Crucible Ignitor
Seeking Aspiring & Experienced Entrepreneurs
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About the Program
Funded by the NavalX Inland Empire Tech Bridge, powered by FedTech, Crucible Ignitor is a startup studio that matches federal or university created technologies with entrepreneur teams to promote dual-use technology commercialization. Now entering its third year, successful teams form new companies, license technologies, and develop solutions that can impact government or private markets. Entrepreneurs work closely with inventors, technology transfer, subject matter experts, and advisors.
Overview
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
- Virtual, with one optional in-person Innovation Summit in Southern California
- No fees to participate and no equity taken
- Direct access to cutting-edge federal- or lab-created technologies selected for national security relevance and commercialization potential
- Mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, executives, and technologists
- Chance to license your technology and launch a spinout company
- Eligibility to compete for prizes to support your newly-launched startup
- Travel stipend provided to attend the optional in-person Innovation Summit in Southern California
Program Length: Total of ~20 hours per week per entrepreneur from October 2025 through February 2026. Live sessions are 1-1.5 hours and the remainder is spent working with teams at mutually-agreeable times.
Who Should Apply?: We are seeking diverse skill sets and backgrounds such as technologists, businesspeople, spokespeople, operations specialists, and creative thinkers from across the United States. Previous founders and first-time founders are encouraged to apply. The program is designed to allow for individuals who are working full-time.
*Citizenship Requirements: The program is open to citizens of the United States of America (US). If you are a US Permanent Resident, green card holder, or have citizenship-related questions, please contact crucible@fedtech.io before completing an application.
“[This program] is a great mechanism to take confident action where we now have a window of opportunity.”
A Deeper Dive
Drawing inspiration from the U.S. Marines' 54-hour boot camp challenge, NavalX's Inland Empire Tech Bridge Crucible Ignitor Program fosters grit, critical thinking, and perseverance in entrepreneurial growth across the United States. Bolstering NavalX’s mission, Ignitor unites technology with diverse innovators to spin out startups through dual-use national security technology commercialization. The program begins with identifying “solver,” or entrepreneur teams, that have the expertise, interest, and resources to focus on building a new venture.
Crucible’s focus areas are built on Challenge Statements, co-developed with key industry stakeholders and Naval science and technology strategy that advance national security priorities both for the government and private sectors. Challenge Statements include:
- Data Analytics and Visualization
- Advanced Measurement and Metrology
- Enhanced Telecommunications, Information Sharing, and Networks
- Autonomous Systems and Robotics
- Supply Chain and Logistics
- Directed Energy Technologies
- Sustainable Infrastructure and Green Technologies
- Water Technologies, Products, and Platforms
- Injury Prevention and Safety
- Agricultural, Animal By Product Utilization
Alumni Highlights
“FedTech offered the [commercialization] process to participants on a golden platter… the best part was working with the teams and excellent partners” - Tony Noser, CEO of Gen6Solutions
Gen6Solutions finalized a CRADA with their partner Naval laboratory moving forward to convert into an R&D license
Super Foam Corp. secured $150k in funding from the University of California, Riverside, matched by the Assistant Deputy Director of Innovation from the California Governor’s Office. They are preparing to submit a National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research (NSF SBIR) Phase I.
Aurelius Industries has received $50k in public funding, currently working on ITAR compliance.
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About the NavalX Tech Bridge Network
Regional Tech Bridges help Naval leaders address operational challenges with solutions that can scale globally. This connected network of innovation hubs enhances collaboration between Naval Labs, industry, academia, and other military organizations.
When NavalX takes on a new effort, the Tech Bridges serve as technology scouts, local networking hubs, and connection points to Naval Warfare Centers and Labs to make sure the best possible technology is brought to the table for consideration.
These strategically located teams offer a more easily accessible way for the Department of the Navy to foster collaboration, build productive partnerships, and speed delivery of solutions to sailors and Marines. Tech Bridges are an essential link between Naval technologists and local startup ecosystems across the country — and around the world.
Learn More About NavalX
Other questions? Contact us at crucible@fedtech.io
Partners
