron Nitride Nanotubes (Naieel Co)
Autonomous Corrosion Prevention Systems (Zulu Pods, Inc.)
AI-Optimized Tactical Missile Design (Politecnico di Torino)
Related Opportunity: DoD SBIR/STTR FY2025 Schedule
For innovators showcasing tech with defense potential, poster submission is just the beginning. One of the most actionable funding pathways tied to Defense TechConnect is the DoD SBIR/STTR program, managed by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)).
With nearly $2 billion in annual funding, the SBIR/STTR program offers early-stage, non-dilutive capital to small businesses advancing R&D with commercialization potential. The FY2025 cycles are already on the horizon:
Cycle 25.1 / 25.A: Pre-release Dec 4, 2024 → Open Jan 8, 2025 → Closes Feb 5, 2025
Cycle 25.2 / 25.B: Pre-release Apr 2, 2025 → Open Apr 23, 2025 → Closes May 21, 2025
Presenting a poster at Defense TechConnect is a strategic way to gain visibility with DoD program managers—some of whom oversee SBIR/STTR topic areas. If your technology demonstrates feasibility and DoD mission fit, a poster can open the door to future funding through these cycles.
The Bottom Line:
Poster submissions offer a unique advantage for non-traditional DoD innovators:
It’s cost-effective
It maximizes exposure to the right stakeholders
It sets the stage for follow-on funding and collaboration
Whether you’re a startup, lab, or academic team, TechConnect’s poster track is your front door to the defense innovation ecosystem.
Applications are now open for 2025. Start planning your submission and position your tech for national impact.
Need help navigating DoD funding or submitting a compelling poster? GMA helps innovators align with defense priorities, build fundable narratives, and secure non-dilutive capital.
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