Eight Huntsville companies are among 13 statewide recipients of SBIR/STTR supplemental grants, Innovate Alabama announced.
Grant Program Supports R&D and Job Growth
The local awardees—EngeniusMicro, ENVENTION, HyBird Space Systems, K Sciences, KODA Technologies, Linc Research, Zaden Technologies, and Zeus Research and Technology—will use the funding to expand research and development capacity and create high-tech jobs in the region. The $2.2 million in grants supports sectors such as biotechnology, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, materials science, and software. Innovate Alabama CEO Cynthia Crutchfield said the program helps proven companies scale innovations locally, fostering long-term economic impact.
Since 2022, the Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program has awarded over $19 million to 86 research-based companies. By matching federal research awards, the program allows Alabama firms to grow technical teams, accelerate product development, and build in-state R&D infrastructure.
Huntsville Recipients and Focus Areas
EngeniusMicro – Advanced MEMS sensors and microelectronics for defense and aerospace. Three-time SBIR awardee with a $1 million Missile Defense Agency contract.
ENVENTION, LLC – Software, FPGA, and AI/ML systems for defense and space. Developing a radiation-hardened co-processor for spacecraft under a NASA Phase II SBIR.
HyBird Space Systems – Hybrid rocket engines for defense and commercial aerospace. Added six engineers and completed hot-fire tests of its first Alabama-built engines.
K Sciences GP, LLC – Applied research in sensors and materials science. Using state support to advance a new Air Force project.
KODA Technologies – Weapons systems for NASA and the Department of Defense. Improving spacecraft detection algorithms while hiring Alabama-based interns.
Linc Research Inc. – Structural, mechanical, optical, and software engineering solutions for NASA and DoD. Expanding R&D with a NASA SBIR award.
Zaden Technologies Inc. – AI-driven defense software for Model-Based Systems Engineering. Scaling its Icarus platform while adding local talent.
Zeus Research and Technology Inc. – Navigation systems for GPS-denied environments. Advancing sensor fusion technologies and expanding Cummings Research Park operations.
Long-Term Impact for Alabama Economy
Board members emphasized that multi-round recipients demonstrate the program’s ability to generate compounding economic returns, helping firms secure additional federal contracts while creating jobs and strengthening Alabama’s high-tech ecosystem.
Sign up for the Homely Huntsville newsletter to stay up to date on Huntsville.
