DIU strengthens our national security by accelerating the adoption of leading commercial technology throughout the military and growing the national security innovation base. We award scalable contracts to companies offering solutions to national security challenges across a variety of technology areas.
Who We Are / Our Mission
What is the War Department Innovation Unit?
The "Why?"
Launched in August 2015 as DIUx by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
Commercial technology was advancing faster than defense R&D
Adversaries were outpacing the U.S. in developing and adopting critical innovation
The Joint Forces were stuck with slow acquisitions cycles
Speed did not match operational needs
The Problem
Traditional DoW acquisition methods are too slow
The barriers to entry into the DoW marketplace for first-time, nontraditional and small businesses are too high
The DoW relies on long, requirements-driven acquisitions and procurement cycles
This risk-averse environment blocks innovation before it can reach warfighters
The Approach
DIU is a DoW "Field Activity," allowing for nimble operations to meet real Joint Force needs
Our open solicitations and OTA contracting authority awards prototype contracts in months, not years.
Our team includes experts from the commercial sector, military and U.S. government.
Our #1 goal is rapid prototyping, transition and delivering results
Converting Capitalism Into Combat Power
Technology Areas Where We Overmatch Threats and Deliver Capability at Scale.
From Commercial Breakthrough to Warfighter Reality
Autonomous Warfare
Overwhelming the adversary with unmanned mass.
Kill Web
Out-sensing and out-targeting the adversary through AI-integrated space architecture.
10x
Speed and radical cost reduction fielding solutions 10x faster and 10x cheaper.
AI Crosscutter
Weaving next-gen AI solutions into the core of every project.
What We Do For
Military Modernization
We bridge the gap for commercial tech and military security needs.
We identify friction points and recommend changes to enhance acquisitions and fielding efforts.
We connect mission demand with students, faculty, researchers, labs, entrepreneurs, and partners.
We work with allies and partners across the globe to maximize strategic value.
Commercial Tech Companies
We provide companies without a legacy-defense background the opportunity to enter the defense market.
We offer faster time-to-contract and clearer paths to production.
We provide streamlined local access points for funders, founders and talent.
Submit Your Solution
The mission is urgent, and we are your pathway. Whether you're a startup with a breakthrough or a warfighter with a gap, let's deliver the overmatch our warriors deserve.
Have a solution for our most critical gaps?
"Cassowary Vex" Suborbital Launch of Hypersonic Test Platform / Feb 2026