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National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC)

NSIC Hardware Startup Prototype Contract

Backs startup and industry teams with commercialization support for NSIC Hardware Startup Prototype Contract in aerospace, defense innovation, and hardware.

OpenDefense Innovation UnitUnited States
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About

The National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) programme is a component of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the U.S. Department of Defense organisation headquartered in Mountain View, California, that was founded in 2015 and renamed from DIUx in 2018. NSIC specifically targets a funding gap for U.S.-headquartered hardware startups that cannot attract venture capital because of long development …

What this grant funds

Hardware-intensive dual-use technologies: advanced batteries, aerospace components, quantum computing hardware, space manufacturing.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.Rolling
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Other Transaction (OT)
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—
Funding analytics

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Industries

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Eligibility criteria

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Application process

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What you have to submit

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Timeline

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Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: sam.gov