Read more about upcoming DIU events and opportunities

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June 2025 - Reading time: 2.5 minutes

*Upcoming Events*

*OTA Workshop: Rapid Technology Transition* ( https://www.eventbrite.com/e/other-transaction-authority-ota-workshop-tickets-1343908589769?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_campaign=Tech%20Bridge&utm_content=333191427&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-35666959&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

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JUNE 18, 2025
Eager to learn how Other Transaction Authority (OTA) can offer a fast, flexible contracting mechanism to do business with the DoD? Hosted by NAVSEA at the Washington Navy Yard, join our Chief of Staff Capt. Alex Campbell and our Director of Acquisitions, Cherissa Tamayori to learn what OTAs can do for your organization.

Learn more ( https://www.eventbrite.com/e/other-transaction-authority-ota-workshop-tickets-1343908589769?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_campaign=Tech%20Bridge&utm_content=333191427&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-35666959&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

*DefenseOne Tech Summit* ( https://events.defenseone.com/tech-summit-2025/agenda/?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

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JUNE 26, 2025
Talk changing tides of defense tech investing and the future of the sector with our Director of Commercial Engagement, Sarah Pearson during the Venture Capitalists' View on Defense panel at this year’s DefenseOne Tech Summit.

Learn more ( https://events.defenseone.com/tech-summit-2025/agenda/?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

*ICAP Information Session* ( https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_P9i6pJsjRIGaIcl4WAb8hA?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

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JULY 8, 2025
Applications are now open for the FY26 edition of the Immersive Commercial Acquisition Program (ICAP) ( https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/immersive-commercial-acquisition-program-icap?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com ). This highly competitive 12-month program designed to deliver a group of contracting professionals proficient in commercial acquisition. Interested in learning more? Join our live AMA-style webinar, scheduled for July 8 at 3 p.m. ET.

Learn more ( https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_P9i6pJsjRIGaIcl4WAb8hA?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

*Open Opportunities*

( https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/submit-solution/PROJ00598?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

*$20M Available For ‘Ready Now’ UxS Solutions* ( https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/submit-solution/PROJ00598?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

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We recently launched the Project G.I. Prize Challenge, built for DIU and DoD partners seeking “mission-ready” uncrewed systems (UxS) solutions to enhance the speed and lethality for small, dispersed targeting-strike cells operating under denied, disrupted, intermittent, and low-bandwidth conditions. Proposed challenge solutions must enhance tactical formation’s lethality, survivability, or overall mission effectiveness within the specified and serve the needs of a DOD customer.

Learn more ( https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/submit-solution/PROJ00598?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

*Open Programs*

( https://www.diu.mil/latest/diu-presents-dual-use-university-accelerator-challenge?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

*DIU Launches Dual-Use Academic Accelerator Challenge, 15 Openings for 12-Week Accelerator* ( https://www.diu.mil/latest/diu-presents-dual-use-university-accelerator-challenge?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

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JUNE 25, 2025
Are you a technologist looking to gain knowledge into the defense market, receive tailored mentorship, and funding support to scale your tech? Apply to be one of 15 individuals selected for a 12-week accelerator program and your chance to receive a share of $500,000 in prize awards as part of our Dual-Use Academic Accelerator Challenge. Applications are due June 25.

Learn more ( https://www.diu.mil/latest/diu-presents-dual-use-university-accelerator-challenge?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

( https://www.diu.mil/latest/applications-for-immersive-commercial-acquisition-program-icap-fellowship?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

*Opportunity for Contracting Officers: Immersive Commercial Acquisition Program Fellowship* ( https://www.diu.mil/latest/applications-for-immersive-commercial-acquisition-program-icap-fellowship?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

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JULY 31, 2025
Highly-qualified and motivated mid-to senior-level contracting officers are encouraged to apply to the Immersive Commercial Acquisition Program (ICAP) ( https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4204493/dod-announces-fy26-acquisition-program-fellowship-application-window/?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com ) Fellowship a 12-month program offers hands-on experience with our commercial solutions opening process, OTAs, and provides valuable insight into the commercial market and the dynamics driving commercial organizations to engage with the government and DoD. Learn more about the ICAP program at the AMA session set for July 8 from 3-4:00 p.m. ET.

Learn more ( https://www.diu.mil/latest/applications-for-immersive-commercial-acquisition-program-icap-fellowship?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

*News*

( https://www.diu.mil/latest/blue-uas-to-evolve-to-meet-broader-department-of-defense-needs?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

*New Two-Tiered Blue UAS Model Launches, Identifying ‘Best in Breed’ Drone Capabilities for the Warfighter* ( https://www.diu.mil/latest/blue-uas-to-evolve-to-meet-broader-department-of-defense-needs?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

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We have announced changes to Blue UAS ( https://www.diu.mil/blue-uas?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com ) - providing a way for companies to verify their NDAA compliance as part of a two-tiered system and evolving Blue UAS to provide better support for solutions to DoD problem sets. The first change will allow us to leverage our multi-stakeholder partnership ( https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title10-section4127&num=0&edition=prelim&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com ) authority by selecting a number of capable entities to assess UAS platforms and produce reports as Recognized Assessors ( https://www.diu.mil/latest/diu-seeking-recognized-assessors-to-support-blue-uas-ndaa-compliance?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com ). Companies will also have the chance to be referred to as Blue UAS Select, when they have met both cybersecurity and NDAA requirements, through either DoD sponsorship or competitive selection, and that have received a DIU-generated or DIU-approved ATO.

Learn more about becoming a Recognized Assessor here ( https://www.diu.mil/latest/diu-seeking-recognized-assessors-to-support-blue-uas-ndaa-compliance?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com ). Submissions close on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Learn more about the changes coming to Blue UAS here ( https://www.diu.mil/latest/blue-uas-to-evolve-to-meet-broader-department-of-defense-needs?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com ).

( https://www.diu.mil/latest/diu-at-the-2025-scsp-ai-expo?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

*DIU at the SCSP AI+ Expo* ( https://www.diu.mil/latest/diu-at-the-2025-scsp-ai-expo?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

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Members of our AI portfolio attended the annual SCSP AI+ Expo in Washington, D.C. The event served as a showcase for our new and ongoing projects, including Project G.I. ( https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/submit-solution/PROJ00598?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com ) , our call for Recognized Assessors ( https://www.diu.mil/latest/diu-seeking-recognized-assessors-to-support-blue-uas-ndaa-compliance?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com ) in support of Blue UAS ( https://www.diu.mil/blue-uas?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com ) , and our Digital OnRamp ( https://www.diu.mil/digitalonramp?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com ).

Learn more ( https://www.diu.mil/latest/diu-at-the-2025-scsp-ai-expo?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

( https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4192007/us-defense-innovation-unit-and-united-arab-emirates-partnering-to-enhance-defen/?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

*DIU, UAE Partnering to Enhance Defense-Tech Ecosystems* ( https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4192007/us-defense-innovation-unit-and-united-arab-emirates-partnering-to-enhance-defen/?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

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Following the Department's announcement to establish a comprehensive U.S.-UAE Major Defense Partnership, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tawazun Council of the UAE to strengthen defense cooperation and enhance mutual capacity for finding solutions to military requirements by developing and accessing cutting-edge technologies through non-traditional processes. This collaboration will deepen ties in defense innovation, facilitate joint capability development, and expand industrial and investment partnerships across both defense ecosystems — aligning with strategic efforts and investments outlined during the President's recent trip to the region.

Learn more ( https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4192007/us-defense-innovation-unit-and-united-arab-emirates-partnering-to-enhance-defen/?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

( https://www.diu.mil/latest/hybrid-space-communications-network-leverages-commercial-technology-enabling?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

*Contracts Awarded: Hybrid Space Communications Network Leverages Commercial Technology, Enabling Faster Decision-Making on the Battlefield* ( https://www.diu.mil/latest/hybrid-space-communications-network-leverages-commercial-technology-enabling?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

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The Hybrid Space Architecture aims to integrate commercial, civil, and military space assets and support real-time decision making for the warfighter with selected companies to begin demonstrations with key mission partners in Summer 2025.

Learn more ( https://www.diu.mil/latest/hybrid-space-communications-network-leverages-commercial-technology-enabling?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

*D* ( https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/submit-solution/PROJ00591?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com ) *IU Data Digest*

DIU works with companies across the country and around the world to lower barriers to entry to the DoD and broader defense marketplace. In FY 2024, 68% of contract awards went to small businesses.

If you were not the original recipient of this email and would like to sign up for the DIU Newsletter, please register here ( https://www.diu.mil/newsletter-sign-up?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com ).

*About the Defense Innovation Unit* ( http://diu.mil?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) strengthens national security by accelerating the adoption of commercial technology in the Department of Defense and bolstering our allied and national security innovation bases. DIU partners with organizations across the DoD to rapidly prototype and field dual-use capabilities that solve operational challenges at speed and scale. With offices in Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin, Chicago and Washington, D.C., DIU is the Department’s gateway to leading technology companies across the country.

( https://www.facebook.com/defenseinnovationunitx/?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com ) ( https://x.com/diu_x?lang=en&mx=2&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com ) ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/diux/posts/?feedview=all&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com )

Defense Innovation Unit

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