The Catalyst Accelerator has started soliciting applications from U.S. small businesses and startups with dual-use directed energy and electromagnetic warfare technologies for the Fall 2025 Cohort.
The accelerator said Friday it is seeking EW and DE technologies that could disrupt, deny or destroy adversary assets across all domains.
The Catalyst Accelerator is backed by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles Directorate and the U.S. Space Force. It is a collaborative program hosted by the Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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“I’m excited to kick off our next cohort in the fall that revolves around Electromagnetic (EW) and Directed Energy warfare (DEW). These technologies are proving to be instrumental in combating drone warfare in Ukraine, but they also have applicability in space warfare and counter space operations,” said Capt. Skyler Hart, government lead for the Catalyst Accelerator at the Space Force.
“As we look to the future, we need to find innovative ways to disrupt, neutralize or even destroy an adversary’s ability to execute their kill chain. EW and DEW effects are powerful tools to achieve this objective. I look forward to seeing what technologies that the small businesses bring forward to address this critical need,” Hart added.
Catalyst’s Fall Cohort Topics of Interest
The topics of interest for the Fall 2025 Cohort are artificial intelligence and machine learning implementation and integration; battle management; laser weapon systems; and emerging and novel technologies.
For AI and machine learning, the accelerator is interested in adaptive and predictive EW systems that autonomously adjust jamming techniques; cognitive electronic support; and real-time spectrum analysis and threat identification for radio frequency spectrum.
Directed Energy & Electromagnetic Warfare Accelerator
The Catalyst Accelerator will host a virtual “Ask Me Anything” session on June 18 and accept applications through July 8.
The accelerator will select six to eight companies to participate in the Fall 2025 Cohort, enabling them to connect with government and industry to promote their DE and EW technologies and secure government contracts.
The Space Security Defense Program will serve as the official problem sponsor for the Fall 2025 Cohort, which will begin on Aug. 19 and conclude with a Demo Day event on Nov. 20.
