Maker offers prototyping solutions for accepted novel solutions from NSIN programming, allowing customers to turn ideas from the abstract and theoretical into practical and real prototypes.

Responding to Customer Needs

Often, customers cannot fully evaluate the solutions coming out of NSIN programming when the solutions are low on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale. A working prototype is needed for customers to decide whether to adopt and implement a proposed solution.

NSIN Maker provides required funding or the technical expertise necessary to construct prototypes. Maker prototypes must originate from previous NSIN programs (including Hackathons, X-Force Fellowship, etc.). The purpose of Maker is to increase the TRL of an already existing NSIN solution so that a Customer can decide on solution adoption. All Maker prototypes must be solutions that are too low on the TRL scale to be successfully evaluated by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Mission Partner for solution adoption.

NSIN Maker is best for solutions with a TRL between 1 and 3*:

• Technology Readiness Level 1: Basic principles observed and reported
• Technology Readiness Level 2: Technology concept and/or application formulated
• Technology Readiness Level 3: Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept

*Source: The 9 Technology Readiness Levels of the DoD

Become an NSIN Maker Partner

If you’re interested in joining the network of makerspaces throughout the United States supporting defense innvoation, let’s start a conversation.