The Emerge Accelerator is an NSIN-designed and university-operated U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) focused startup accelerator for university ventures early in the process of commercializing deep technology.

Overview

NSIN Emerge seeks to advance the development of new dual-use ventures (ventures that serve both government and commercial customers) based on existing university intellectual property or research. Emphasis focuses on identifying venture technology that corresponds to the DoD’s urgent and critical areas of development, with consideration to all technology areas.

The Emerge Accelerator provides early-stage ventures with training, mentorship, and non-dilutive funding (at the accelerator’s discretion) to advance their core business and prepare them to conduct business with the DoD confidently.

Frequent Asked Questions

  • Where can I apply? The application link will be posted on this page once it becomes available.
  • When does Emerge occur? Emerge takes place over four months.
  • Where does Emerge happen? Emerge is primarily virtual, with an in-person orientation week and an in person final showcase event.
  • What stage venture should apply? Pre-Series A ventures should apply. Otherwise, NSIN seeks ventures or teams aspiring to become ventures interested in exploring ways of doing business and employing their research within the DoD.
  • What level of venture participation is expected? The expected minimum workload for teams is about two hours per week for every week throughout the cohort.
  • How many ventures does Emerge accept? Initially, we plan to recruit at least 20 ventures and then filter down resources for the select ventures that show the most commitment and demonstrate the strongest performance. All accepted cohort ventures will continue to receive a base level of support regardless of how far they progress in the accelerator and may be eligible to receive additional resources as they become ready in future Emerge iterations.
  • Derivative IP? The purpose of the Emerge Accelerator is for new ventures based around university IP to explore the benefits of making their business dual-use. NSIN is a DoD organization that exists to promote dual-use innovation. We are not asking to obtain teams’ equity or IP rights. IP considerations will be up to the parties involved for teams that make separate agreements with our DoD partners. NSIN does not speak for other DoD organizations or the DoD at large.
  • How can my university become an Emerge provider? We’re still developing our selection process, but email us and let’s start a conversation. For FY23, we are not accepting additional university partners, but future years may be possible.

Questions

Please email any questions about this program to emerge@nsin.mil.