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.
Startup Studios
Entrepreneurs (and aspiring entrepreneurs) can apply to any of our startup studios, where they will be paired with a technology developed in a federal or university lab. Over the course of the intense program, entrepreneurs are indoctrinated in the lean startup model, focusing on validating their business models through customer discovery. If the team finds a problem-solution fit and the opportunity is promising, we help launch their venture.
Find Your Program
Startup Studios | Accelerators | Internal Innovation | Corporate Venture | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Who is it for? | Entrepreneurs (or aspiring ones) | Startups | R&D/Engineering/Innovation teams | Corporate venture and innovation teams |
What You Should Expect | To start a new new venture (ideally) | To bring your venture to the next level | To learn and incorporate intrapreneurial and innovative practices | To access cutting edge technologies and strategic guidance |
Technology | Teams are paired with a breakthrough technology | Ventures should have a technology solution that solves a sponsor's problem | Technology and participants are sourced from your organization | Our unique pipeline is built on relationships within federal and university labs and our network of emerging-tech startups |
Duration of the Program | Ranges from 8 and 24 weeks | Ranges from 3-6 months | Half-day sessions to multi-year programs | Contact us for details |
Recommended Hours for Participants | Entrepreneurs: ~15-20 hours per week
Inventors: ~30 mins per week | Ranges from 5 to 40 hours per week | Ranges from ~2 to 10 hours per week | n/a |
Funding to Participants | Ranges from none to up to $50k. However, we help companies win federal and state grants and prepare them for pitches to our network of investors | Ranges from $5k to $250k | n/a | n/a |
Equity Take | None, the company is 100% owned by participants. | No equity taken | n/a | Contact us for details |
Fee for Participants | Free | Free | Free | n/a |