
The NSIN Defense Innovation Accelerator (DIA) matches breakthrough Department of Defense (DoD) lab technology with teams of entrepreneurs to solve the real-world problems of DoD and commercial customers. Entrepreneurs work with DoD lab inventors, mentors and subject matter experts from the Government and private sectors, and world class instructors to assess the market viability and the potential to commercialize DoD lab technologies.
DIA is an intensive 4-month cohort-based program executed in two phases: customer discovery and early company formation. Successful teams have gone on to form companies, license the technology from the labs and pursue various funding opportunities.
The NSIN Defense Innovation Accelerator (DIA) matches breakthrough Department of Defense (DoD) lab technology with teams of entrepreneurs to solve the real-world problems of DoD and commercial customers. Entrepreneurs work with DoD lab inventors, mentors and subject matter experts from the Government and private sectors, and world class instructors to assess the market viability and the potential to commercialize DoD lab technologies.
DIA is an intensive 4-month cohort-based program executed in two phases: customer discovery and early company formation. Successful teams have gone on to form companies, license the technology from the labs and pursue various funding opportunities.
Who We Are
We are a venture firm at the intersection of entrepreneurship, breakthrough technologies, and mission-driven organizations. Since 2015, we have been dedicated to providing entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and government game-changers a viable path to transition breakthrough technologies to real-world impact. Our commitment to unlock the benefits of technology for all is possible with our deep relationships and collaboration that spans across the DoD, NASA, DoE, NIST, VA, federal labs, research institutions, universities and corporations.
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Through our startup studios, accelerators, internal innovation and corporate venture programs, we work with individuals, companies, and government agencies to stay at the bleeding edge of innovation.

FedTech By the Numbers
1200 +
Program Participants
300 +
Ventures/Teams Accelerated
65 +
Partner Laboratories
Our Programs
Startup Studios
Our startup studios pair seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs with breakthrough technologies from federal and university labs. We employ methods like lean startup and business model canvas to position entrepreneurs to launch their own venture around their technology, entirely for free (no equity or fee).
Accelerators
Our accelerator programs propel existing ventures forward, working with specific mission driven organizations, to solve some of our country's most pressing issues. We have accelerator programs with several government agencies, at no cost to you (no equity or fee).
Internal Innovation
We work with top federal, academic and commercial entities to unleash their innovation capabilities through workshops that can range from half-day to multi-year engagements. This can focus on a wide range of topics that bring the rapid innovation techniques of startups to the larger organization.
Corporate Venture
Our access and experience in reaching decentralized and navigating fragmented research labs is what sets us apart. Whether it's exploring some of the less public-facing government-funded labs or top research universities, we find emerging technology that aligns with our clients’ strategic interests.