August 14, 2025 · Entrepreneurs, Innovation, Program Impact, Stories
Meet the Founders: Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Recipient Eikon Research
As part of Innovate Alabama’s mission to support high-growth, high-impact startups across the state, the SBIR/STTR Supplemental Grant Program provides matching funds to Alabama companies that have received federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards.
In the most recent round of funding, Innovate Alabama awarded $3.3 million to 20 companies across the state. These founders are building the future — right here in Alabama.
Get to know them in our “Meet the Founders” Q&A series.
Company: Eikon Research, Inc.
Founders: Stephanie Cunningham, Austin DeSilva
City: Huntsville, AL
Q&A with Jason Cunningham, COO/VP of Business Development, Eikon Research, Inc.
In simple terms, what does your company do?
Eikon Research designs cutting-edge radar systems and simulation tools to keep our military safe and effective. We build advanced radars that spot and track threats like drones and missiles, helping soldiers respond quickly. We also create software that acts like a virtual testing ground, letting the military design and improve radars without costly real-world experiments. Our work supports the U.S. Army and Air Force, protecting troops and strengthening national security.
Why are you building and growing your business in Alabama?
Huntsville, Alabama, is the perfect place for Eikon Research because it’s a hub for defense and aerospace innovation, with Redstone Arsenal and top tech companies nearby. The state’s talented engineers and supportive business environment help us thrive. We’re proud to grow here, creating jobs and strengthening Alabama’s reputation as a leader in cutting-edge technology.
Tell us about a recent success that you’re particularly proud of.
Eikon Research was awarded a Phase II SBIR (>$1.5M) to support the mission engineering and modeling tool development for the Air Force Research Lab. This win validates our mission engineering and modeling tool’s potential to transform radar testing for the U.S. Air Force, boosting our momentum and enabling us to hire more talent in Alabama. We were also recently notified of a prime Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract award through the Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium. This contract will provide Eikon an avenue to continue developing our C-UAS radar system EXR for the US Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technology Office (RCCTO) in Redstone Arsenal, AL.
How will the Innovate Alabama SBIR/STTR matching funds help your company?
The Innovate Alabama grant bridges the gap between our Phase II and potential Phase III efforts, keeping our product development on track. It funds hiring skilled software engineers and radar experts, enhances our simulation tool’s development, and protects our intellectual property. This support accelerates our work, validates our technology for Air Force use, and creates high-tech jobs in Alabama.
What’s next for your business?
Earlier this year, Eikon Research became part of Shee Atiká, an Alaska Native Corporation. We’re better positioned than ever to expand from research and development prototyping to low-rate initial production and manufacturing, enabling our engineers to focus on innovation and technical excellence with robust support for administrative and operational needs.
Eikon Research aims to complete our Phase II project by 2026, delivering a fully tested simulation tool for Air Force radar planning. We plan to expand our team, engage with defense contractors for commercialization, and explore applications in aerospace and security. We are looking to move our C-UAS radar development into the low-rate production phase by the end of 2025 and into 2026. Our goal is to position Alabama as a global leader in radar engineering & simulation technology, driving innovation and economic growth.
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