Tapping into the Powerhouse: International SMEs' Guide to US Defense Innovation Hubs

For an international SME with highly innovative technology, breaking into the US defence market can be a game-changer. Fortunately, there are several prominent Government supported innovation hubs and award bodies that can serve as gateways to valuable opportunities. 

And to be clear it’s not as easy as just misspelling “defence”……

On a serious note, the biggest issue is that the US market is much more closed to inward innovation than for example the UK. Unlike DASA which accepts international proposals across almost all its competitions, the US eco-system tends to favour home grown talent. However there remain routes and all the organisations mentioned below do have some element of international engagement. 

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) www.diu.mil 

Engaging with DIU offers a direct path to the US Department of Defense (DoD) and non-traditional defence opportunities. SMEs can participate in DIU's solicitations and consortia programmes, showcasing their solutions to address DoD challenges. Collaborating with DIU provides access to funding, mentorship, and the chance to work alongside leading US defence companies.

AFWERX www.afwerx.af.mil

AFWERX provides a platform for collaboration between UK SMEs and the USAF. SMEs can participate in AFWERX challenges, innovation sprints, and accelerator programmes to showcase their technologies to Air Force decision-makers and stakeholders. AFWERX facilitates connections and collaboration between UK SMEs and US Air Force personnel, opening doors to potential partnerships and contracts.

AFWERX offering evolves constantly but broadly you can expect to see.

Challenges: Focusing on specific problem areas within the Air Force. These challenges are designed to seek novel ideas and technologies to address critical needs.

Innovation Sprints: Fast-paced events where multidisciplinary teams collaborate intensively to develop solutions for specific Air Force challenges. 

Accelerator Programmes: Provide focused support and resources to help SMEs accelerate the development and commercialisation of their technologies. These can offer access to mentorship, workshops, networking opportunities, and potential investment. 

SOFWERX www.sofwerx.org

Focuses on supporting US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Participating in their events, challenges, and demonstrations enables SMEs to connect with USSOCOM representatives, explore collaboration opportunities, and contribute to the development of cutting-edge solutions. It’s probably the group I’ve had most experience of, having presented three times at Tech Tuesday and taken part in two Technical Experimentation events. The website is very helpful and Tech Tuesday opportunity where you get 15 minutes to pitch your idea to an invited audience from across SOCOM and adjacent interested parties is highly encouraging of international approaches. 

You should also ensure you are registered on the Vulcan site www.vulcan-sof.com, where you can upload your white papers for viewing by all sorts of weird and wonderful three letter agencies. 

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) www.darpa.mil

Engaging with DARPA requires a more research-oriented approach. UK SMEs can monitor DARPA's research announcements, solicitations, and programme updates to identify areas aligned with their expertise. Collaboration with US research institutions and universities can strengthen your chances of participating in DARPA-funded projects and accessing advanced research networks. 

National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) www.nsin.us

SMEs can participate in NSIN innovation challenges, join the Acceleration Programme for mentorship and resources, access the Defense Innovation Accelerator, leverage regional innovation nodes, and collaborate with student-led teams through NSIN X-Force. These initiatives provide exposure, feedback, and potential contracts or partnerships. I was fortunate enough to be part of a winning consortium for an NSIN challenge on urban warfare, that was held entirely virtually during lockdown. Although the project itself didn’t progress much further it connected to me to some great people who I’ve subsequently worked with on other projects. 

Army Futures Command (AFC) www.xtech.army.mil

While primarily focused on modernising the US Army, AFC actively seeks innovative technologies from around the world. SMEs can explore AFC's partnership opportunities, technology demonstrations, and research collaborations. Engaging with AFC can enable you to contribute future capabilities and establish relationships with key Army stakeholders.

The main AFC programme to be mindful of is xTech that aims to foster innovation and collaboration with non-traditional defence partners, including SMEs. Through xTech, you can compete in prize challenges, pitch your technologies, and potentially secure funding and partnerships with the Army. The programme focuses on accelerating the development and transition of cutting-edge technologies into Army programs and systems. Many of these are for US companies only, but recently they’ve moved to several that are dedicated to international engagement.

To effectively engage with these organisations, you should research and understand their specific goals, requirements, and application processes. Developing strong partnerships with US-based companies, universities, and research institutions can enhance credibility and local support. 

Engaging with US defence innovation hubs requires persistence, adaptability, and a strategic approach. You need to showcase the unique value of your technologies, demonstrate their potential to address US defence challenges, and actively seek collaborative opportunities.