Funder · Federal agency

Defense Innovation Unit

Supports the United States military transition of commercial technologies through prototyping contracts and fast innovation pipelines.

United Stateswww.diu.mil

Key stats

Annual funding—

Programs7

Active grants3

Total grants4

About

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is the U.S. military's commercial-technology bridge, operating under the Department of Defense and focused on speeding adoption of off-the-shelf innovation across the force. It was founded in 2015 as DIUx and renamed in 2018.

DIU uses Other Transaction prototype agreements under 10 USC 4022 rather than grants. Its portfolio spans artificial intelligence, autonomy, cy…

Programs & grants under this funder

Commercial Solutions Opening

Funds commercial companies prototyping advanced technology for US defense.

1 grant

DIU Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

Open

— pool·Rolling submission

Defense Innovation OnRamp

Supports United States firms through Defense Innovation OnRamp pathways into real defense problem solving.

Blue UAS Program

Connects United States. innovators with drone standards through national certification support pathways.

DIU Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

Funds United States. companies through prototype contracts for dual-use hardware and secure transition technologies.

1 grant

DIU CSO — Prototype Contract

Open

— pool·Rolling submission

National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC)

Funds United States. hardware startups with prototype contracts for dual-use deep technology in early stages.

1 grant

NSIC Hardware Startup Prototype Contract

Open

— pool·Rolling submission

DIU Replicator Initiative

Supports rapid deployment of autonomous systems through military and government prototyping initiatives.

ROADS Prize Challenge — Robotic Operation for Autonomous Delivery and Sustainment

Funds autonomous vehicle solutions for non-tactical fleet use through a national challenge.

1 grant

ROADS Prize Challenge

Closed

$30M pool

Last verified: 28 May 2026Source: www.diu.mil