Extending Quidient Reality® to enable detection of exterior surface anomalies on the F-16 airframe to enhance Air Force readiness
Columbia, Maryland, 1/23/2025 – Quidient announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a SBIR Phase I contract in the amount of $75K focused on advanced, automated F-16 exterior inspection using 5D virtualization technology to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now on 1/15/2025, Quidient will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.
About Quidient
Quidient is a deep tech startup in a fast-growing 3D imaging field called Generalized Scene Reconstruction (GSR). GSR solves a critical problem for the Space Force, USAF, DoD, and private sector by making the creation of virtual objects and scenes (e.g., Digital Twins) from images accurate, affordable, and automatic. Quidient’s flagship, dual-use software platform, Quidient Reality®, is designed to run on devices like smartphones, tablets, AR glasses, UAVs, and specialized cameras. Quidient’s products promise to enable many new Air Force applications, including Automated Visual Inspection, Affordable Digital Twinning, AR/VR Training, the Metaverse, and more.
About Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,200 new contracts worth more than $4.7 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit afwerx.com.
Company Press Contact:
Stara Diamond
Manager, Marketing & Communications
