Calling Dual-Use Technology Startups

Apply Here: https://nsin.mil/events/2025-02-10-defense-tech-accelerator-challenge/

The Defense Innovation Unit, in partnership with the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Washington and key Department of Defense (DoD) stakeholders, is hosting a Defense Tech Accelerator Challenge to identify and support cutting-edge innovations that address critical DoD needs. This challenge serves as the entry point to a 4-month accelerator program in Renton, WA, designed to prepare innovators for the complexities of the defense market and position them for success.

A team of subject matter experts will evaluate applicants and select up to 8 finalists to participate in the accelerator program. Finalists will receive tailored mentorship, DoD engagement opportunities, and funding support to help scale their technologies for DoD applications.

Apply Here: https://nsin.mil/events/2025-02-10-defense-tech-accelerator-challenge/

Startups and innovators often encounter significant barriers when navigating the defense marketplace, particularly during the transition phase preceding acquisition readiness. These barriers include a lack of understanding of DoD customer needs, the complexity of defense acquisition processes, and the ability to demonstrate dual-use technology capabilities. The Defense Tech Accelerator Challenge aims to bridge these gaps by identifying promising innovators and equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to succeed in the defense ecosystem.

The specific focus areas for the challenge include:

Technological solutions aligned with DoD mission needs in:

• Energy (ex. Energy Storage, Power Grid Integration, Renewable Energy Gen, Directed Energy, etc.)
• Autonomy (ex. Logistical Solutions, Contested Navigation, C-UAS, etc.)
• Cyber (ex. Tactical EW, Secure Info Sharing, 5G / EM Spectrum Dev, etc.)
• Artifical Intelligence (AI) (ex. ML Advancement, Battle Space Awareness, etc.)
• Emerging Tech (ex. Additive Manufacturing, Augmented Reality, Hypersonics, etc.)
• Commercially viable, dual-use technologies that address strategic gaps in defense capabilities.
• Innovations that demonstrate potential for scalability, cost-effectiveness, and operational impact.
• End-User: U. S. DoD

• February 10, 2025: Solicitation Release - Challenge.gov, NSIN website
• February 19, 2025: “Ask Me Anything” Session - Register Now
• February 27, 2025: Solicitation Closes & Down-selection Begins
• March 14, 2025: Finalists Announced & Accelerator Agenda Distributed
• Week of March 24, 2025: Accelerator Program Launches
• Week of July 21, 2025: Accelerator Program Concludes

• $15,000 in funding per finalist to support program participation.
• Entry into a 4-month accelerator program designed to enhance readiness for DoD market engagement.
• Mentoring from subject matter experts in our ecosystem.
• Potential for follow-on opportunities such as Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants, Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs).
• Comprehensive curriculum covering defense tech market insights, acquisition processes, and technology readiness development.
• Opportunities for cross-startup collaboration.

• U.S. owned and operated companies and startups.
• Active registration in SAM.gov
• Non-traditional defense contractors as defined in the 2023 DoD Other Transactions Guide
• Ability to commit to the 4-month accelerator program in Renton, WA. This will consist of 10 days of on-site programming (2 days per on-site session) over the course of the 4-month program period. There will be a cadence of on-site programming roughly every 3-4 weeks throughout the 4-month accelerator. It is expected of selected companies to be physically on-site at the determined location for accelerator programming. In-person programming could be hosted at other locations besides Renton, WA to enhance partnership opportunities for participating companies (e.g. Spokane, WA, Tri-Cities, WA, Portland, OR, Boise, ID, Bozeman, MT, etc.). Companies selected will be given appropriate lead time to accommodate travel needs for participants.

Note: A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is required for submission. To register or renew your entity or check your entity status, visit SAM.gov.

Applications will be judged on the following criteria:

• Technical Merit: Innovation, soundness, and feasibility of the proposed solution.
• Team Qualifications: Experience and expertise of principals, support staff, and consultants.
• Commercial Viability: Market potential and dual-use capabilities.
• Alignment with DoD Needs: Relevance to defined problem areas and operational impact.
• Presentation Quality: Clarity and persuasiveness of the pitch.
• Ability to Test and Deploy: Practicality of the solution for testing, implementation, and operational deployment within DoD environments.

Finalists should demonstrate the following capabilities:

Required Capabilities:

• Integration of innovative technologies addressing specific DoD mission needs.
• Feasibility for rapid prototyping and field testing.
• Readiness to adapt solutions based on stakeholder feedback.

Desired Capabilities:

• Scalability for large-scale implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with DoD mission partners.
• Sustainability considerations, including energy efficiency and resilience.

Teams will submit a pitch deck outlining their technology capabilities that addresses the features listed above. Pitch decks should meet the following format requirements:

• Address required capabilities
• Highlight the technology’s alignment with DoD needs
• Include a quad chart
• Horizontal presentation (16:9 ratio, PDF format)
• Maximum 10 slides

Apply Here: https://nsin.mil/events/2025-02-10-defense-tech-accelerator-challenge/