WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 10, 2025) — The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), in partnership with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), has selected the ten startup teams for the inaugural cohort of the Blue Object Management Challenge Accelerator Program.
This accelerator is designed to rapidly identify and prototype dual-use commercial technologies that support USINDOPACOM’s operational priorities. In military operations, “blue objects” refer to friendly forces which include U.S. warfighters, equipment, and infrastructure. Blue object management involves the real-time tracking and coordination of these assets, providing commanders with accurate, up-to-date operational awareness, particularly in dynamic or contested environments.
These 10 companies were competitively selected through DIU’s Prize Challenge process. Companies were selected by the mission partner for their focus on advancing AI-enabled decision-making capabilities that seek to improve how mission-critical data is integrated, accessed, and used across Department of War (DoW) platforms and forces.
The 2025 cohort includes:
CI-PHER Tech, Inc
Countifi, Inc
Dunedain Systems
Exia Labs
Kinnami Software Corporation
Lumbra, Inc
MAIK
Snorkel AI
Unstructured Technologies, Inc
Valinor Streamline, Inc
Over the course of the program, participating teams will work alongside DIU and USINDOPACOM to test, validate, and transition solutions that can strengthen operational readiness and address the unique challenges of the region.
The Blue Object Management Challenge Accelerator was launched in August 2025, and applicants were evaluated through a competitive downselect process. Finalists will receive a share of the $500,000 in prize awards.
The challenge highlights DIU’s and INDOPACOM’s shared commitment to accelerating innovation in the Indo-Pacific theater, where commercial technology can deliver mission-critical capabilities faster. By working directly with early-stage startups, the program ensures the DoW has access to adaptable, dual-use solutions that enhance resilience, logistics, and decision-making in contested environments.
For more information on the Blue Object Management Challenge, visit: https://www.diu.mil/latest/diu-presents-blue-object-management-challenge