Proposals should address foundational technologies for extreme environments, including advanced materials, power management and edge computing — along with biosignal sensing and user interface technologies, real-time monitoring of industrial bioprocesses, and bio-inspired sensors capable of detecting a broad spectrum of environmental threats. RFP topics were selected based on a strategic technical gap analysis conducted by NBMC.

This initiative is part of a collaborative programme between SEMI and the US Air Force Research Laboratory. Selected projects will receive awards ranging from $250,000 to $750,000.

NBMC encourages proposals that address one or more of the above topic areas and aim to close identified technical gaps. Submissions may range from high-risk, novel innovations to evolutionary enhancements of existing capabilities. Projects should aim to raise the technology readiness level and manufacturing readiness level  of the targeted solutions in alignment with the goals of RFP topics.

Following the white paper review process, selected organisations will be invited to submit full proposals. The evaluation criteria include:

  • Technical rationale and innovation
  • Budget and cost realism
  • Collaborative value
  • Dual-use applicability (commercial and Air Force/DoD)
  • Alignment with RFP technical priorities
  • Schedules and milestones
  • Tangible deliverables
  • Overall proposal quality

Proposals will also be evaluated based on the proposing organisation’s capabilities, past performance and team strength.

NBMC will host a live webinar to review the RFP and submission process on

  • 8 August 2025 at 10am PDT

Registration is open to all interested parties and a recording will be made available following the event.

NBMC encourages collaborative proposals involving industry partners, research institutions, and academic teams. All NBMC-funded projects require cost sharing from recipients. Development partners retain full ownership of any intellectual property developed under the NBMC contract.

White papers, the first stage in the application process, are due by 28 August 2025.

For full details, visit the NBMC 2025 RFP webpage.