IP Generation & Technology Development
The Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense, in collaboration with the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), is seeking technical White Papers in response to a project call focused on IP Generation & Technology Development. The aim is to advance the development and commercialization of innovative technologies for aerospace and defense manufacturing within Northeast Ohio, with special consideration for the Lake to River region encompassing Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties. Funded through the Youngstown Innovation Hub, the project call makes a total of $300,000 available to support regional innovation, accelerate the transition of technologies to market-ready solutions, and foster collaboration among industry, academia, and government stakeholders. Up to three awards are anticipated.
Program Description
The Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense (Hub) is seeking innovative ideas through technical White Paper submissions. The IP Generation & Technology Development project call focuses on the advancement and commercialization of innovative technologies to support aerospace and defense manufacturing sectors. The funding targets the persistent “valley of death” in U.S. manufacturing, where promising technologies often fail to reach production readiness.
Submissions should detail solutions that accelerate regional innovation aligned with aerospace and defense needs, support the transition of technologies to market-ready solutions, strengthen the regional industrial base and workforce, and encourage collaboration among industry, academia, and government stakeholders.
White Papers submitted must demonstrate viable technical approaches across critical technology development, commercialization and market transition, and strengthen the regional innovation industrial base.
Submission Process
All White Papers must be submitted electronically via the “Submit White Paper” button below. All submissions will be acknowledged upon receipt with an electronic email confirmation from the Hub within 24 hours. If a confirmation is not received within 24 hours, please email projectcalls@youngstownhub.us.
Note: Please do not share or upload ITAR files/data as part of your submission. NCDMM is not responsible for system malfunctions or undeliverable submissions. It is the proposer’s responsibility to ensure that the submission has been received.
Questions? Please email projectcalls@youngstownhub.us.
Submission Deadline
| January 12, 2026 | Project Call Announcement & Posting |
| January 30, 2026 | Questions from Proposers Due about Scope and Approach – Email projectcalls@youngstownhub.us |
| February 3, 2026 | Responses to Proposers about Scope or Approach Due (All questions and answers will be shared with all proposers on the Q&A tab above) |
| February 3, 2026 | Deadline for Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) submission with NCDMM (only if white paper contains proprietary information) – Email NDA to projectcalls@youngstownhub.us |
| February 10, 2026 | White Paper Submission Due Date (No later than 5PM EST) |
| February 26, 2026 | Target Completion Date for Review of White Paper Submissions |
| February 27, 2026 | Anticipated Decision and Notification to Proposers |
Q: If we achieve technical milestones earlier than estimated in our Gantt Chart, may we request the funding for those milestones earlier and also reduce the total project timelines?
A: Yes, you would be able to request the funding for milestones earlier should you complete them ahead of schedule.
Q: Is it possible to win multiple awards?
A: Yes, it is possible to win multiple awards for different topics.
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- NCDMM NDA Agreement – Email NDA to projectcalls@youngstownhub.us
- Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses, such as startups and small businesses, as well as universities and colleges with operations located in Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana, Jefferson, Harrison, Tuscarawas, Carroll, Stark, Summit, Portage, Geauga, and Lake counties in Ohio.
- The proposed scope of work must be performed within the previously defined geography and demonstrate a clear benefit to the region.
- See RFP for all requirements.
Additional questions, please email projectcalls@youngstownhub.us.
