Winning startups of the 2023 NSIN Vector accelerator explored defense applications of their commercial technologies while proving cutting-edge capabilities to solve real-world national security challenges.

The top three teams at the 2023 National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) Vector showcase received $25,000, $15,000, and $10,000, respectively, for their commercial innovations to address key national security focus areas including the war in Ukraine, strategic deterrence, and Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2).

In September 2023, a cohort of 20 ventures selected for the 2023 NSIN Vector accelerator began working with the Department of Defense (DoD) and private sector experts on the business fundamentals of generating dual-use ventures and on forming viable dual-use capabilities from the startups and their commercial technologies.

“The NSIN program provided two unique aspects that we have not found anywhere else: a roadmap on how to work with the DOD, and access to subject matter experts that tailor this roadmap to our specific needs,” explained Collin Taylor, CEO of Revolute Robotics, which took 1st place at the Vector showcase. “This gave us a thorough understanding of the acquisition landscape and avenues of connecting with the government, which helped us create a plan for performing contract research, customer discovery, and submitting for grant funding.”

Throughout the program, the companies refined their dual-use business strategies. Jack Murray, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of ParaWave shared, “ParaWave gained a thorough understanding of the government procurement landscape. In Vector, we built upon our understanding of acquisition processes, business planning, and compliance. This, paired with the program’s numerous networking opportunities, has equipped us to navigate the federal landscape and build opportunities for collaboration.”

During the final showcase event, the startups shared the product of their work throughout the cohort. The companies showed how their innovations can solve national security challenges to a range of military organizations and innovators.

“The technologies the companies shared at Showcase Day were incredibly impressive. I have no doubt in their potential to improve outcomes for service members and to address modernization priorities for the DoD at-large,” said Abigail Desjardins, NSIN Venture Portfolio Director. “I am sure that we will be hearing more from the Vector cohort companies very soon.”

Meet the 2023 NSIN Vector Showcase Winners:

1st Place-$25,000

Revolute Robotics - Revolute Robotics provides the Warfighter capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and search and rescue while keeping them out of harm’s way. Their hybrid ground and aerial robot has a durable exoskeleton and navigation in Global Positioning System(GPS)-denied environments, allowing Warfighters to remotely explore dangerous, confined, and complex spaces.

2nd Place-$15,000

ParaWave, LLC - ParaWave allows first responders and the government to improve decision making in emergency scenarios with an autonomous, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven unmanned aerial system (UAS) that plans its own missions and relays crucial information back to crew members on the ground.

3rd Place-$10,000

HDO Health - HDO Health enables first responders and Warfighters to provide life-saving medical care in the field. Even without medical training, warfighters can quickly apply HDO Health’s compact, portable junctional tourniquet device. Moreover, the device stays secure during patient transport, reducing blood loss during care.

About National Security Innovation Network

NSIN is a program office in the U.S. Department of Defense, nested within the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). We are set up to collaborate with a wide variety of innovators to include universities, researchers, students, entrepreneurs and start-ups. We create opportunities for collaboration across communities and connect those that might not traditionally work in national security. Together, we help drive national security innovation and develop technologies that directly support the individuals responsible for protecting our country.

For more information or interview requests with Team NSIN, please contact us at [email protected].