Technology Development
The Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense, managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), is seeking technical White Papers in response to a project call for Technology Development. The aim is to advance the maturation 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.
Program Description
Funded through the Youngstown Innovation Hub, the project call makes $300,000 of total awards available to support regional innovation, accelerate the transition of technologies into market-ready solutions, and foster collaboration among industry, academia, and government stakeholders. The proposed scope of work must be performed within the defined geographic area and demonstrate a clear benefit to the region. Up to three awards are anticipated.
The Technology Development project call targets the persistent “valley of death” in U.S. manufacturing, where promising technologies often fail to reach production readiness.
White Papers submitted must demonstrate viable technical approaches across a critical technology area, commercialization and market transition, and strengthen the regional innovation industrial ecosystem.
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
| September 23, 2026 | Project Call Announcement & Posting |
| October 2, 2026 | Questions from Proposers Due about Scope and Approach – Email projectcalls@youngstownhub.us |
| October 9, 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) |
| October 23, 2026 | Deadline for Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) submission with NCDMM (only if white paper contains proprietary information) – Email NDA to projectcalls@youngstownhub.us |
| October 30, 2026 | White Paper Submission Due Date (No later than 5PM EST) |
| November 13, 2026 | Target Completion Date for Review of White Paper Submissions |
| November 20, 2026 | Anticipated Decision and Notification to Proposers |
Will be available on October 9.
- Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses, such as startups and small businesses, as well as universities and colleges with operations located in the State of Ohio, with preference for Northeast Ohio, and special consideration given to applicants from the four counties that comprise the Lake to River region (Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties).
- 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.
