#USA #Santa Clara #ANELLO Photonics #SiPhOG #GPS navigation technology

ANELLO Photonics Receives $20M for GPS-Denied Navigation Development

In a significant leap for military navigation technology, ANELLO Photonics has been awarded a $20 million grant from the Department of War under the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program. This funding is aimed at hastening the development and deployment of advanced navigation solutions that can operate effectively without GPS support.

Founded in Santa Clara, California, ANELLO Photonics stands out for its groundbreaking work on the Silicon Photonic Optical Gyroscope (SiPhOG™), which is pivotal for high-precision inertial navigation. The recent award underscores the increasing demand for reliable navigation systems, particularly in scenarios where traditional GPS signals are compromised or unavailable.

The Context of the APFIT Program

Initiated in 2022, the APFIT program by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering is designed to facilitate the swift transition of proven technologies into large-scale production and deployment. ANELLO's selection reflects not only its innovations but also a broader operational imperative within the U.S. military to enhance navigation capabilities amidst GPS-contested environments.

Dr. Mario Paniccia, CEO of ANELLO Photonics, emphasized the importance of this award: "This funding represents a crucial step in advancing GPS-independent navigation technologies that enhance operational autonomy. With insights and support from our Navy and Marine Corps partnerships, we are poised to expedite the deployment of these mission-ready systems that redefine performance standards in challenging environments."

ANELLO’s Technological Edge

ANELLO Photonics holds a formidable portfolio featuring over 40 active patents and more than 44 patents pending, encompassing the development of integrated photonic technologies and an AI-based sensor fusion engine. This technological foundation positions ANELLO as a trailblazer in the realm of inertial navigation, specifically tailored for environments where GPS signals are either inaccessible or unreliable.

The APFIT funding will significantly aid in fast-tracking the procurement and production of ANELLO's innovative systems, ensuring that military operations can rely on dependable navigation solutions on the battlefield.

Previous successes, such as the U.S. Navy Phase I and U.S. Army Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards, highlight ANELLO's established expertise and the practical applicability of its GPS-denied navigation technology in critical military scenarios.

Implications for Future Operations

The ability to navigate effectively without GPS introduces new strategic advantages for military forces engaged in operations in hostile territories. As conflicts increasingly occur in environments where GPS signals may be jammed or otherwise rendered ineffective, the implementation of alternative navigation technologies becomes vital.

In summary, the award from the Department of War represents a forward-thinking approach to enhancing operational capabilities in modern defense scenarios. ANELLO Photonics is not only poised to revolutionize navigation technology but also plays an essential role in reinforcing the U.S. military’s operational efficacy.

To stay updated with ANELLO Photonics and its ongoing projects, additional information about the FY 2026 APFIT awards can be found on their official website.