DIIE Digest #2

a roll up of opportunities and updates from around the ecosystem

Welcome to the Defense and Intelligence Innovation Ecosystem newsletter digest! In it we provide short updates and opportunities from a wide range of government and nongovernmental organizations and programs, either directly or tangentially connected to the defense and intelligence ecosystem. We look for news that is actionable, so you can jump in and participate. For these first few editions we are including some basic info to get you moving in the right direction with several interesting events and groups to join.

• NSIN (previously MD5) - the National Security Innovation Network bringing together defense, academic and entrepreneurial innovators to solve national security problems in new ways. Join NSIN: https://www.nsin.us/join-us/

• Defense Innovation Board - You are cordially invited to the Defense Innovation Board's (DIB) public meeting on Thursday, October 31, 2019, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET at Georgetown University, Lohrfink Auditorium, Rafik B. Hariri Building, (3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057). RSVP HERE. What is DIB? An independent federal committee advising the defense secretary on various issues that focus on people and culture, technology and capabilities, and practices and operations - holds a quarterly public meeting. Recordings available online here.

• Defense Entrepreneurs Forum - Applications are now open for DEF’s 2019 Firestarter Fellowship, which invests directly in people on the leading edge of solving the most critical challenges in national security innovation. Find out more here: https://defenseentrepreneurs.org/firestarter-fellowship/

• Defense Innovation Unit - The Pentagon’s embassy in Silicon Valley. Contact with questions about contracting and partnering here: https://www.diu.mil/contact DIU is accepting solution briefs in response to several solicitations - https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/companies/cso-solution-brief

• Army Futures Command - Go here to fill out a request to invite someone from Army Futures Command to attend or speak at your organization’s event. Submit your new technology for consideration with the Army Applications Lab.This link takes you through a short series of questions to see if you can provide a new critical solution: https://aal.army/submit/

• Breaking Defense - Regularly covering cyber, AI, and network threats for national security: https://breakingdefense.com/category/networks-and-cyber/ Published an eBook on the impact of AI on national security. Free download here

• War on the Rocks - Read “SEE YOU IN A MONTH: AI’S LONG DATA TAIL” WOTR consistently publishes national security insider views on myriad topics, including innovation programs and initiatives.

• NextGov - Read “Russian Hackers Co-Opt Iranian Cyber Tools to Attack 35 Countries, NSA Warns” NextGov publishes and aggregates news on emerging tech with applications for government

• AFWERX - Complete this form to join the AFWERX network. You will learn about upcoming events and innovation challenges and have the opportunity to submit your tech ideas to AFWERX. The AFWERX Challenge is where individuals, startups, small businesses, large enterprises, academics and research labs submit solutions to specific challenges that the U.S. Air Force (USAF) launches: https://www.afwerx.af.mil/challenges.html

• SOFWERX - Submit a proposal for Science and Technology Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 19.3 (19 – 20 November). Join the email list for SOF related innovation opportunities: https://www.sofwerx.org/ecosystem/

• MGMWERX - Submit a pitch seeking to rapidly innovate and prototype a virtual reality platform for providing education and training in the organization, functions, and operations of an Air & Space Operations Center (AOC).  Join the email list for Air Force related innovation opportunities: https://mgmwerx.org/join-our-ecosystem/

• Hacking for Defense (H4Di) - Become a corporate mentor of an innovation team in the H4Di program. Submit a problem to be solved by H4D cohorts: https://www.h4di.org/problem-curation.html

• Foundation for Innovation and Discovery - Join the FINND on Nov 20th for an evening with long-time CIA professional Milton Downs, as he discusses how he has been partnering with industry on innovations that support our front-line intelligence professionals and where he wants to collaborate with industry next. Join FINND as a member: http://finnd.org/member.html

• Northern Virginia Technology Council - Northern Virginia Technology Council President & CEO Bobbie Kilberg To Retire June 30, 2020 After 22 Years of Service

• Mach37 - Sign up to the M37 Newsletter to receive invites to events. M37 is a Cybersecurity seed accelerator and a division of the Virginia-based Center for Innovative Technology which receives financial support from the Virginia State Government. Apply to join the program: https://www.mach37.com/apply

• Bunker Labs - a national network of veteran entrepreneurs dedicated to helping new veteran entrepreneurs start their own business. Explore programs

• CSIS IDEAS Lab - A think tank promoting solutions to foreign policy and national security challenges. The Andreas C. Dracopoulos iDeas Lab creates information products to support innovation.

• CNAS - Read “Why Huawei Isn’t So Scary” CNAS is a think tank developing national security and defense policies. CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with research and analysis. CNAS tracks a number of innovation and emerging technology issues: https://www.cnas.org/research/future-of-warfare

• BENS - Business Executives in National Security is a nonprofit producing research and analysis for national security decision makers. RSVP for BENS events here: https://www.bens.org/EventCalendar

• AFCEA - Join Emerging Professionals in Intelligence Committee (EPIC), a group focused on developing leaders, networking and giving back to the Intelligence Community (IC). Comprised of IC professionals under the age of 40 from both the public and private sectors, is an extension of the AFCEA Intelligence Committee, and provides thought leadership and networking opportunities, focusing on cyber, command, control, communications, computers and intelligence. AFCEA publishes articles on technology trends for national security: https://www.afcea.org/content/?q=taxonomy/term/6098

• INSA - nonpartisan, nonprofit trade association for driving public-private partnerships to advance intelligence and national security priorities. Attend INSA Speed Mentoring on November 12th. NextGen leaders can meet, build relationships and discuss career-related questions with senior executives from across government, industry and academia.

• NDIA - non-partisan, non-profit, educational association to educate its constituencies on all aspects of national security. NDIA’s 100th anniversary celebration is coming up on Oct 30th, featuring keynote Bob Woodward: https://www.ndia.org/events/2019/10/30/100-year-anniversary-celebration

• ASIS -  A global community of security practitioners. Find out about the ASIS professional mentorship program to get connected to senior industry leaders.

• Govloop - Govloop will be hosting their NextGen Summit for innovation in government in 2020. More info here: https://www.nextgengovt.com

• PIF - The Presidential Innovation Fellowship is a 12-month program, during which a Fellow will work on innovation projects across federal agencies. Fellows and agency partners can mutually agree to extend the Fellowship for up to a total of two years. Network with 2020 Fellows.

• 18F - An office of federal employees within the General Services Administration (GSA) that collaborates with other agencies to fix technical problems, build products, and improve how government serves the public through technology. 18F is part of the Technology Transformation Services, which is within the Federal Acquisition Service. Get involved with 18F.

• DDS - The Defense Digital Service is a SWAT team of nerds working to improve technology across the Department of Defense. Team members develop code, manage technical projects or product releases, and rewire outdated IT approaches. Join DDS.

• VetTechTrek - a ‘Khan Academy for Veterans’ to build the military to tech pipeline. Join.

• ACP - American Corporate Partners is a mentoring program that aims to ease the transition from the military to the civilian workforce. Veterans are paired with highly experienced corporate executives who help the veteran navigate transition. Get involved.

• TechCongress - Places computer scientists, engineers, and other technologists to serve as technology policy advisors to to Members of Congress through our one-year Congressional Innovation Fellowship. Apply to the program. 

• White House Office of American Innovation - Recently announced Ashley D. Bell will serve as policy advisor on entrepreneurship and innovation in the White House Office of American Innovation. Info here.

• Defense Techconnect - TechConnect collaborates with top advisors from leading universities, companies, and investment firms to evaluate technologies and early stage companies’ promise for the marketplace. Subscribe for updates.

• REF -Rapid Equipping Force is the Army’s quick reaction capability for getting urgent materiel solutions into the hands of Soldiers.  Current priority equipping efforts include solutions for subterranean operations, electronic warfare, unmanned and counter-unmanned aerial systems, intelligence, and expeditionary force protection. Contact REF with solutions.

• IDGA - Non-partisan information-based organization dedicated to the promotion of innovative ideas and latest developments in public service and defense through highly-popular live training and networking events, as well as an online community portal. October 28-30 is the Hypersonic Weapons Summit in Washington D.C.

• IQT - The not-for-profit strategic investor that accelerates the development and delivery of cutting-edge technologies to national security agencies; Bridging the gap between technology needs of government partners, the startup world, and the venture community. Submit a business plan to In-Q-Tel.

• Blu Venture Investors - The Blu Cyber Seed Fund (CSF) invests in seed stage Cyber Security companies. They typically invest $50k-$250K in 5-10 companies annually. To pitch to Blu Venture Investors, get a referral to one of the principals and introduce yourself. See a list of Principals at Blu Venture Investors. Pitch to one of the principals first and ask them to be your sponsor. Fill out the required questionnaire and submit your pitch deck.

• DARPA - An agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for the development of emerging technologies for use by the military. Explore opportunities to work with DARPA.

• IARPA - An organization within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence responsible for leading research to overcome difficult challenges relevant to the United States Intelligence Community. Submit an idea to IARPA.

• National Labs - Conduct scientific research and development in areas related to energy and technology. Find a national lab near you.Explore jobs at the 17 national labs: https://www.energy.gov/jobs-national-labs

• Vulcan - Web platform for solution providers to pitch technology for special forces challenges.Request access to Vulcan

• One Defense- A network of startups, investors, and subject matter experts in emerging tech for national security. Join the community.

• Innovative Solutions Consortium - Nonprofit uniting government, industry, academia and private citizens to solve hard problems to make the  world a better and safer place: https://www.isc-connect.org/membership/

** This list is not exhaustive, and it will grow considerably over time, so stay tuned for more to come soon! **

A little More about DIIE

If you are here it may be because you are a long time aficionado of everything “innovation” whether for the defense sector or more broadly. The newsletter aims to be inclusive for innovators from the private sector and academia, but will direct most of its content around defense and intelligence industry opportunities. DIIE is a place to keep the important conversations going, and pick up where we left off after your proposal is submitted and you have a minute to think strategically again.

By subscribing to this newsletter you will receive a monthly (or more frequent) curation of opportunities, funding sources, resources and people to know, so you can stay on top of all things defense and intelligence innovation.

You may subscribe to DIIE monthly or annually.

DIIE is compiled and maintained by Graham Plaster, CEO of www.TheIntelligenceCommunity.com, a professional social network reaching over 100,000 national security professionals; and Vice President of National Security and Intelligence for TDX International, an Alaska Native Corporation. To learn more about marketing and membership opportunities, call 800.619.7650 x1 or connect with Graham on LinkedIn.