Overview
The Defense Innovation Unit is hosting a Dual-Use University Accelerator Challenge to identify and support cutting-edge innovations that address critical DoD needs. This event serves as the entry point to a 12-week accelerator program designed to prepare innovators for the complexities of the defense market and position them for success.
A team of subject matter experts will evaluate applicants and select up to 15 finalists to participate in the accelerator program. Finalists will receive a share of the $500,000 in prize awards, tailored mentorship, DoD engagement opportunities, and funding support to help scale their technologies for DoD applications. This challenge will close on June 25, 2025, at 11:59:59 pm ET.
Benefits of Participating
$500,000 prize pool
Entry into a 12 week accelerator program designed to enhance readiness for DoD market engagement.
Mentoring from subject matter experts in our ecosystem.
Use of prize authority shall be considered the use of competitive procedures for the purposes of chapter 221 of this title. Potential for follow-on opportunities such as Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants, Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), FAR-based contracts, and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs).
Comprehensive curriculum covering defense tech market insights, acquisition processes, and technology readiness development.
Opportunities for cross-startup collaboration.
Eligibility
U.S. owned and operated companies and startups that are:
founded by students, faculty, staff, recent graduates (within the past 18 months), or any combination thereof.
AND early TRL 2-4 (pre-seed/seed stage) with limited or no prior DoD contracts.
Active registration in Sam.gov. A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is required for submission. To register or renew your entity or check your entity status, visit SAM.gov.
Ability to commit to the 12 week accelerator program.
NOTE: There will be a cadence of virtual programming culminating in an in-person showcase event in Sunnyvale, CA.
It is expected of selected companies to be physically on-site for this showcase event. No other in person programming is currently planned as part of the accelerator. Companies selected will be given appropriate lead time to accommodate travel needs for participants.
Key Dates
May 28, 2025: Solicitation Release - Challenge.gov, DIU Website
June 10, 2025: “Ask Me Anything” Session at 12:00 ET
June 25, 2025: Solicitation Closes & Down-selection Begins at 11:59:59 pm ET
July 25, 2025: Finalists Announced
August, 2025: Accelerator Program Launches
October, 2025: Accelerator Program Concludes
Problem Statement
The Department of Defense (DoD) requires a more effective pathway to identify, support, and accelerate early-stage, dual-use technologies emerging from U.S. universities. Startups founded by students, faculty, staff, and recent graduates frequently encounter challenges in maturing their technologies (TRL 2–4) and navigating government adoption pathways. The DIU University Defense Accelerator Prize Challenge addresses this gap by sourcing innovative ventures from academic ecosystems and aligning them with DIU portfolio priorities. By offering funding, mentorship, and strategic access to both DoD and private-sector resources, the challenge aims to advance technological maturity and enable viable go-to-government strategies for high-impact national security solutions.
The specific focus areas for the challenge include:
Technological solutions aligned with DoD mission needs in:
Energy (ex. Energy Storage, Power Grid Integration, Renewable Energy Gen, Directed Energy, etc.)
Autonomy (ex. Logistical Solutions, Contested Navigation, C-UAS, etc.)
AI (ex. ML Advancement, Battle Space Awareness, etc.)
Cyber/Telecommunications (ex. Tactical EW, Secure Info Sharing, 5G / EM Spectrum Dev, etc.)
Emerging Tech (ex. Additive Manufacturing, Augmented Reality, Hypersonics, etc.)
Human Systems
Space
Commercially viable, dual-use technologies that address strategic gaps in defense capabilities.
Innovations that demonstrate potential for scalability, cost-effectiveness, and operational impact.
End-User: U. S. DoD
Judging Criteria
Applications will be judged on the following criteria:
Technical Merit: Innovation, soundness, and feasibility of the proposed solution.
Team Qualifications: Experience and expertise of principals, support staff, and consultants.
Commercial Viability: Market potential and dual-use capabilities.
Alignment with DoD Needs: Relevance to defined problem areas and operational impact.
Presentation Quality: Clarity and persuasiveness of the pitch.
Technical Capabilities:
Finalists should demonstrate the following capabilities:
Required Capabilities:
Integration of innovative technologies addressing specific DoD mission needs.
Feasibility for rapid prototyping and field testing.
Readiness to adapt solutions based on stakeholder feedback.
Desired Capabilities:
Scalability for large-scale implementation.
Demonstrated ability to engage with DoD mission partners.
Sustainability considerations, including energy efficiency and resilience.
Ask Me Anything Session:
An AMA session was held on June 10, 2025. This interaction provided clarity on technical requirements, eligibility, criteria, challenge mechanics, and administrative processes. Engaging in the AMA fosters a deeper understanding of the challenge’s objectives, allowing participants to tailor their submissions effectively.
View recording and a readout of the questions.
You can also submit questions at any time to prizechallenge@diu.mil.
Pitch Deck Submission Requirements:
Teams will submit a pitch deck outlining their technology capabilities that addresses the capabilities and criteria listed above. Pitch decks should meet the following requirements:
Address required and desired capabilities
Highlight the technology’s alignment with DoD needs
Horizontal presentation (16:9 ratio, PDF format)
Maximum 15 slides including cover page
Video Submission Requirements:
Teams will submit a video summarizing their technology capabilities that addresses the capabilities and criteria listed above. Videos should meet the following requirements:
Non-public/unlisted youtube video link
Maximum 90 seconds
Submit Now
Applications are being accepted through Smartsheet through June 25 at 11:59:59 pm EST.
Questions
Please direct your questions to prizechallenge@diu.mil.