StartupDefense Tech & Dual-Use+ Hardware & ManufacturingGovernment Program
DIU Piloting Pathways
Defense Innovation Unit
BLUF: Bottom Line Up Front
· Five-second scanTotal time commitment
100-300 hours
Admittance criteria
Application + Eligibility-Based
Funding type
No Cash Award
Delivery mode
Hybrid
Academic backing
Light
Best for
Startup
Eligibility
Commercial companies with deployable tech; rapid prototyping.
Award
OT contracts $1M+
Deadlines
Multiple cycles · Continuous
Editor's take
Companion to DIU CSO.
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What we ask reviewers
- •Time spent: hours in-person, hours virtual, duration in weeks, required attendance.
- •Actual benefit: cash grants received, follow-on capital raised, cost coverage, equity taken.
- •Selectivity: cohort size, acceptance rate, percent veteran or military.
- •Best parts and worst parts: up to four each, specific facts, no marketing language.
- •Truth check: was the program marketing accurate? What did they oversell or leave out?
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