This Week’s Tech Highlights:
- DOE Secretary Outlines Major Goals for the Department: Newly confirmed Secretary Wright outlines key priorities in a blog post
- DARPA to Host Regional Pop-Up Event in MN: The DARPAConnect event aims to engage small businesses, industry, and academia in defense innovation
- State Governments Navigating Government Efficiency: Amid the DOGE push at the federal level, states are looking at ways to increase efficiency
Tech Sector News:
- Advanced Manufacturing: Navy begins using 3D printed parts to repair vessels
- Biotech: DHS advances organ-on-a-chip technology to combat chemical exposure risks
- UAS: Startups secure funding to enhance drone communications & CUAS capabilities
- SpaceTech: DARPA to demo novel tech for building large structures in space
- AI: Sandia National Laboratories launched SandiaAI Chat, a secure, private instance of ChatGPT
- Quantum: LLNL and the University of Trento have developed a new quantum computing algorithm
And more!
__________________________________________________________________________
GENERAL EMERGING TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Driving Economic Growth: SBA Lending Programs and the Vital Role of Community Banks
A congressional hearing focused on SBA lending programs and the role of community banks in driving economic growth. Lawmakers discussed small businesses’ challenges, including regulations, inflation, and high interest rates, while emphasizing the need for tax cuts and reduced regulations. The goal is to create a pro-business environment that supports Main Street and strengthens community banks.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
Newly Confirmed DOE Secretary Wright Outlines to Goal “Unleash Golden Era of American Energy Dominance”
The Department of Energy (DOE) outlined key priorities to enhance U.S. energy production, innovation, and security. Key actions include expanding energy generation, streamlining regulations, refilling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, modernizing nuclear stockpiles, boosting grid reliability, and advancing nuclear power. Efforts will focus on affordability, consumer choice, and accelerating R&D in advanced technologies to ensure energy dominance and economic competitiveness.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
Amid DOGE Push, States Wrestle with Defining ‘Government Efficiency’
Several states are establishing government efficiency initiatives, inspired by a federal effort at DOGE. Iowa, Oklahoma, and New Hampshire launched programs to streamline operations and reduce costs. Texas, North Carolina, Missouri, and Kansas have formed legislative committees on efficiency, focusing on AI and waste reduction. Pennsylvania and Colorado are taking alternative approaches by modernizing services and eliminating outdated orders to enhance government effectiveness.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
DARPAConnect to Host Event in Minneapolis Next Week
DARPA is hosting a DARPAConnect Regional Pop-Up event in Minneapolis on Feb. 25, 2025, to engage small businesses, industry, and academia in national security innovation. Attendees will hear from DARPA leaders, participate in Q&A sessions, and network with program managers. The in-person event includes meals and refreshments.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
Judge Extends Pause on ‘Deferred Resignation’ Deadline
A federal judge extended the block on the administration’s “deferred resignations” program, delaying a deadline for federal workers to accept severance offers. Unions argue the program is legally flawed, while the government claims unions lack standing. Over 65,000 workers have been accepted so far. The judge gave no decision timeline, and unions vow to keep fighting the policy.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
Trump Order Limits Agency Hiring, Puts DOGE Leads in Decision-Making Roles
A new executive order limits federal hiring, requiring four departures for each new hire. Agencies must implement workforce reductions, prioritize essential roles, and cut non-mandated offices, including diversity initiatives. Hiring decisions need approval from agency leads. Monthly reports are required, with a review due in 240 days. Experts warn it may impact government tech workforce and recruitment.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
PSF ANALYSIS & INSIGHTS
PSF Analysis: Dual-Use Investor Ranking Dashboard
For too long, finding the right investors who understand both commercial and government markets has been a challenge. That’s why we built the Dual-Use Investor Rankings Dashboard. Knowing that different users may have different criteria for ranking investors, just like with our other tools (e.g. Commercialization Funnel, Regional Innovation Rankings), we have designed a tool that is interactive and flexible, allowing users to rank investors based on their criteria.With this interactive dashboard, innovation teams, founders, and policymakers can now:
- Identify investors funding dual-use technologies
- Compare investment trends across federal & commercial sectors
- Make data-driven decisions on funding partnerships
Click here to explore the dashboard.
Customize Insights for Your NeedsLooking for tailored data? Our Rapid Market Intelligence Sprints can customize critical tech datasets for your specific use case. Contact us at support@publicspendforum.net for more details.
__________________________________________________________________________
Subscribe to the Critical Tech Market Insider to get important market insights on critical tech markets and to become part of our 20,000+ community
__________________________________________________________________________
TECHNOLOGY SECTOR-SPECIFIC NEWS
Advanced Manufacturing: Additive Manufacturing Brings Money-Saving Innovations to Life at NUWC Keyport
A naval facility in Washington is advancing additive manufacturing to quickly produce and repair submarine and ship components. The MARINA Center at NUWC Keyport uses 3D printing and repair technologies to create mission-critical parts, reduce maintenance time, and cut costs. Its Innovation Center also aids reverse engineering, circuit board remanufacturing, and custom repairs to enhance fleet readiness.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
Biotech: Organ-on-a-Chip-3D Printed Tissue Allows Researchers to Study Effects of Toxic Vapors
The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has partnered with Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine to develop 3D-printed lung tissue for studying the effects of toxic chemical vapors. This cutting-edge Organ-on-a-Chip technology allows researchers to accurately replicate human responses to hazardous substances like ammonia and chlorine. The initiative aims to improve safety measures, enhance emergency response capabilities, and reduce reliance on animal testing while strengthening national security against chemical threats.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
UAS: Mistral Inc., Zoltix Win U.S.-Singapore Joint Challenge for UAS Technology and Resilient Communication Solutions
Two startups, Mistral Inc. and Zoltix, won $150,000 in a U.S.-Singapore defense challenge to advance counter-UAS and drone communication technologies. Mistral’s Victus C2 Gateway enhances CUAS detection and disruption, while Zoltix’s adaptive system improves drone communications in RF-contested environments. Other companies received $130,000 for solutions addressing maritime security and resilient drone operations in challenging conditions.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
Microelectronics: New Centers Set to Transform Microelectronics Technologies
Los Alamos National Laboratory leads the Nano Solutions On-Chip (NSOC) project to improve integrated circuits using nanoscale semiconductors for energy-efficient, radiation-tolerant electronics. NSOC joins CHIME, a new Microelectronics Science Research Center, to advance extreme-environment microelectronics. Partnering with top universities and labs, the initiative strengthens New Mexico’s role in semiconductor innovation and national security applications.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
SpaceTech: DARPA Demos Will Test Novel Tech for Building Future Large Structures in Space
DARPA’s Novel Orbital and Moon Manufacturing, Materials, and Mass-efficient Design (NOM4D) program is moving into its final phase with small-scale orbital demonstrations to test in-space manufacturing. Caltech, partnered with Momentus Inc., will launch a robotic assembly test in 2026, while the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will test a polymerization-based composite-forming process aboard the ISS. A third team from the University of Florida is advancing laser metal bending. These efforts aim to enable large-scale structures in orbit, supporting future space infrastructure and national security.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
SpaceTech: Los Alamos’ Solar Wind Experiment is the Sixth Instrument Integrated into NASA’s IMAP Spacecraft
Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Solar Wind Experiment (SWE) has been integrated into NASA’s IMAP mission. SWE will analyze solar wind electrons in real time, enhancing space weather monitoring and solar particle research. Its 3D mapping capabilities will improve understanding of electron behavior, interactions, and the Sun’s influence on the space environment, supporting IMAP’s real-time forecasting service.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
AI: Sandia Launches AI Chat Bot for Creating Efficiencies
Sandia National Laboratories has launched SandiaAI Chat, a secure, private instance of ChatGPT, enabling employees to ask sensitive unclassified questions. Developed in just 27 business days, the system enhances productivity by assisting with coding, emails, and performance evaluations. Future upgrades include file uploads and image generation, further advancing AI’s role in Sandia’s operations.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
Advanced Materials: New Program Aims to Fast-Track Energetic Materials Education for Researchers
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has launched the Energetic Materials University (EMU) in 2024, training over 80 scientists on high-explosive materials. The nine-month program accelerates workforce education on energetics safety, research, and modeling. EMU expanded in 2025 with 70 students and an improved curriculum. Plans are underway for a 2026 session, ensuring continued innovation in this critical research field.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
Quantum: DARPA Selects two Discrete Utility-Scale Quantum Computing Approaches for Evaluation
DARPA has selected Microsoft and PsiQuantum for the Validation and Co-Design stage of its Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC) program, part of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI). The companies’ quantum computing designs—Microsoft’s superconducting topological qubits and PsiQuantum’s photonic qubits—will undergo final government testing. DARPA expects to announce additional QBI Stage A participants soon.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
Quantum: Los Alamos’ Quantum computers successfully model particle scattering
Researchers from LLNL, InQubator for Quantum Simulations, and the University of Trento have developed a quantum computing algorithm to accurately simulate scattering, a fundamental process in physics. Their method, tested on IBM quantum processors, leverages quantum mechanics to efficiently model particle interactions. The algorithm’s robustness against quantum hardware noise marks a significant advancement, potentially enabling simulations beyond classical computing capabilities, particularly in nuclear physics and stellar processes.
Read More…
__________________________________________________________________________
WORK WITH US
“Mindblowing”, “Immensely valuable”, “A Home Run” – See and experience what all the craze is about- Run a Market Intelligence Sprint
National Science Foundation, NASA, DLA, Veteran Ventures, OSD (R&E) Microelectronics Commons. These are just some of our customers who have used PSF’s Rapid Market Intelligence Sprints to run a market intelligence sprint for their use cases. Through old-fashioned analysis, powered by our award-winning data and AI, the Use Cases we are addressing include:
- Rapidly understanding supply/demand ecosystem and vendor landscape to support recruiting for upcoming challenges/SBIRs or expanding local ecosystems
- Understanding emerging tech trends and vendor capabilities to inform tech roadmaps and requirements definition
- Conducting Industrial Base, Supplier Risk, and Investment Due Diligence– Commercialization, Supplier Risk, and Vendor due diligence sprints
Please reach out to us at support@publicspendforum.net to get started with a sprint or a subscription
