HiFunda Secures U.S. Army SBIR Award to Advance Electromagnetic Protection Coatings​

Salt Lake City–based materials innovation company HiFunda LLC has been awarded a U.S. Army Phase ISBIR contract to develop next‑generation electromagnetic protection coatings for artillery projectiles.The project aims to enhance projectile survivability and performance in increasingly complexelectromagnetic environments.​

The award, issued under the Army’s FY2024.4 SBIR cycle, supports early‑stage research into geopolymer‑based protective coatings engineered to shield munitions from electromagneticinterference and related degradation mechanisms. These coatings are designed to improve reliability,reduce failure risks, and maintain performance across a wide range of battlefield conditions.​

HiFunda’s approach leverages its expertise in advanced ceramics, inorganic composites, andhigh‑temperature materials. During the Phase I effort, the company will refine coating formulations,evaluate electromagnetic shielding effectiveness, and assess manufacturability for Army‑relevantprojectile geometries.​

The Army’s selection of HiFunda reflects growing interest in materials that can protect munitions andelectronics from electromagnetic threats — an area of increasing strategic importance as modernbattlefields become more technologically dense.​

If successful, the Phase I effort could position HiFunda for a potential Phase II award to scaledevelopment, conduct extended testing, and transition the technology toward field‑ready applications.​