Encourage/Discourage notification letters were released and the Full Application NOFO was posted October 29, 2025.
The objective of the Magnetic Acceleration Generating New Innovations and Tactical Outcomes SBIR/STTR (MAGNITO SBIR/STTR) program is to support the discovery, synthesis, and characterization of new, more powerful magnets with either a saturation magnetization or maximum energy product higher than that of any known material. This entails finding entirely new physics, chemistries, and structure for ultra-powerful soft and/or hard magnets. The discovery of Nd2Fe14B, with its complex structural chemistry and extraordinary properties, suggests that other complex magnetic materials with three or more distinct elements, and similar chemical and structural features, are waiting to be discovered.
Advances in computational physics that can calculate Bsat, magneto-crystalline anisotropy, and Curie temperature (Tc), as well as computational materials discovery using high-throughput techniques, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML), are needed to reveal new materials structures not previously examined and at a pace faster than ever before.
To achieve effective materials discovery, ARPA-E anticipates successful applicants will comprise teams with various expertise such as:
- Computational materials discovery, e.g., high-throughput computation, AI/ML, generation of new structures, thermodynamic stability models, and phase diagrams;
- Solid state chemistry, high-throughput synthesis and characterization of new phases, including (but not limited to) specialized ability in subnitrides, high temperature borides, and carbides;
- Magnetism physics and computational methods;
- Magnetic measurement and interpretation of data, including hysteresis curves; high-throughput autonomous laboratories; and
- Potential applications of ultra-powerful magnets.