Where are they now? SBIR TAP alumni, ThroughPut Inc. expands AI technology in defense, commercial markets
ThroughPut Inc., a Silicon Valley-based pioneer in AI-driven supply chain optimization, has rapidly emerged as a key player in defense logistics and commercial supply chain intelligence. This transformation was catalyzed by their participation in the SBIR Technology Acceleration Program (SBIR TAP), a collaborative initiative by the Wright Brothers Institute (WBI) and The Entrepreneurs Center in Dayton, Ohio.
Launchpad: SBIR TAP and Strategic Alignment
In January 2022, ThroughPut engaged in SBIR TAP, a program designed to assist small businesses in navigating the SBIR/STTR landscape, identifying commercial and defense market opportunities, and developing effective commercialization strategies. The program provided ThroughPut with critical insights into the Department of the Air Force's needs, improved their business development practices, and connected them with subject matter experts. This support was instrumental in refining their approach to government contracting and aligning their AI solutions with defense requirements.
In 2022, Cameron A. Nazeri, Head of Operations and Government Projects at ThroughPut, reflected on the experience:
"The entrepreneurs and staff at the Wright Brothers Institute’s SBIR TAP have helped us to merge as a Silicon Valley startup into the government SBIR/STTR ecosystem. We have been introduced to varied subject matter and business experts at WBI who were able to critique our approach and also provide feedback on our company's pitch and business positioning within the U.S. Air Force. The experts at WBI have provided support and experiences to better navigate both the SBIR/STTR contracts and working as a first-time government contractor. We are grateful for the time and effort from all the experts at the WBI."
Eric Hill, WBI’s Technology Broker, emphasized the institute's commitment:
"Companies participating in the SBIR TAP programming gain insight and feedback into the acquisition process, and our hope is that they answer the needs of the Air Force with a winning government contract."
Defense Sector Breakthroughs
Hill’s hope became a reality. Following their SBIR TAP experience, ThroughPut secured several significant contracts:
October 2022: Awarded a Phase II SBIR/STTR contract worth $749,971 by AFWERX to optimize end-to-end supply chain operations for the Department of the Air Force, focusing on improving parts availability for Lockheed Martin C-130 aircraft.
April 2024: Received a Direct-to-Phase II SBIR contract from AFWERX valued at $1.25 million to develop AI-powered proactive supply chain capabilities aimed at enhancing aircraft readiness across Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Sikorsky platforms.
July 2024: Secured a $1.9 million contract from the U.S. Army for the development of an AI-powered Army Mobilization Intelligence System (AMIS) to enable greater mobilization efficiency.
These contracts underscore ThroughPut's successful transition into the defense sector, leveraging their AI expertise to address critical logistics and supply chain challenges.
Commercial Expansion and Industry Recognition
ThroughPut's innovations have also garnered attention in the commercial sector. In February 2025, the company was recognized as a Representative Vendor in Gartner's Market Guide for Analytics and Decision-Making Platforms for Supply Chains. Their platform's capabilities in real-time inventory optimization, demand forecasting, and automated supply chain processes were highlighted as key differentiators.
Additionally, in May 2024, ThroughPut announced a strategic partnership with Inteligistics to enhance AI-powered inventory capabilities, aiming to improve profitability and efficiency in perishable goods supply chains.
ThroughPut Inc.'s journey from SBIR TAP participant to a recognized leader in both defense and commercial supply chain AI solutions underscores the impact of strategic support programs and the company's commitment to innovation.