MISSION VIEJO, Calif. – Matregenix, Inc. has been selected by AFWERX for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The effort will extend MatriNova, the company's synthetic, animal-free electrospun nanofiber platform, to new applications in brain and spine surgery.
During Phase I, Matregenix will work with Air Force surgeons and other DAF end users to define the requirements for military care and identify the adaptations needed for defense use, producing a plan and success criteria for a follow-on Phase II program.
"We are grateful to AFWERX for the opportunity to work directly with Air Force clinicians and shape MatriNova around their needs," said Sherif Soliman, PhD, MBA, founder and CEO of Matregenix.
The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research process in an effort to speed up the experience, broaden the pool of potential applicants, and decrease bureaucratic overhead. Through the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program, the Department of the Air Force can more rapidly engage innovative small businesses and bring their technologies to bear on Air Force and Space Force needs.
This effort is sponsored by AFWERX, a component of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
About Matregenix
Matregenix, Inc. is a nanofiber technology company headquartered in Mission Viejo, California. Founded in 2018, Matregenix designs and manufactures electrospun nanofiber materials for biomedical, filtration, and industrial applications and provides contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services. Learn more at matregenix.com.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, 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 forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around 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
AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and a division within the Air Force Research Laboratory, partners with small businesses, startups and nontraditional vendors to address challenges facing Airmen and Guardians. Headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, AFWERX strengthens the defense industrial base by expanding access to innovators, building partnerships and accelerating the transition of critical technologies to operational capability. In fiscal year 2025, AFWERX awarded more than 1,000 contracts totaling $1.37 billion and achieved 438 Phase III transitions valued at $8.1 billion. For more information, visit afwerx.com.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of War, or the U.S. government.
Media contact: Sherif Soliman, PhD, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Matregenix, Inc. | soliman@matregenix.com | 617-763-6334