The program was launched in 2025 and received more than 200 submissions.

Feb 10, 2026

A recently launched pilot program from ASTM International aims to support the development of standards-related projects from across the organization’s various technical committees. Through the program, ASTM accepted ideas to fund short-term strategic R&D initiatives that enhance the integration of standards from across ASTM’s 90 industry sectors.

“Over the past several years, ASTM has been investing in emerging areas such as advanced manufacturing and critical emerging technologies,” notes Andy Kireta, ASTM president. “But we recognize the many significant advancements in our traditional activities, and we wanted to create a mechanism to support these efforts. That’s where the Standards Acceleration Pilot Program comes in.”
The intention of the program is for ASTM to identify areas where the organization could collaborate with members to provide three core elements:

• Coordinated R&D to support faster standards development
• Programs and services to support workforce development and training; and
• Strategic guidance and funding geared towards the needs of each technology

The program was launched in 2025 and received more than 200 submissions. Of those, the organization requested proposals for 17 projects, receiving proposals from 12 ASTM committees. The proposals cover a diverse array of topics, including:

• Moisture balance analyzer for road and paving materials;
• Environmental biodegradation of soil and compostable polymers;
• Particulate matter air sensor systems;
• Hemp fiber and hurd standards;
• Test method to evaluate window screens during wildfire exposure;
• Fatigue testing of metallic materials;
• Tensile Kolsky Bar experiments;
• Design, development, and verification of a tourniquet testing fixture;
• Improved test method for protection of the metatarsal area of the foot;
• Commercial spaceflight bootcamp and certification;
• Certificate of conformity within the digital supply chain;
• Modernizing of modified salt spray testing.

After careful consideration and support from ASTM’s Board of Directors, each of the submitted projects has been selected to proceed. Collectively, the program is supporting more than $340,000 of funding. All projects are now underway in varying capacities.

The team is currently looking at next steps and how to capitalize on the next round of submissions. To learn more about the Standards Acceleration Pilot Program, visit:
https://www.astm.org/standards-and-solutions/market-insights-and-innovation/innovation/standards-acceleration.

Media Relations: Dan Bergels, tel+1.610.832.9602; dbergels@astm.org
Business Development Contact: Kim Brown, tel+1.484.904.5828; kbrown@astm.org

Release #13052

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