# Project 350 — Manufacturing Innovation Institutes

**Program element:** 0603680D8Z — Defense Wide Manufacturing Science and Technology Program  
**Project:** 350  
**Component:** Defense-Wide  
**Appropriation:** 0400 — RDT&E, Defense-Wide  
**Budget Activity:** 3 — Advanced Technology Development  
**Vintage:** President's Budget PB2027  
**Canonical URL:** https://hitchintel.com/programs/0603680D8Z/350  
**Parent:** https://hitchintel.com/programs/0603680D8Z

## Summary

Project 350 — Manufacturing Innovation Institutes requests $229.0M in FY2027, 39% of the $581.8M requested for program element 0603680D8Z, up 21% on FY2026. 11 R-2A activities decompose the request, 2 new this cycle.

## Funding profile

| Fiscal Year | Estimate Type | Amount ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | Actual | 146.0 |
| FY2026 | Enacted | 188.7 |
| FY2027 | Request | 229.0 |
| FY2028 | Outyear | 124.6 |
| FY2029 | Outyear | 119.1 |
| FY2030 | Outyear | 112.4 |
| FY2031 | Outyear | 110.1 |

> Estimate types are not summed. This project is one leaf of PE 0603680D8Z; the PE total is the sum of its projects, never added to them.

## What project 350 buys

This project supports nine Department of War (DoW) led Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (MIIs) within the national Manufacturing USA network. The MIIs are an essential component of the DoW ManTech mission and unique resource to address DoW challenges through public/private partnerships with members from industry, academia, and federal and state governments - including small and medium as well as large manufacturers - that address both commercial and defense manufacturing needs within specific, defense-relevant technology areas to mature manufacturing processes, build out a supporting ecosystem, and provide for manufacturing education and workforce development. The MIIs’ flexible business models and strong focus on enabling highly collaborative research and development (R&D) are catalyzing important new organizational relationships across government, industry, and academia. MIIs bring together both traditional defense and non-traditional sectors to accelerate key innovation cycles, expand U.S. industrial capability, and assist in creating resilient supply chains that will support innovative defense products. Each MII consortium attracts partner funding to match DoW investments at a one-to-one ratio (or greater) and some offer state-of-the-art pilot facilities. MIIs receive active participation and support from the military departments and defense agencies and their members. The nine MII technology domain focus areas are: (1) Additive Manufacturing Innovation; (2) Manufacturing Digital Innovation; (3) Materials Innovation; (4) Photonic Foundry and Packaging Innovation (5) Hybrid Electronics Innovation (6) Revolutionary Fabric and Textiles Innovation); (7) Medical Cell, Tissue, and Organ Manufacturing Innovation; (8) Robotic Automation Innovation; and (9) Bioindustrial Manufacturing Innovation. MII funding is focused on: • Developing and implementing education, training, and workforce recruitment courses, materials, and programs. • Developing innovative methodologies and practices for supply chain integration and introduction of new technologies into supply chains. • Engaging with small and mid-sized manufacturers, including women and minority-owned manufacturing enterprises, and larger-sized manufacturing firms.

## Activities (R-2A) — 11

| Activity | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 | Move | Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption of Defense Advanced Manufacturing (ADAM) | 0.0 | — | 130.3 | new | [a9](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0603680D8Z/350/a9) |
| Manufacturing Modernization Sprints | 0.0 | — | 28.0 | new | [a10](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0603680D8Z/350/a10) |
| Photonic Foundry and Packaging Innovation | 16.5 | 15.5 | 11.1 | −29% | [a3](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0603680D8Z/350/a3) |
| Medical Cell, Tissue, and Organ Manufacturing Innovation | 11.7 | 10.8 | 10.0 | −7% | [a6](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0603680D8Z/350/a6) |
| Bioindustrial Manufacturing Innovation | 23.8 | 18.4 | 8.3 | −55% | — |
| Materials Innovation | 9.3 | 10.5 | 7.6 | −28% | — |
| Robotic Automation Innovation | 8.8 | 10.8 | 7.3 | −32% | — |
| Manufacturing Digital Innovation | 10.7 | 12.6 | 7.2 | −43% | — |
| Additive Manufacturing Innovation | 45.9 | 36.3 | 7.0 | −81% | — |
| Hybrid Electronics Innovation | 9.4 | 9.4 | 6.9 | −27% | — |
| Advanced Fiber and Fabric | 6.3 | 6.3 | 5.3 | −16% | — |

> Activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. In the request year they partition this project exactly; in earlier years they can under-cover it.

### Adoption of Defense Advanced Manufacturing (ADAM) — NEW START

Execute DoW armed service directed R&D projects to support overcoming the remaining barriers required for widespread adoption of advanced manufacturing. The projects are directed toward additive, digital, material, soft good, photonic, bio-industrial, robotic automation, bio-medical and hybrid electronic manufacturing. Requirements will…

Full year-by-year narrative: https://hitchintel.com/programs/0603680D8Z/350/a9

### Manufacturing Modernization Sprints — NEW START

Projects focus on integrating advanced pilot manufacturing equipment over an accelerated schedule. The projects are directed toward additive, digital, material, soft good, photonic, bio-industrial, robotic automation, bio-medical and hybrid electronic manufacturing. The work being conducted will conclude with showcasing new integrated…

Full year-by-year narrative: https://hitchintel.com/programs/0603680D8Z/350/a10

### Photonic Foundry and Packaging Innovation

Continue to develop and offer next generation integrated photonic circuit fabrication and test, assembly, and packaging (TAP) capabilities to the U.S. ecosystem. Extend design and training opportunities to continue to grow the overall integrated photonic circuit ecosystem. Perform targeted work to explore solutions for long-haul and…

Full year-by-year narrative: https://hitchintel.com/programs/0603680D8Z/350/a3

### Medical Cell, Tissue, and Organ Manufacturing Innovation

Continue to improve manufacturing methods and capabilities for tissue engineered medical products and expand certification and credentialing programs for the biomedical manufacturing workforce. Build on successful automation and data collection efforts to improve advanced manufacturing processes and enhance process engineering abilities…

Full year-by-year narrative: https://hitchintel.com/programs/0603680D8Z/350/a6

### Bioindustrial Manufacturing Innovation

**FY2027 planned work.** Continue progress on infrastructure investments to support the domestic bioindustrial manufacturing base, conduct project calls to address bioindustrial technical challenges, workforce development, biosafety and biosecurity, and innovations in manufacturing. Prioritize projects that align with defense priorities, securing supply chains, providing new capabilities to the DoW, and support the domestic bioindustrial base.

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** A decrease of $10.180 million from FY 2026 to FY 2027 reflects the realignment of movement of DoW armed services requirements to Manufacturing Modernization Sprints.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Continue progress on infrastructure investments to support the domestic bioindustrial manufacturing base, conduct project calls to address bioindustrial technical challenges, workforce development, biosafety and biosecurity, and innovations in manufacturing. Prioritize projects that align with defense priorities, securing supply chains, providing new capabilities to the DoW, and support the domestic bioindustrial base. Execute Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP, formerly referred to as MEMBR) - Piloting, Analysis and Challenge projects

**FY2025 accomplishments.** Continue progress on infrastructure investments for bioindustrial manufacturing, conduct project calls to address bioindustrial technical challenges as well as workforce development and biosafety, biosecurity, sustainability, and social responsibility. Execute Bioindustrial Innovations to Secure Critical Supply Chains and conduct Distributed Manufacturing. Enabled by Modular Bioindustrial & Reusable (MEMBR) Assets - Piloting, Analysis, and Challenge projects.

### Materials Innovation

**FY2027 planned work.** Continue advanced materials and materials manufacturing R&D and workforce development efforts. Support Defense, commercial and dual-use technology development through strategic and technology roadmaps for the ICME and Computational Engineering, Advanced Materials and Process Development, Agile and Smarter Manufacturing, and Multi-material Joining technology pillars, member and institute led technology projects, and maintaining and convening a collaborative ecosystem. The reconciliation funds will facilitate pilot manufacturing line integration and training workforce in support of the organic and defense industrial base for maritime and munition defense sectors.

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** A decrease of $2.918 million from FY 2026 to FY 2027 the realignment of DoW armed services requirements to Manufacturing Modernization Sprints.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Continue advanced materials and materials manufacturing R&D and workforce development efforts. Support Defense, commercial and dual-use technology development through strategic and technology roadmaps for the ICME and Computational Engineering, Advanced Materials and Process Development, Agile and Smarter Manufacturing, and Multi-material Joining technology pillars, member and institute led technology projects, and maintaining and convening a collaborative ecosystem. Examples of specific activities include engaging their ICME expertise for hypersonic materials development and testing, domestic titanium source research and development, bespoke metal powder and wire alloy development for cold spray and additive manufacturing applications, and roadmap-driven projects to support the evolution of casting and forging materials, drop-in replacements, and integration of new material advancements. Sustain LIFT’s Learning/Talent Development Lab, and continuing workforce development efforts targeting K-12, university and community college students, current workforce, and separating military personnel with targeted applications for the DoW’s organic industrial base, primes, and small/medium manufacturers.

**FY2025 accomplishments.** Continue advanced materials and materials manufacturing R&D and workforce development efforts. Support defense, commercial, and dual-use technology development through strategic and technology roadmaps for the Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) and Computational Engineering, Advanced Materials and Process Development, Agile and Smarter Manufacturing, and Multi-material Joining technology pillars. Conduct member and institute led technology projects and maintain a collaborative ecosystem. Examples of specific activities include hypersonic materials, powder alloy, and cold spray development. Sustain LIFT’s Learning/Talent development Lab, and continue workforce development efforts targeting K-12, university and community college students, current workforce, and separating military personnel. LIFT will apply materials development and processing expertise through Integrated Computational Materials Engineering and materials development to improve the casting and forging supply chain.

### Robotic Automation Innovation

**FY2027 planned work.** Continue R&D investments in advanced robotics and associated artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for manufacturing that support defense critical technology areas and develop/sustain a competent robotics and AI workforce. Planned technology projects to enhance casting and forging with combined AI and robotics technologies, and modernization (prototyping and integration) of energetics/munitions manufacturing. Additional planned technology projects in automation of manufacturing processes for Space systems/sub-systems, automotive and aerospace sustainment projects supporting the OIB. Enhance education and workforce development offerings via the roboticscarreer.org virtual toolset with associated AI competencies, and the advance analytical studies to address the needs of the DIB and OIB.

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** A decrease of $3.515 million from FY 2026 to FY 2027 reflects the realignment of DoW armed services requirements to Adoption of Defense Advanced Manufacturing (ADAM).

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Continue R&D investments in advanced robotics and associated artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for manufacturing that support defense critical technology areas and develop/sustain a competent robotics and AI workforce. Planned technology projects to enhance casting and forging with combined AI and robotics technologies, and modernization (prototyping and integration) of energetics/munitions manufacturing. Additional planned technology projects in automation of manufacturing processes for Space systems/sub-systems, automotive and aerospace sustainment projects supporting the OIB. Enhance education and workforce development offerings via the roboticscarreer.org virtual toolset with associated AI competencies, and the advance analytical studies to address the needs of the DIB and OIB.

**FY2025 accomplishments.** Continue R&D investments in advanced robotics and associated artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for manufacturing that support defense critical technology areas and develop/sustain a competent robotics workforce. Technology projects and ecosystem development will focus in the DoD modernization areas of AI, Autonomy, Hypersonics, and Space. Additional planned technology projects target implementation of advanced robotics for casting and forging, and energetics manufacturing for both the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and the Organic Industrial Base (OIB). Education and workforce development projects will further enhance the roboticscareer.org virtual toolset and conduct analytical studies to address the needs of the DIB and the OIB.

### Manufacturing Digital Innovation

**FY2027 planned work.** Continue R&D projects to support the adoption and application of advanced digital and cybersecurity manufacturing solutions across the defense industrial base and grow the digital manufacturing workforce. MxD will translate FY 2026 planning efforts into specific projects for digital and cybersecurity solutions for the castings and forging supply chain. The reconciliation funds will facilitate derisking operational technology and securing manufacturing data through the award of specific projects within the DoW Organic Industrial Base.

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** A decrease of $5.352 million from FY 2026 to FY 2027 reflects the realignment of DoW armed services requirements to Manufacturing Modernization Sprints.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Continue R&D projects to support the adoption and application of advanced digital and cybersecurity manufacturing solutions across the defense industrial base and grow the digital manufacturing workforce. MxD will translate FY 2025 planning efforts into specific projects for digital and cybersecurity solutions for the castings and forging supply chain.

**FY2025 accomplishments.** Continue R&D projects to support the adoption and application of advanced digital and cybersecurity manufacturing solutions across the defense industrial base and grow the digital manufacturing workforce. MxD will translate FY25 planning efforts into specific projects for digital and cybersecurity solutions for the castings and forging supply chain.

### Additive Manufacturing Innovation

**FY2027 planned work.** Continue application of AM methods and standards for critical defense advanced manufacturing requirements and expand the AM workforce. Execute projects to fill previously identified technology gaps in the castings and forgings industrial supply base. Facilitate AM integration across DoW to improve force readiness, posture, and logistics capabilities. These funds will be directed to derisk Advanced Manufacturing for additive through specific projects focused on the Maritime Industrial Base, the munition defense Industrial base and Organic Industrial Base.

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** A decrease of $29.329 million between FY 2026 and FY 2027 reflects the realignment of DoW armed services requirements to Adoption of Defense Advanced Manufacturing (ADAM).

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Continue application of AM methods and standards for critical defense advanced manufacturing requirements and expand the AM workforce. Execute projects to fill previously identified technology gaps in the castings and forgings industrial supply base. Facilitate AM integration across DoW to improve force readiness, posture, and logistics capabilities. Fund an online learning portal as a foundational enabler. To expand qualification, certification and production options, the program will increase the workbench of materials allowable (including polymers), conduct quality control monitoring research, and support the Joint Additive Qualification for Sustainment (JAQS) project

**FY2025 accomplishments.** Expand application of additive manufacturing methods and standards to address critical defense advanced manufacturing requirements and expand the additive manufacturing workforce. Fill previously identified technology gaps to continue to support the castings and forgings industrial supply base.

### Hybrid Electronics Innovation

**FY2027 planned work.** Continue to support the development of FHE capabilities including higher complexity and density circuits, qualifications of new materials and processes through manufacturing demonstrations of advanced components and prototypes. Facilitate the transition of mature capabilities, programs and prototypes into DoW applications to support improved SWAP-C performance and/or provide unique electronics capabilities and formfactors. Encourage the development of a FHE and broader electronics manufacturing talent pool through continued expansion of the EWD student programs while also developing new programs to support the development of FHE manufacturing skills through both upskilling workers and training of post-secondary students.

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** A decrease of $2.508 million from FY 2026 to FY 2027 reflects the realignment of DoW armed services requirements being to Manufacturing Modernization Sprints.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Support the development FHE capabilities including higher complexity and density circuits, qualifications of new materials and processes through manufacturing demonstrations of advanced components and prototypes. Facilitate the transition of mature capabilities, programs and prototypes into DoW applications to support improved SWAP-C performance and/or provide unique electronics capabilities and formfactors. Encourage the development of an FHE and broader electronics manufacturing talent pool through continued expansion of the EWD student programs while also developing new programs to support the development of FHE manufacturing skills through both upskilling workers and training of post-secondary students.

**FY2025 accomplishments.** Expand advanced manufacturing for flexible hybrid electronics to align yield and reliability with standards and to meet critical technology areas and grow semiconductor workforce. NextFlex will address next roadmap gaps to deliver prototypes for DoD applications, improve flexible hybrid electronics manufacturing to refine standards, and expand workforce programs supporting military industries.

### Advanced Fiber and Fabric

**FY2027 planned work.** Continue investment in automation of soft good manufacturing, focusing on increasing productivity of manufacturing lines. Invest in technology that improves pre-composite fiber alignment and pilot manufacturing lines that reduce touch labor. Expand DoW access to controlled and secured filament, yarn and fabric manufacturing. De-risk soft goods technologies that can be domesticated.

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** A decrease of $1.007 million from FY 2026 to FY 2027 reflects the realignment of DoW armed services requirements to Manufacturing Modernization Sprints.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Increase the value proposition to the Service acquisition offices and R&D centers through the targeting of OSW strategic investment funds towards technology transition and manufacturing scaling activities. These efforts will focus on projects that directly contribute to Programs of Record and/or DoW modernization efforts that align with the competencies of AFFOA and their members. Preserve and expand DoW access to ecosystem capabilities and technologies as a continuing priority. Technology projects and ecosystem development will focus on manufacturing modernization through digital engineering, prototype manufacturing of Warfighter enhancement and protective systems, and developing and scaling sustainable materials and processes. Develop, align, and certify EWD programs according to national education standards, and increase the AFFOA EWD national footprint.

**FY2025 accomplishments.** Continue to improve manufacturing methods for highly functional fabrics that benefit the warfighter and expand training opportunities for an advanced fiber and textile manufacturing workforce. Continue to enable DoD and DIB partners’ increased access to AFFOA’s organic prototyping and advanced textile FY 2025 Plans: Continue to improve manufacturing methods for highly functional fabrics that benefit the warfighter and expand training opportunities for an advanced fiber and textile manufacturing workforce. Continue to enable DoD and DIB partners’ increased access to AFFOA’s organic prototyping and advanced textile system integration capabilities to de-risk technologies and increase manufacturing readiness. Technology projects and ecosystem development will focus on manufacturing modernization through digital engineering, prototype manufacturing of Warfighter enhancement and protective systems, and developing and scaling of sustainable materials and processes. Maintain and grow the ecosystem and advanced fibers and fabric (AFF) supply chain to support DoD capability needs. Expand EWD programs through development of AFF manufacturing curriculum across the educational continuum, including workforce training.

## What is NOT on this page

Congressional marks, the R-2 mission description and acquisition strategy, the industry vs government split of the whole request, and related program elements are recorded at **program-element** grain — an NDAA mark lands on a PE, never on a project. They are at https://hitchintel.com/programs/0603680D8Z.

## Source & machine access

- **Source:** FY2027 Office of the Secretary of Defense RDT&E Budget Justification, Exhibits R-2/R-2A/R-3, PE 0603680D8Z project 350 (PB PB2027).
- **MCP:** `mcp.hitchintel.com` — `budget_get_program_element(pe="0603680D8Z")`.

*HitchAI is an independent intelligence service, not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense. Budget figures are requests/estimates, not obligations.*