Technology Innovation

The Technology Innovation program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense under Program Element (PE) 0603375D8Z, is designed to support the Department of Defense's (DoD) initiatives to deter strategic attacks, defend the homeland, and build a resilient joint force and defense ecosystem. The overarching goal is to sustain U.S. technological superiority by rapidly advancing emerging technologies to a readiness level suitable for prototyping and demonstration. This program is focused on addressing critical technology areas that align with joint mission needs, leveraging innovations from both defense and commercial sectors, including non-traditional sources such as startups. By integrating these technologies, the program aims to provide battlefield advantages and address warfighter challenges where commercial innovation may outpace government investment.

Within PE 0603375D8Z, the Anomalous Incidents Research line item (Project 377) is a significant component, with funding allocated for research and development activities aimed at understanding and mitigating anomalous health incidents (AHI) affecting government personnel globally. The primary objective is to determine the causes of AHI and develop protective countermeasures to safeguard the force. This effort is led by the National Security Council and involves multi-service and multi-agency laboratory collaboration to assess the bioeffects and potential mechanisms underlying these incidents. The program supports acquisition of specialized equipment and instrumentation, as well as the development of research capabilities necessary for in-depth scientific investigations.

In FY 2025, the Anomalous Incidents Research program plans to utilize previously acquired equipment and established research capabilities to conduct novel research, evaluating the scientific and physical basis for hypotheses related to AHI mechanisms. The program will focus on enhanced bioeffects testing and continue the development and evaluation of countermeasures. The objective is to advance understanding of plausible causes and to create effective protective solutions for affected personnel. The funding profile indicates a realignment of programs and strategic focus in FY 2026, resulting in a decrease in allocated resources for this line item.

The Technology Innovation line item (Project 375) also includes a segment identified as Higher Classification, which is subject to restricted disclosure due to its sensitive nature. The mission description and planned activities for this segment are classified, and further information can only be obtained through the PTDO Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. The budget justification notes an increase in FY 2026 specifically to support activities under this higher classification category.

The objectives of the classified Technology Innovation activities are not publicly detailed, but the funding increase suggests an expansion or intensification of efforts in areas deemed critical to national security and technological advancement. The classified nature of these activities typically indicates work in advanced research domains, potentially involving sensitive technologies or operational concepts that require protection from public disclosure. This segment reflects the DoD's commitment to maintaining a technological edge in areas where adversaries may also be investing heavily.

Budget changes within PE 0603375D8Z reflect both congressional adjustments and internal DoD strategic realignments. The decrease in FY 2025 is attributed to congressional reductions, while the increase in FY 2026 is linked to the need for higher classification activities. These shifts demonstrate the dynamic nature of defense research and development funding, which must adapt to evolving priorities, emerging threats, and the pace of technological change.