AFWERX SBIR/STTR Program Supports Development of Data Fusion Technologies to Increase Base Security
DAYTON, Ohio — In modern conflict, data silos can be dangerous. When sensors cannot ‘talk’ to each other, response times lag and assets remain vulnerable. To address this challenge, Picogrid is developing a vendor-neutral integration layer designed to merge data from multiple sensors into a single operating environment supporting installation security and force protection.
By utilizing AI-driven integration software for sensors, Picogrid has cut the time necessary to integrate new mission hardware from months to days or even hours, effectively bringing the ‘plug-and-play’ simplicity of commercial tech to the tactical edge.
Through the AFWERX Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program, Picogrid has developed Legion, software that connects sensors, command-and-control systems, and mission applications into a unified operational picture.
Protecting military installations requires bringing together radars, counter-drone systems, command-and-control networks, and other capabilities that were often bought separately and never designed to work together. When those systems cannot rapidly share information, troops have less time to detect and defeat incoming threats, putting personnel, aircraft, and critical infrastructure at greater risk. Faster integration helps defenders identify threats sooner, coordinate responses more quickly, and keep aircraft flying.
In August 2025, the U.S. Army awarded Picogrid a Phase III SBIR contract to unify the Army’s third-party signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems. This effort also leverages Picogrid’s Legion software platform to integrate radio frequency (RF) sensors and analytics tools from multiple vendors into a single, cohesive operational picture.
Legion creates this picture by automatically moving information between sensors and command-and-control systems. Expeditionary Command Nodes (ECNs) keep that information flowing in the field, so operators see it in the systems they already use without manually re-entering data.
In February 2026, the Department of the Air Force (DAF) awarded a $9.3 million Phase III contract to Picogrid. Under the contract, the company will work with the DAF to modernize security operations at certain Air Force installations. Phase III awards support the transition of technologies that have completed earlier SBIR/STTR research and development efforts into operational use or commercialization.
This software is also being used in operational air defense missions. The technology has been integrated into military command-and-control environments and supports air defense operations.
Through ongoing SBIR/STTR efforts, Picogrid has adapted its platform to support U.S. Air Force Security Forces squadrons. Moving forward, the company plans to expand its efforts to additional military installations while extending its data fusion technology to support waterside security operations.
This partnership highlights how AFWERX continues to accelerate the transition of commercial technologies into operational capabilities that increase the speed, agility and readiness of the warfighter’s mission.
*Disclaimer: References to non-federal entities do not constitute or imply Department of War or Air Force endorsement of any company or organization.