What We Do

The Foundry team identifies, researches, and vets cutting-edge DoD technologies developed in government laboratories, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs). Foundry recruits the most innovative entrepreneurs in the academic and startup communities who want to build their next venture around one of these defense technologies. Foundry brings the technologies and entrepreneurs together and provides knowledgeable instructors; access to DoD inventors and end-users; mentorship from DoD and private sector subject-matter experts; and training on lean-startup principles, market assessment, company formation, technology licensing, and more.

How it Works

Foundry is an intensive, 100% virtual program executed in two phases. Phase I focuses on customer discovery, exploring the commercial viability of the DoD technology, and identifying business and technology development pathways. Teams that determine their technology has enough potential to form a company move on to Phase II. Phase II focuses on company formation, technology licensing, and identifying commercial and public funding opportunities. At the end of the cohort, teams present market assessment reports to the labs and compete at a “Showcase Day” live pitch event to potential customers and investors.

Calling all Entrepreneurs

Foundry is looking for the next group of entrepreneurs for its 2022 cohort. Applicants from various backgrounds are encouraged to apply, ensuring a diverse cohort with a variety of perspectives. Whether new to the startup game or a serial entrepreneur, experienced with the DoD or a first-timer, or possess a GED, Ph.D., or culinary degree, if you’re an open-minded innovator who’s eager to create a new company, this is the opportunity for you. History has shown that more diversity results in stronger and more successful teams.

The program requires deep commitment from entrepreneurs, but it is structured to allow participants to keep their day jobs. As much as possible, all required workshops, training, and events occur on evenings and weekends.

U.S. citizenship is not required to participate in the program; however, some lab partners require teams composed of only U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The Foundry team will make every reasonable effort to match all accepted entrepreneurs with the team and technology that is right for them.

Calling all Labs

Is your invention ripe for commercialization? Do you want to see it make a real impact? Do you want to learn about the commercial marketplace and see what the private sector can do to bring your invention to the next level? Then Foundry may be the program for you.

Foundry has broadened its technology pool to include all U.S. Government labs (not just DoD labs), FFRDCs, and UARCs. The technology must be applicable to DoD requirements or DoD customer problems.

At a minimum, the inventor must have filed a provisional patent. Higher technology readiness level (TRL) technologies (≥4) with demonstrated prototypes are preferred. Inventions within the last three years are also preferred.

NSIN entirely funds the program, so there is no direct cost for your lab. However, during the cohort, inventors must commit to spending at least one hour per week with the entrepreneur team and participate in a few weekend events, such as the Kickoff and final Showcase Day.