FedTech 10: 9 Startup Success Stories

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These companies illustrate how entrepreneurs, federal labs, and innovation programs collaborate to transform advanced research into real-world solutions.

Some launched through FedTech-led programs, while others joined later to accelerate growth. Each gained strategic partnerships, new opportunities, and clear pathways to scale.

Spanning energy, advanced manufacturing, AI, defense, space exploration, and more, these ventures show how lab-developed technologies evolve into companies that strengthen industries, advance national priorities, and compete on a global stage.

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Andluca Technologies

FedTech Startup Studio, Spring 2018

Retrofitting dynamic glass is expensive and disruptive. Andluca’s UV-powered, wireless smart glass installs without rewiring, making energy-efficient window upgrades easier and more cost-effective. Modeling and pilot projects have shown significant energy savings and peak load reductions.

Notable Partnerships: Selected for the NextFab RAPID Hardware Accelerator (2020) and received follow-on support through the Luminate NY initiative (2021), advancing commercialization and market readiness.

Learn more about Andluca Technologies

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The SMART Tire Company

NASA Startup Studio 2020

Flats and tire waste cause downtime, high costs, and environmental harm. SMART Tire’s airless, shape-memory alloy “METL™” tires, adapted from NASA tech, eliminate flats and offer exceptional durability. Initial rollout focuses on cycling, with pilots in micromobility and other transportation sectors.

Notable Partnerships: Partnered with Spin (2021) to pilot airless tire technology in micromobility, followed by collaborations with Hyundai Motor Group (2022) and ongoing work with NASA Glenn Research Center and Felt Bicycles to bring space-age tire technology to market.

Learn more about The SMART Tire Company

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Safire Technology Group, Inc.

FedTech Startup Studio, Spring 2020

Lithium-ion batteries are prone to thermal runaway during impacts or failures, creating safety risks. Safire’s shear-thickening electrolyte (STE) solidifies on impact, protecting cells without redesign. This innovation improves safety and survivability, with scale-up efforts underway for defense and commercial applications.

Notable Partnerships: Announced a strategic partnership with Glatfelter (Nov 2023) to scale next-generation battery materials and accelerate deployment across defense and commercial applications.

Learn more about Safire Technology Group, Inc.

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Direct Kinetic Solutions (DKS)

FedTech Startup Studio, Spring 2019; xTechEnergy; Innovation Combine 2

Conventional batteries degrade quickly in space and extreme environments, limiting mission performance. DKS develops long-duration radioisotopic power sources that provide reliable, multi-year energy for CubeSats, IoT devices, and defense sensors, reducing maintenance demands and extending mission lifespans.

Notable Partnerships: Featured in NSF SBIR award announcements (2024) and recognized through a TechLink collaboration (2023), solidifying its position as a key player in advanced power solutions for defense and space.

Learn more about Direct Kinetic Solutions (DKS)

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Chiplytics

FedTech Startup Studio, Fall 2020

Counterfeit or defective microelectronics threaten defense and aerospace systems. Chiplytics’ non-destructive, signals-based authentication platform rapidly verifies parts, improving supply chain security and reliability for critical missions.

Notable Partnerships: Awarded a USAF Phase II STTR (Dec 2024) in collaboration with CALCE/University of Maryland, expanding their verification tools to protect the defense electronics supply chain.

Learn more about Chiplytics

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Canopy Aerospace & Defense (FKA Canopy Aerospace)

FedTech Startup Studio 2021

Traditional thermal protection systems (TPS) for hypersonics and re-entry vehicles are slow and costly to produce. Canopy’s additive manufacturing approach accelerates TPS development and qualification, reducing costs and timelines while advancing mission readiness.

Notable Partnerships: Secured two USAF contracts totaling $2.8M (2024) and continued development work with NASA Langley and Texas A&M University, advancing mission-critical thermal protection systems.

Learn more about Canopy Aerospace & Defense

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dMetrics

xTechSearch 6; xTechSearch 8

Organizations struggle to process massive volumes of unstructured text data. dMetrics’ Minsky platform turns raw text into decision-ready intelligence, enabling faster, more informed analysis. In 2024, the company received a $99.5M DoD/DTIC Production OT to support multi-agency AI/ML deployments, building on earlier prototypes with the Army Geospatial Center.

Notable Partnerships: Awarded a $99.5M, five-year Production OT (Oct 2024) by the DoD/DTIC, following successful prototype projects with the Army Geospatial Center (AGC) and other intelligence community partners.

Learn more about dMetrics

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BILT Incorporated

xTechSearch 6

Complex assembly and maintenance processes often lead to errors and delays. BILT’s 3D interactive instructions simplify training and reduce mistakes. Recent integrations with spatial computing platforms expand its use for immersive, hands-on training in commercial and defense settings.

Notable Partnerships: Released BILT for Apple Vision Pro retail demos (Dec 2024) and announced a Siemens partnership (2025) for immersive XR training, alongside a USAF STRATFI award to expand defense maintenance training.

Learn more about BILT Incorporated

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Neurable

Army Applied SBIR Cohort Bravo 2023; xTechPrime; FY23 Army TABA Phase II; FY23 Army TABA Phase I

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have been limited to research labs. Neurable’s consumer-grade BCI headphones (MW75 Neuro) bring EEG-based focus and cognitive insights into everyday workflows, making advanced neurotech accessible to broader markets.

Notable Partnerships: Partnered with Master & Dynamic (2024) to launch the MW75 Neuro, the first consumer-grade BCI headphone designed for everyday use.

Learn more about Neurable

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These companies illustrate how entrepreneurs, federal labs, and innovation programs collaborate to transform advanced research into real-world solutions.

Some launched through FedTech-led programs, while others joined later to accelerate growth. Each gained strategic partnerships, new opportunities, and clear pathways to scale.

Spanning energy, advanced manufacturing, AI, defense, space exploration, and more, these ventures show how lab-developed technologies evolve into companies that strengthen industries, advance national priorities, and compete on a global stage.

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