Homeland Security Startup Studio
Seeking Experienced & Aspiring Entrepreneurs
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About the Program
The Homeland Security Startup Studio by FedTech brings entrepreneurial minds and scientific innovation together to foster global impact. Focused on promoting DHS S&T-funded technologies originating from university labs, federal labs, and FFRDCs, this platform connects entrepreneurs with cutting-edge tech to evaluate and actualize its potential for commercialization. It's a collaborative environment where new ventures are crafted to address the pressing needs of homeland security, serving both government and commercial sectors.
Overview
HSSS brings together dynamic teams of aspiring entrepreneurs and pair them with cutting-edge, federally-funded technologies to explore and unlock their commercialization potential. Each team, composed of two to three talented individuals, brings a diverse blend of expertise in technology, engineering, and business.
Through our comprehensive FedTech curriculum, these teams receive top-tier entrepreneurial training, hands-on experiential learning, and personalized guidance from seasoned coaches and mentors, all designed to empower them on their journey to success.
- No fees to participate and no equity taken
- 100% virtual program with the exception of the CONVERGE showcase
- Participants are asked to commit ~20 hours/week including once-weekly evening workshops
- HSSS is designed to be convenient for those who work full-time
"[The Homeland Security Startup Studio] provided invaluable help around intellectual property, negotiating our evaluation license, and negotiating the terms of our CRADA. In working in the FedTech ecosystem, we were paired up with experts in all those disciplines who guided and coached us through."
A Deeper Dive
Phase 1
During phase I, program entrepreneurs are taught foundational basics and skill sets so teams can quickly assess potential use cases for their matched technology. During weekly breakout sessions, teams will practice pitching for mentors who will act as sounding boards. Entrepreneurs will participate in lectures on lean programming and spinout topics such as: fundraising, intellectual property, business models, and customer outreach. Participants also engage in customer discovery interviews to help identify the problem-solution fit for their technology.
- Weekly Small Group Breakout Sessions
- Pitch Practice
- Lectures on Lean Programming and Other Relevant Spinout Topics (Fundraising, IP, Business Model, Customer Outreach)
- Stakeholder Interviews
- FedTech Ecosystem Engagement
Phase 2
Phase II participants will set up early-stage companies with pragmatic and ambitious company goals. Entrepreneur teams will be guided by program mentors on how to navigate crucial formation steps from pitching to licensing their technologies. The content of this phase will be customized for the team.
- Founders Forum
- Individual Coaching
- Professional Services and Funding Support
- Accountability Council and Objective Key Result (OKR) Setting
- Customized Learning Modules
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