Magnetic Acceleration Generating New Innovations And Tactical Outcomes Sbir/STTR (Magnito Sbir/STTR)

The Magnetic Acceleration Generating New Innovations and Tactical Outcomes SBIR/STTR (MAGNITO SBIR/STTR) funding opportunity is a competitive research initiative issued by the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The program is aimed at supporting the discovery, synthesis, and characterization of new high-performance magnetic materials, including both soft and hard magnets, that exceed the saturation magnetization and maximum energy product of existing materials. This initiative builds on the legacy of earlier breakthroughs such as Nd2Fe14B magnets and seeks new complex, multi-element materials through advanced computational and experimental methods. MAGNITO specifically targets small businesses through the SBIR/STTR mechanism, aiming to stimulate technological innovation and promote commercialization potential. Applicants are expected to integrate expertise in computational materials discovery (including AI and machine learning), solid-state chemistry, magnetism physics, and high-throughput synthesis and testing. While application engineering is not the primary focus, applicants must demonstrate awareness of manufacturing and cost considerations, including technoeconomic analysis, supply chain risks, and scalability of magnetic material production. Potential applications in motors, energy systems, and other domains requiring ultra-strong magnets are also critical components of proposed projects. The program allocates approximately $20 million across two funding opportunities (DE-FOA-0003590 and DE-FOA-0003591), with the expectation of awarding 6–10 cooperative agreements or grants. Each award may range from $500,000 to $3,000,000, with no cost-sharing requirement. Funding is restricted to allowable federal cost principles and emphasizes spending in the U.S., including equipment procurement and manufacturing. A minimum of 5% of federal funds must be dedicated to technology transfer and outreach (TT&O) activities. Applicants may also include reasonable patent filing costs and profit or fee margins up to 7%. Eligible applicants are U.S. small business concerns only, as defined by the SBA, including those partnering with research institutions for STTR submissions. The primary investigator must be employed by the small business or partnering research institution, depending on the type of award (SBIR or STTR). Proposals involving foreign nationals or foreign entities must comply with specific waiver and security disclosure requirements. ARPA-E emphasizes that all project work must be completed in the United States unless explicitly waived. The submission process begins with a mandatory concept paper, which is due by September 24, 2025, at 9:30 AM ET. Full application deadlines and review phases are not yet announced. The anticipated timeframe for selection notifications is February 2026, with award start dates in June 2026. The performance period extends to June 2029. All applicants must register with SBIR.gov and submit applications through ARPA-E eXCHANGE. Contact for questions is ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov. Applications are evaluated based on scientific merit, potential technological impact, qualifications of the project team, soundness of the management plan, and commercialization potential. ARPA-E maintains substantial involvement throughout project execution, with frequent milestone reviews and the authority to terminate projects that fail to meet expectations.

Submit early to avoid server congestion. Ensure concept paper is responsive and complete. Review reviewer comments carefully and prepare an optional response.