WOBURN, Mass., 24 October 2006. Aptima Inc., a leader in human-centered engineering, has been awarded eight Small Business Innovative Research Technology Transfer (STTR) awards from the Department of Defense. The Phase I contracts, totaling more than $550,000, will explore the feasibility of cutting-edge ideas and technologies, which will be applied towards commercial application in later phases.

Overseen by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the STTR program partners small businesses with university-based research institutions. Aptima will be joint-venturing with the MIT Media Lab, the Naval Postgraduate School, George Mason University, Texas A&M, and other institutions to develop technologies that enhance the human performance of America's warfighters.

The eight contracts fall within three broad categories:

Turning gaming into training -- harnessing the latest gaming and simulation technologies for improved training.

Human-machine interfaces -- optimizing the design of information displays for technical equipment, including the use of 3-D displays.

Self-forming networks -- helping people with common interests find each other and collaborate in information-rich organizations.