National Security Innovation Ecosystem Updates
with updated links, events, and opportunities
When we started this email distro a few years ago, we began with a roll up of activities across the defense innovation ecosystem. Here’s an update to all of that, and we will be adding more organizations to the list soon since a lot of things have changed.
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18F
Within the General Services Administration (GSA), 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.
Join: https://18f.gsa.gov/join/
A16Z
A16Z is a venture capital firm in Silicon Valley that backs bold entrepreneurs building the future through technology. A16Z invests in seed to late-stage technology companies and has $10B in assets under management.
Apply for a job with an A16Z backed startup: https://portfoliojobs.a16z.com/
ACP
American Corporate Partners is a mentoring program that aims to ease the transition from the military to the civilian workforce. Veterans and spouses are paired with highly experienced corporate executives who help the veteran navigate transition.
Apply to join the program: https://www.acp-usa.org/mentoring-program
Acquisition Innovators Hub
The center of discovery, opportunities, discussion, learning and news about the avalanche of changes now sweeping U.S. federal procurement.
Weekly news: https://www.acquisition-innovators.net/paper-li
Acquisiton X
Event featuring leading experts in government acquisiton reform
Register: https://acquisition-x.com
AFCEA Emerging Professionals in Intelligence Committee (EPIC)
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
Apply to join EPIC: https://www.afcea.org/committees/membership/?committee=Emerging+Professionals+In+Intelligence
AFWERX
AFWERX is the Air Force's team of innovators who encourage and facilitate connections across industry, academia, and military to create transformative opportunities and foster a culture of innovation. Our mission is to solve problems and enhance the effectiveness of the service by enabling thoughtful, deliberate, ground-up innovation. We do this with an approach that combines startup urgency with the largest pool of motivated talent in the world to uncover opportunities to improve Air Force capabilities, connect and engage the right stakeholders, and facilitate outcomes. AFWERX was established in 2017 by the Secretary of the Air Force and reports to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
Get involved with AFWERX: https://www.afwerx.af.mil/faq.html
Air Force Research Lab (AFRL)
AFRL, headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, was formed through the consolidation of four former Air Force laboratories and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. AFRL's mission is leading the discovery, development, and integration of warfighting technologies for air, space and cyberspace forces.
Partner with AFRL: https://afresearchlab.com/partner-with-us/
Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), Space & Missile Systems Center (SMC)
SMC's mission is to deliver resilient and affordable space capabilities. SMC is headquartered in El Segundo, Calif.
Explore directorates within SMC: https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1012587/space-and-missile-systems-center/
Angelist
"The world’s largest startup community"
Invest, research the fastest-growing companies, and find jobs at startups: https://angel.co/
Army Futures Command
Army Futures Command focuses on six priorities: long-range precision fires, next-generation combat vehicle, future vertical lift platforms, a mobile & expeditionary Army network, air & missile defense capabilities, and soldier lethality.
This link takes you through a short series of questions to see if you can provide a new critical solution: https://aal.army/submit/
Army Research Lab
The U.S. Army's corporate research laboratory. In addition to the Army Research Office, ARL has six technical directorates: Computational and Information Sciences, Human Research and Engineering, Sensors and Electron Devices, Survivability/Lethality Analysis, Vehicle Technology, Weapons and Materials Research
Apply to Broad Agency Announcements: https://www.arl.army.mil/www/default.cfm?page=8
ASIS
A global community of security practitioners. Find out about the ASIS professional mentorship program to get connected to senior industry leaders.
Join ASIS: https://www.asisonline.org/membership/join/
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
Bunker Labs
A national network of veteran entrepreneurs dedicated to helping new veteran entrepreneurs start their own business. Explore programs
Explore programs: https://bunkerlabs.org/our-programs/