Commercializing breakthrough defense technologies to solve national security problems.

Overview

The NSIN Foundry program, in partnership with FedTech, matches cutting-edge Department of Defense (DoD) technologies with teams of entrepreneurs during intensive, five-month cohorts. 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.

What We Do

The NSIN Foundry program identifies, researches, and vets cutting-edge DoD technologies developed in government laboratories, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs). We recruit the most innovative entrepreneurs from across the country who want to found new companies to solve critical DoD and commercial problems. The Foundry Program brings these technologies and entrepreneurs together and provides knowledgeable instructors; access to DoD inventors and end-users; mentorship from DoD and private sector subject-matter experts; and training on lean-startup principles, market assessment, company formation, technology licensing, and more. Foundry provides a path to commercialization for DoD lab tech, and a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to build a company around cutting edge technology.

How It Works

Foundry is an intensive, 100% virtual program executed in two phases. Phase I focuses on customer discovery, exploring the commercial viability of the DoD technology, and identifying business and technology development pathways. Teams that determine their technology has enough potential to form a company move on to Phase II. Phase II focuses on company formation, technology licensing, and identifying commercial and public funding opportunities. At the end of the cohort, teams present market assessment reports to the labs and compete at a “Showcase Day” live pitch event to potential customers and investors.

Each Foundry cohort includes technologies from a variety of areas. Past technology verticals have included:

  • 3D printing
  • Advanced materials
  • Artificial intelligence/machine learning
  • Autonomous systems
  • Command, control, and communications
  • Cybersecurity
  • Energy and power system
  • Human performance
  • Medical
  • Microelectronics
  • Sensors

Calling All Entrepreneurs

Foundry is looking for the next group of entrepreneurs for its 2024 cohort. Applicants from various backgrounds are encouraged to apply, ensuring a diverse cohort with a variety of perspectives. Whether you are new to the startup game or a serial entrepreneur, experienced with the DoD or a first-timer, or possess a GED, Ph.D., or culinary degree, if you’re an open-minded innovator who’s eager to create a new company, this is the opportunity for you. History has shown that more diversity results in stronger and more successful teams.

The program requires deep commitment from entrepreneurs, but it is structured to allow participants to keep their day jobs. As much as possible, all required workshops, training, and events occur on evenings and weekends.

Applicants are required to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Apply Now

Apply via the Airtable link before July 1.

Apply Now

Calling All Labs

Is your invention ripe for commercialization? Do you want to see it make a real impact? Do you want to learn about the commercial marketplace and see what the private sector can do to bring your invention to the next level? Then Foundry may be the program for you.

Foundry has broadened its technology pool to include all U.S. Government labs (not just DoD labs), FFRDCs, and UARCs. The technology must be applicable to DoD requirements or DoD customer problems.

At a minimum, the inventor must have filed a provisional patent. Higher technology readiness level (TRL) technologies (≥4) with demonstrated prototypes are preferred. Inventions within the last three years are also preferred.

NSIN entirely funds the program, so there is no direct cost for your lab. However, during the cohort, inventors must commit to spending at least one or more hours per week with the entrepreneur team and participate in a few weekend events, such as the kickoff Virtual Summit and final Showcase Day.

Interested lab partners should email foundry@nsin.mil.

2024 Key Program Dates*

  • Application period open: April 1 -July 1, 2024
  • Phase 0 Team Building & Technology Matching: April 8 - July 1, 2024
  • Kick-off (virtual): July 27, 2024
  • Phase I (virtual): July 28, 2024 to October 1, 2024 (10 weeks)
  • Phase II (virtual): October 15, 2024 to December 3rd, 2024 (8 weeks)

*Dates subject to change. All information on this page will be updated as necessary.