NSIN - National Security Innovation Network

NSIN launched in 2016 with a mission to build networks of innovators that generate new solutions to national security problems. In 2019, NSIN became part of the Defense Innovation Unit. In fall of 2024, NSIN’s work was fully incorporated into DIU creating a unified team dedicated to accelerating the Department of Defense’s adoption of commercial technology at speed and scale in order to deter major conflict or win, if forced to fight. As we look to continue growing our mission, the NSIN - National Security Innovation Network and National Security Innovation Capital LinkedIn pages will be transitioning to the Defense Innovation Unit. Going forward, follow us at Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) for updates and, sign up here to receive our newsletters and solicitation updates: https://lnkd.in/eDVeFE4t.

The AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge 2025 is now open! As the second collaboration launched between the U.S.’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Australia’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), and the UK’s ’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), the tri-national solicitation is seeking commercial companies with solutions that will enhance the tactical and operational capabilities of undersea command, control and communications. Submissions close on April 28, and each nation will host a Q&A with industry on April 3. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eyizcbkq

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), together with the DoD’s Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBD), has awarded prototype contracts to spearhead biosurveillance capabilities through cutting-edge artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analytics. This Biosurveillance initiative aims to overcome threats of biological hazards, whether natural, accidental or deliberate. It also seeks to improve on current detection methods, which rely heavily on predefined pathogen lists and manual data processing and limit the ability to detect novel or engineered threats. “DoD must provide the Joint Force with revolutionary capabilities to deter or prevail against our adversary’s biological weapons,” said Ian Watson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD), Ian Watson for CBD. “Leveraging AI, machine learning, and big data analytics will transform biosurveillance into a predictive and responsive capability during competition, crisis, and conflict.” Nearly 80 companies responded to DIU’s solicitation, and awards were given to Bana Solutions, LLC, Cyberhill Partners and Booz Allen Hamilton. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eU-XKf9n

Later this month, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), alongside Australia’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) and the United Kingdom’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), will launch the 2nd AUKUS Innovation Challenge. The 2025 #AUKUS Maritime Innovation solicitation will focus on undersea communication and autonomy. Learn more about the upcoming opportunity here: Australia: https://lnkd.in/g9dZBY8c UK: https://lnkd.in/d9Aqq4JG

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has launched the Enterprise Workflow and Reporting Platform (eWARP) project to provide a faster, more comprehensive, and more intelligent budget execution and project management tool for improved leadership visibility. eWARP looks to address challenges in current project and financial management platforms, such as the need for better visibility and integration to track real-time organizational finances, track project milestones, manage vendor contracts, and monitor performance across multiple projects. “Our leadership needs accurate and on demand knowledge of the status of our projects to share with DoD leadership, our DoD partners, and Congress,” said Jaime Fitzgibbon, AI program manager and contractor. DIU has awarded three prototype contracts through its Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process: CORAS, GovSignals, unstructured.io, and Pryzm

We are proud that Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)’s pioneered and proven Commercial Solutions Opening and OT process is being scaled, tied to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment's Software Acquisition Pathway. “The Software Acquisition Pathway demonstrates how the Department is building new muscle to break down barriers to adopt the very best tech with the focus, speed, and scale required to deter major conflict or win if forced to fight,” said DIU Director Doug Beck. We're excited to share the flexibility and agility with of DIU’s CSO experience and expertise with new #acquisition teammates across the United States Department of Defense. Cherissa T. Sunmin Kim Nicholas DuPre Joshua Tuxhorn  David Rothzeid Raj S. Michael A. Brown Robert Trejo Lauren Dailey Defense Acquisition University https://lnkd.in/evmkXMae

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has awarded a prototype contract to Scale AI for its Thunderforge project, an initiative designed to integrate artificial intelligence (#AI) into military operational and theater-level planning. The contract was awarded through DIU’s open, competitive CSO process. Thunderforge incorporates cutting-edge modeling and simulation tools and signals a bold move to AI-enhanced, precision warfare, as it enables U.S. forces to stay ahead of threats with agility. The system will be deployed initially with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) and U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) to support mission-critical planning activities. "DIU is INDOPACOM's innovation arm, helping us meet immediate challenges by harnessing and adopting commercial best practices to iteratively develop, test, and ultimately field emerging technologies at speed and scale,” said ADM Samuel Paparo, Commander of U.S.-INDOPACOM. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dem7dgnA

Want to see first hand a number of the technologies that Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has prototyped over the past few years? Attend Manifest Demo Day (M:DD) on March 17 in Washington, DC, where this first-of-its-kind event will have 35 of America’s defense tech companies providing live demonstrations of capabilities critical to national security. Kudos to Mike Slagh and Landon Bell for putting on a new kind of event. What is exciting about this event:  - No fluff: No fireside chats, no thought leadership—just working technology, demonstrated live by the founders and engineers building it. - Get up to speed fast: A single-stage, high-density format designed for government leaders to quickly evaluate and engage with the most operationally relevant defense and dual-use technologies being built today. - Solutions built for the fight: These are field-ready technologies—real, proven, and deployable TODAY. This year’s lineup includes capabilities across AI/ML, Defense Industrial Base modernization, space-based ISR, autonomous systems, cyber & electronic warfare, and more—with tech selected based on technical maturity, operational impact, and direct input from warfighting & acquisition leaders across DOD. Event Details Date: March 17, 2025 Location: Capital Turnaround, 700 M St SE, Washington, DC (Near Navy Yard’s 6th St Gate) Cost: Free for all Government Personnel Registration: Email manifest@lwt.com to secure your spot https://lnkd.in/d32h-Kdg National Security Innovation Capital NSIN - National Security Innovation Network