The United States Defense Innovation Unit, in partnership with the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Washington and Department of Defense (DoD) stakeholders, is hosting a Defense Tech Accelerator Challenge to identify and support innovations that address critical DoD needs including counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) and contested navigation.
This challenge serves as the entry point to a 4-month accelerator programme, designed to prepare innovators for the complexities of the defence market and position them for success. A team of subject matter experts will evaluate applicants and select up to eight finalists to participate in the programme. Finalists will receive tailored mentorship, DoD engagement opportunities, and funding support to help scale their technologies for DoD applications.
The challenge seeks 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.)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) (ex. ML Advancement, Battle Space Awareness, etc.)
- Emerging Tech (ex. Additive Manufacturing, Augmented Reality, Hypersonics, etc.)
The DIU is interested in commercially viable, dual-use technologies that address strategic gaps in defence capabilities and innovations that demonstrate potential for scalability, cost-effectiveness, and operational impact.
Interested parties must be able to commit to the 4-month accelerator programme in Renton, WA. This will consist of 10 days of on-site programming over the course of the programme period. It is expected of selected companies to be physically on-site at the determined location for accelerator programming. DIU states that in-person programming could be hosted at other locations besides Renton.
Benefits include USD15,000 in funding per finalist to support programme participation, entry into a 4-month accelerator programme designed to enhance readiness for DoD market engagement, mentoring, follow-on potential such as small business innovation research grants, and opportunities for cross-startup collaboration.
The solicitation closes on February 27 and the finalists will be announced on March 14.
For more information
Defense Tech Accelerator Challenge
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