Application Release 
Application Deadline 
In Person Selection Committee 
Program Commencement 
Demo Day TECHNOLOGY SCOPE
The IAI CATALYST program is sourcing for technologies related to:
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FOCUS AREA 1
NEXT GEN AI
AI is reshaping aerospace and defense, spanning the full spectrum from compute infrastructure—accelerators, edge systems, and inference chips—to advanced model architectures leveraging foundation models, fine-tuning, and transformers. Advancements in synthetic data generation, labeling, and anomaly tagging are strengthening training quality and operational reliability. Mission-specific applications now span intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics, wargaming, and integrated combat management across all domains. At the same time, large language models, advanced human–machine interfaces, and immersive AR/VR systems are redefining operator engagement. Beyond the mission environment, AI accelerates system engineering, shortens development and production cycles, and enhances industrial automation through predictive maintenance, collaborative robotics, and drone integration.
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FOCUS AREA 2
ROBOTICS & DRONES
Robotics and drone technologies are advancing through turnkey platforms across air, sea, and land, with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) designed for multi-domain operations and swarm coordination. Novel propulsion systems and actuators optimized for size, weight, power, and low detectability are expanding mission reach, while resilient communications enable swarm control, mesh networking, and seamless AI-ground station interfaces. Integrated sensor suites and precision autonomy enhance versatility, supported by robust operations and maintenance frameworks for fleet health, resupply, and logistics. Together, these capabilities strengthen the resilience, adaptability, and effectiveness of robotics and drones.
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FOCUS AREA 3
ADVANCED SENSORS
Advanced sensor technologies are critical for next-generation aerospace and defense systems. IAI focuses on sensor element materials, including infrared radiation detectors, phased arrays, optical communication components, and innovative solutions for detecting improvised explosive devices and other threats. Signal processing leverages AI and machine learning for object detection, multi-sensor fusion, and real-time data analysis. In sensor packaging and integration, considerations such as cooling, shielding, and miniaturization ensure high performance under operational constraints. Sensor networking enables distributed sensing, cueing, and net-centric operations for coordinated situational awareness. Additionally, IAI is looking for targeting systems featuring advanced automatic target recognition and tracking modules to enhance precision and mission effectiveness.
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FOCUS AREA 4
ADVANCED MATERIALS & MANUFACTURING
Advanced materials and manufacturing technologies are essential for creating resilient, lightweight, and cost-efficient systems. IAI focuses on materials development, including composites, ceramics, and advanced coatings tailored for aerospace and space applications, to deliver lighter yet stronger solutions. Processing and fabrication include additive manufacturing, micro-surface treatments, and low-cost, reproducible manufacturing methods for propulsion and other critical components. Testing is enhanced through virtual simulations of aircraft and hybrid structures, while material lifecycle monitoring uses embedded sensors, degradation modeling, and digital twin integration to ensure long-term performance. These capabilities support applications ranging from UAV and spacecraft structures to advanced systems designed for extreme environments.
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FOCUS AREA 5
AUTONOMY
Autonomous technologies are transforming operations across air, land, and sea. IAI pursues innovative autonomy solutions, combining advanced algorithms such as simultaneous localization and mapping, sensor fusion, adaptive control systems, and anomaly detection for real-time decision-making. Cutting-edge sensors – including multi-spectral and hyperspectral imaging, event-based vision, and miniaturized LiDAR and radar – enable superior situational awareness. Robust communication capabilities, from swarm networking protocols to hybrid Radio Frequency (RF) / optical links and cross-domain interoperability, support coordinated, distributed operations. On the compute side, edge AI, neuromorphic processors, radiation-hardened modules, and distributed computing architectures ensure fast, reliable, and resilient performance. IAI’s focus areas include sense-and-avoid systems, smart navigation, multi-platform interoperability, and scalable autonomy architectures that enable collaborative mission execution.
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FOCUS AREA 6
GNSS DENIED NAVIGATION
Reliable navigation in GPS-denied environments is critical for autonomous aerospace and defense operations. IAI focuses on celestial and environmental referencing, including star-tracker navigation for UAVs and space systems, Sun/shadow vector estimation for drones, and 3D mapping technologies. Magnetic and RF field navigation leverages RF signature mapping, electromagnetic field fingerprinting, and magnetic anomaly detection to enhance positional awareness when GNSS signals are unavailable. Autonomous decision-making integrates path planning algorithms, task execution systems, and safe fallback modules to ensure mission continuity under challenging conditions. Robust cyber capabilities, including secure avionics, resilient data links, intrusion detection, and electronic protection, safeguard navigation and control systems against interference and threats.
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FOCUS AREA 7
QUANTUM
Quantum science holds transformative potential for aerospace and defense, and IAI focuses on capabilities in communication, navigation, sensing, and computing. Quantum sensing – including gravimeters, magnetometers, and atomic clocks – enables precise measurements even in challenging environments. In quantum communication, technologies such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), entangled photon sources, and cryogenic photonic components provide secure, space-based data transmission. Quantum navigation supports GPS-denied operations through atom interferometry, quantum-assisted dead reckoning, and Quantum Inertial Measurement Units. Additionally, quantum computing accelerates optimization for tactical simulations, dynamic Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), logistics planning, and advanced materials design.
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FOCUS AREA 8
SPACE & EARTH OBSERVATION
Advanced space and Earth observation systems are essential for situational awareness and operational intelligence. Satellite platforms include CubeSats and MicroSats, supported by advanced power systems to enable diverse missions. Space situational awareness capabilities encompass debris tracking, space traffic management, and detection of potential threats to orbital assets. In launch and orbital services, deployment technologies, ride-share optimization, and in-space propulsion ensure flexible, efficient, and reliable access to space. These integrated capabilities enable responsive observation and monitoring for both terrestrial and space-based applications.
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FOCUS AREA 9
ADVANCED COMMUNICATION
Next-generation communication systems are vital for resilient and secure aerospace and defense operations. Communication networking software includes ad-hoc, mesh, and cognitive communication solutions for dynamic, distributed environments. Waveform and protocol design emphasizes low-probability-of-intercept techniques, jam resistance, and multiband support to ensure robust connectivity. The security layer integrates advanced encryption, quantum-resistant protocols, and zero-trust architectures to protect critical information. In the IoT domain, real-time interoperability is enabled through sensor networks, edge computing, and distributed data processing, supporting coordinated operations across platforms.
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FOCUS AREA 10
ENERGY RESILIENCE
Energy innovation is essential for the future of aerospace and defense. IAI focuses on advanced energy sources such as hydrogen, solar, alternative fuels, and other renewable options to enhance propulsion efficiency and support aviation applications. In energy storage, the company develops solid-state and advanced batteries, supercapacitors, and thermal storage solutions to meet demanding operational requirements. Power management and distribution are optimized through AI-controlled microgrids, modular plug-and-play power packs, and advanced storage strategies to ensure reliable and scalable energy delivery. Additionally, IAI emphasizes sustainability and logistics, including efficient fuel supply chains, advanced refueling technologies, and circular energy loops to decarbonize aerospace operations and support global sustainability goals.
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FOCUS AREA 11
ADVANCED SYSTEMS TO DISSEMINATE DATA
Data dissemination systems are central to modern decision-making in aerospace and defense. IAI focuses on innovations across Electro-Optical (EO), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), RF, and text-based data processing. Data ingestion and compression capabilities – including inline compression, low-latency ingestion, and onboard preprocessing – ensure rapid and efficient handling of large data streams. The transport and networking layer leverages tactical cloudlets, burst communications, and support for disconnected operations to maintain reliable connectivity in challenging environments. Robust security and access control features, such as policy-driven permissions, tamper resistance, and audit trails, safeguard mission-critical information. These technologies support smart data fusion, advanced analytics, and scalable platforms that enhance real-time situational awareness and operational intelligence.
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FOCUS AREA 12
HUMAN HEALTH ENHANCEMENT
Enhancing human performance and resilience is critical for demanding operational environments. Musculoskeletal strain and injury prediction leverages biomechanical sensor platforms, digital twin simulations, and predictive modeling to anticipate and mitigate physical risks. Cognitive load monitoring and mitigation utilizes real-time brainwave or eye-tracking wearables, burnout detection, and adaptive task routing to optimize mental performance. Sleep optimization incorporates deployable circadian rhythm aids, sleep stage detection, and sleep-aware mission scheduling software to maintain alertness and recovery. Together, these technologies support the health, efficiency, and operational effectiveness of personnel in high-stakes settings.
