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National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) is sponsored by Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). NSIC is a DoD initiative that enables dual-use hardware startups to advance key milestones in their product development by addressing the shortfall of private investment from trusted sources.
It seeks to engage domestic startups developing dual-use hardware products with both commercial and defense applications, particularly in early stages of development or pre-production (TRL 3 or higher).
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Or search similar grants →Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.
## National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) - Commercial Acceleration Opportunity (CAO) ## National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) - Commercial Acceleration Opportunity (CAO) Contract Opportunity Type Contract Line Item Number ##### Mar 26, 2025 5:39 PM EST ##### IMMEDIATE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ##### DEFENSE INNOVATION UNIT ##### 9999 - MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS ##### 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) **NSIC’s mission**is to strengthen the national security innovation base by addressing the shortfall of private investment from trusted sources in **early-stage** technology startups developing dual-use hardware products - technologies which have both commercial and national security applications.
NSIC funding will enable companies to further develop their products, reducing future technical risk and time to market and increasing prospects for private investment. NSIC provides funds to hardware startups which have achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or higher. Under the authority of 10 U.S.C.
§ 4022 (2022) (previously 10 U.S.C 2371b), NSIC seeks to award Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) to**early-stage** technology startups at various stages of prototype development.
The products which eventually result from awarded agreements will be valuable in commercial markets as well as in defense applications, enhancing the future mission effectiveness of military personnel and the supporting platforms, systems, components, or materials proposed to be acquired or developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The current Topics of Interest are found at the**NSIC website: https://www. nsic.
mil/** **This announcement is continuously open**; Pitch Decks may be submitted and will be evaluated for the general requirements of the Commercial Acceleration Opportunity (CAO) at any time throughout the year. The availability of funds may limit the ability of the U.S. Government to make awards in specific areas. Pitch Decks are sought under Topic of Interest referenced on the NSIC website.
This CAO is intended to ensure that to the maximum extent practicable, competitive procedures are used when entering into agreements to carry out these prototype projects. This announcement satisfies the competition requirements in 10 U.S.C. § 4022 (b)(2).
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Domestic startups developing dual-use hardware technologies (TRL 3 or higher) for connected mobile and edge systems that support distributed operations in land, sea, air, and space domains. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) is funded by Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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