Page Text: DIU strengthens our national security by accelerating the adoption of leading commercial technology throughout the military and growing the national security innovation base.
We are building a more secure world.
Who We Are / Our Mission
Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
Accelerate DoD adoption of commercial technology
Transform military capacity and capabilities
Strengthen the national security innovation base
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) strengthens our national security by accelerating the adoption of commercial technology throughout the military and growing the national security innovation base. DIU partners with organizations across the Department of Defense (DoD), from the services and components to combatant commands and defense agencies, to rapidly prototype and field advanced commercial solutions that address national security challenges. With offices in Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin, and the Pentagon, DIU connects its DoD partners with leading technology companies across the country.
DIU is the only DoD organization focused exclusively on fielding and scaling commercial technology across the U.S. military at commercial speeds. We are focused on six technology areas where the commercial sector is operating at the leading edge: advanced energy & materials, artificial intelligence, autonomy, cyber, human systems, and space.
We aim to move from problem identification to prototype contract award in 60–90 days whereas the traditional DoD contracting process often takes more than 18 months. Prototype projects typically run from 12–24 months and are administered according to Other Transaction (OT) authority. Upon completion, successful prototypes may transition to follow-on production-OT agreements or FAR-based contracts.
Areas We Focus On
Our Principles
These Three Principles Guide Us
We operate at the intersection of technology, business, and national security. Our mission requires that we consistently define and lead collaboration in areas where the interests of American and international entrepreneurs, businesses, and Department of Defense overlap. The DIU team holds itself to high standards to help build a more secure world.
Integrity DoD access to advanced commercial technology depends on mutually beneficial business processes. We ensure a competitive process that is open and fair to all participants.
Initiative We’re in a technology race with our adversaries and speed is critical. Our team builds processes that allow us to move fast and deliver trusted, scalable solutions.
Impact Our value to the military and to the companies we work with is based on delivering results. We know our metrics and assess our results to continuously improve our performance.
Reforming Culture & Processes
Technological innovation is central to our future economic prosperity and national security. DIU seeks to provide examples of how government, businesses, and academia can work together more effectively to maintain American competitiveness today and lay the foundation for future advances. Explore the short papers featured below or view our Latest page to read more about our work and what we've learned along the way.