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.
FedTech, in partnership with the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), is recruiting entrepreneurs to explore launching a new venture through the NSIN Foundry 2024 program.
The NSIN Foundry program matches cutting-edge Department of Defense (DoD) technologies with teams of entrepreneurs during intensive, 16-week programs. Entrepreneurs work closely with lab inventors, mentors, coaches, subject matter experts, and DoD end-users to assess the market viability and commercialization potential of the technologies. Successful teams form new companies, license the technologies, and develop solutions that impact the DoD and the private sector.
NSIN is a program office in the U.S. Department of Defense, nested within the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). We are set up to collaborate with a wide variety of innovators to include universities, researchers, students, entrepreneurs and start-ups. We create opportunities for collaboration across communities and connect those that might not traditionally work in national security. Together, we help drive national security innovation and develop technologies that directly support the individuals responsible for protecting our country.
Applications Close July 1, 2024
Don't Wait to Apply: This program offers team building and technology matching activities during the application period that will greatly improve your chances of acceptance to the cohort.
How It Works
First, Foundry identifies cutting-edge DoD lab technologies. Along with vetting each technology that we bring into the program, we also recruit aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs who are matched together in teams of three. Entrepreneur teams are then paired with DoD lab technologies based on their preferences and expertise. Teams are then provided instruction and mentorship during a five-month cohort during which they assess the commercialization potential of the technologies. Successful teams form companies and license DoD technologies, and the NSIN network helps these startups pursue new opportunities.
Since this program is geared towards building a startup from the ground up, existing startups or founders who want to execute a specific idea are better suited for FedTech Accelerators or other NSIN opportunities.
The Application Process
Testimonials
"The Foundry program equipped me to pursue a completely new opportunity: entrepreneurship….We officially organized as a company after the showcase and are currently pursuing development funding to bring our product to the market."
Sara Myers
Entrepreneur Participant,
Co-Founder of ELVEE,
DIA '21 Showcase Day 1st Place Winner
"I was looking for direct entrepreneurship experience and got exactly that and more. I could not have dreamed for a better opportunity."
James Feldhacker
Entrepreneur Participant,
Co-Founder of PXR Technologies
"[Foundry] was transformative for me - I often dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur, but didn't know how or where to get started…Before [Foundry], I knew next to nothing about deep tech, IP licensing, or how to actually build a startup. The program is an invaluable opportunity to learn and grow..."
Karlin Younger
Entrepreneur Participant,
Co-Founder of Fireflyht
Discover NSIN Foundry's Alumni Companies
