Eccalon and the National Security Innovation Network Launch New DoD Venture to Advance Innovation and America

NSA2 connects university incubators and prototyping shops with military laboratories and agencies to create new dual-use ventures

Hanover, MD — November 5, 2020 — Eccalon, a leading research and technology commercialization company, and the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), a program office within the Department of Defense, introduce the latest innovation initiative– the National Security Academic Accelerator (NSA2).

As a pilot program within the NSIN Acceleration Portfolio, NSA2 seeks to develop T3 pilot partnerships with universities to spin out new dual-use ventures based on existing university intellectual property that responds closely to areas of technology needs identified by multiple DoD customers.  Some areas include AI, machine learning, quantum information systems, neurotechnology, and 5G.

"NSA2 breaks down the barriers between the Department of Defense and academia that prevent the most innovative technologies reaching the places and people where they can have the greatest impact," explained Morgan Plummer, NSIN's Managing Director.

The partnerships formed by NSA2 are designed to accelerate delivery of the new technology to TRL 6, locate commercial uses apart from the DoD, and launch a startup for both the government and the marketplace.

According to Francisco Molinero, Program Manager for Eccalon, “We are very excited to have the opportunity to help shape and build this accelerator at NSIN.  Together, with our DoD customers and university partners – U.C. Berkeley, Arizona State, Indiana University, and Washington University in St. Louis – we will help catalyze the creation and sustainment of new companies at the forefront of technology. The results expected are bright, new entrants to the defense industrial base and promising, agile players uniquely adapted to urgent private sector demand.”

"We are hopeful that NSA2 will provide a new way for the DoD to access the incredible talent and technology that lives at these top tier universities. The pilot is off to an incredibly strong start thanks to the commitment of our university and DoD partners," Plummer said.

The first strategic partnerships have been formed, and interested organizations can learn more about becoming involved at www.nsin.us/portfolios/acceleration.

 

About Eccalon

Eccalon is a cross-functional collective of innovative minds that leverages technology to tackle the most challenging problems of this generation for clients, the nation, and the world.  Guided by trust, creativity, and adaptability, Eccalon advances breakthrough research and technology commercialization to improve the lives of today and to ignite the promise of tomorrow.

Visit us at Eccalon.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

 

About NSIN

The NSIN mission is to “build networks of innovators that generate new solutions to national security problems.” NSIN is headquartered in Arlington, VA, and has regional offices in 11 commercial innovation hubs throughout the United States. Through its headquarters, regional hubs, and embedded university partnerships, NSIN builds a national network of innovators and delivers programming that solves real-world, DoD problems through collaborative partnerships with non-traditional problem-solvers within the academic and early-stage venture communities.

Visit NSIN.us to learn more.