National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC)- Funding dual-use hardware startups

Salvador Badillo-Rios, an Associate at the National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC). We talk about the origins of the National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC); funding priorities; criteria for funding; application process; and insights into best practices for applicants.

Show Notes:
- Website: National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC)
- Building hardware is hard
- A new DoD initiative that enables dual-use hardware startups
- Help product development by addressing the shortfall of private investment from trusted sources.
- Some of the founders were looking to China for funding innovations
- Areas of interest: Autonomy, Space, Sensors, Power, Communications
- Selection criteria
- Rolling applications
- Application and Review process
- Support post funding
- Intellectual Property
- Tips to Apply- Focus on the why; include risk and mitigation plan
- Commercial Acceleration Opportunity (CAO)
- Email: sbadillorios.ctr@diu.mil
- Linkedin profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvador-badillo-rios/

Sub-contracting: Companies are allowed to subcontract some work since this is often needed for hardware startups (specialized manufacturing, etc). NSIC had several portfolio companies do this. However, subcontracting should not be the majority of the product development we are funding (the majority should be performed by in-house talent). NSIC looks at companies on a case-by-case basis.