July 10, 2026 – Today, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) announced the public criteria for future Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub locations, following an open solicitation period on SAM.gov from July 7–31, 2026.
In line with section 913 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, DIU is authorized to establish locations to accelerate the fielding of commercial technology across the U.S. military and streamline collaboration with private sector companies and mission partners.
In addition to its offices, DIU leverages strategic partnerships—including universities, laboratories, and Defense Innovation OnRamp Hubs—to mobilize university talent, research, industry, and entrepreneurial capacity against validated national security problems for mission-ready solutions. As local front doors, our OnRamp Hubs help advance DIU’s nationwide effort to catalyze the defense technology ecosystem by providing streamlined local access for funders, founders and talent. The following are criteria DIU will be using to assess potential future OnRamp Hub locations: Criteria and Consideration for Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub Locations
Ecosystem Strength (measured using EDA Innovation Intelligence Index)
Proximity to private sector technology ecosystems with relevance to DoW modernization priorities
Workforce and talent pool availability
Expected near- and long-term outcomes for defense innovation
Community Support
Evidence of community commitment to growing the NSIB through existing investments (e.g., focus on national security technology)
Potential for public-private collaboration
Alignment with Administration and national security guidance
Existing U.S. military presence
Proximity to testing and evaluation assets
Proximity to priority military partners
Veteran community strength by population
Other Considerations
Geographic and strategic distribution
Alignment with DoW needs to ensure locations and partnerships support emerging and long-term capability needs of the Department
Assessment of existing federal, state, and local innovation ecosystems to avoid duplication and ensure efficient use of available resources and presence across the United States (e.g., existing Partnership Intermediary Agreements with DoW entities)
Resource availability, including for establishment and sustainment cost, infrastructure, and workforce requirements, with 10% of funding coming from local, state, and private sources
Preference for full self-sustainment in five years
Any other relevant elements identified by the Director
Virtual Stakeholder Webinar
OnRamp Hub Program leadership, alongside the Applied Research Institute, will conduct a 60-minute webinar with stakeholders from the commercial sector, academia, and military partners to answer questions related to the published Request for Information governing potential Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub locations. The webinar will take place on July 20 at 12:00 p.m. (EST). Please register here.