NSIN Propel
Empowering early-stage ventures to tackle national security challenges
NSIN Propel is collaborating with the Rome, New York-based Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Information Directorate—the premier research organization for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) and Cyber technologies—to recruit companies new to the defense sector with technology solutions that can be adapted to address the needs of both the AFRL and the broader DoD community. The cohort of early-stage ventures engaged in the program will deliver safety, resiliency, and agility to National Security initiatives across the focus areas described below.
Partners
NSIN Propel is open to strategic collaboration with corporations and investors focused on dual-use technologies and partnerships with startups. Get in touch to inquire about opportunities.
Inquire about partnership
Inquire about partnership
Key Dates
Open Call Info Sessions
March 28 & April 12
Applications Due
May 3
Startups selected
May
Startups in Program
June–September
Demo Day
September 28
Focus Areas
Real-time Data to Decisions
Processing and data analysis to inform decision-making and build AI trust. Relevant solutions may include sensor fusion and intelligence, synthetic data, leading to engines that drive recommendation systems and orchestration platforms on the edge.
Advanced Computing
Systems that enable AI/ML at the edge. Solutions may include applied nanotechnology, reduction of compute cost and form factors, or integration of biomimicry or neuromorphic computing.
Communication & Connectivity
Network protocols for reliable information sharing on intermittent networks and optimization of network architectures. Technologies that establish agile and resilient communications which can include hardware, software or protocols solutions.
Next Generation Space
Solutions for improving situational awareness, predictive knowledge, and characterization of objects in and from space. Innovation for object detection, imagery and sensing leveraging the advantages of space and associated advanced infrastructure.
About Decisive Point
Decisive Point is a venture capital firm focused on technology for government, public safety, and defense. Decisive Point’s mission is to support founders with the guts to try; the ones who look at challenges facing the country and their communities and see problems worth solving. Decisive Point supports their clients as they navigate the federal market and invest in those that deliver solutions to both commercial customers and the nation.
About NSIN
The National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) is a program of the U.S. Department of Defense that collaborates with major universities and the venture community to develop solutions that drive national security innovation. We operate three portfolios of programs and services: National Service, Collaboration, and Acceleration. Together, these portfolios form a pipeline of activities and solutions that accelerate the pace of defense innovation. Learn more at nsin.mil
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 11,000 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit: www.afresearchlab.com