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Application deadline was June 25, 2025. The 12-week accelerator ran August–October 2025. This cycle is now past.
Dual-Use University Accelerator Challenge is sponsored by Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). A 12-week accelerator program designed to support cutting-edge innovations addressing critical Department of Defense needs, culminating in a prize pool shared among finalists.
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Search similar grants →According to the current listing, eligibility includes: U.S.-owned and operated companies and startups founded by students, faculty, staff, recent graduates (within the past 18 months), or any combination thereof. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows $500,000 prize pool. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
The published deadline was June 25, 2025, which has passed. Check the official notice for any future application windows before investing time in a proposal.
Dual-Use University Accelerator Challenge is funded by Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Yes — this listing is flagged as national in scope, so applicants across the U.S. may apply, subject to the sponsor's other eligibility criteria.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) Prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreements is sponsored by National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC), reports to Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). NSIC is a DoD initiative that provides non-dilutive capital in the form of Prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreements to accelerate the productization efforts of dual-use hardware startups.
Counter UAS Sensing for Homeland and Mobile Defense (Defense Innovation Unit) is sponsored by Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). This project seeks sensors that can detect small drones threatening military installations across the United States, and potentially for civil defense. The sensors must detect Group 1 UAVs (weighing less than 20 pounds) at a minimum range of 2 kilometers, with a secondary attribute to spot Group 2 and 3 drones. Preference is given to passive approaches and desired attributes include multiple and redundant sensors, minimal setup time, and broadspectrum RF sensing. The goal is to deploy sensors for both detection and destruction of drones, with rapid integration capability with government-designated C-UAS fire control systems. Small businesses are encouraged to submit solutions for a spring 2026 demonstration.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program 25.1 Solicitation is sponsored by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T). The DHS SBIR Program invites U.S. small businesses to submit research proposals addressing technology needs in fentanyl source profiling, data analysis tools, digital injection attack prevention, and wired interconnection cables or adapters.
Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) is a federal grant program administered by FEMA through the Office of the Governor's Public Safety Office that funds enhanced border security cooperation among Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Border Patrol, and state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies. The program supports joint operations to secure land and water border routes, improve intelligence sharing, and expand 287(g) screening operations within correctional facilities. In 2025, the national priority is Supporting Border Crisis Response and Enforcement, covering training, operational coordination, and risk management. Eligible expenses include operational overtime costs, staffing support for screening activities, and training programs in immigration law, civil rights protections, and 287(g) procedures.
DoD Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) is sponsored by Department of Defense (DoD) - Office of Naval Research (ONR). The Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI), administered by the Department of Defense Office of Naval Research, supports basic research in science and engineering at U. S.
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