Text graphic with the message: 'Empowering startups to SCALE INNOVATION across the Department of Defense and commercial industries,' highlighting words 'SCALE' and 'INNOVATION' in red and orange

Fuse x Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub Dual-Use Accelerator

Empowering Dual-Use Innovation: Trusted Partnerships for Tomorrow’s Technology Solutions.

Fuse Accelerator and the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona have partnered to offer a best in class dual-use accelerator to support startups scaling in both commercial and military applications. We are at the forefront of scouting and integrating innovative technologies across the Department of Defense 14 critical technology areas. Our mission partners trust us to identify and foster the development of cutting-edge solutions, from early-stage breakthroughs to mature technologies ready for deployment. Our scope includes, but is not limited to, artificial intelligence, energy, and advanced communications. We seek technologies capable of performing in a wide range of environments, especially those that can operate under contested conditions.

Our commitment to bridging commercially innovative solutions with mission-critical needs is underscored by the deep trust our partners place in us to navigate the complexities of modern defense challenges..

Three men in a discussion during a presentation about Defense Innovation at OnRamp Hub Arizona. One man is sitting with crossed arms on a chair, while another stands next to a table holding a rocket model, and the third stands nearby with a water bottle.

Applications Open

July 10th, 2025

Application Deadline

July 31st, 2025

Program Kickoff

September 15th, 2025

Program End

November 5th, 2025

Logo of Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona, featuring a stylized emblem with intersecting lines and the hub's name in white text on a black background.
Logo of MACE, Mission Acceleration Center, Southwest.

ACCELERATING THE FUTURE OF

Colorful text saying 'Dual-Use Innovation' in gradient shades from blue to yellow.

Fuse Accelerator bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world applications, helping scale-stage startups navigate the unique challenges of dual-use markets.

Shield icon on a blue circular background.

Dual-Use Focus

Specializing in technologies that serve both commercial markets and defense applications, maximizing impact and market reach.

Blue circle icon with a white lightning bolt symbol

Scale-Stage Ready

Working with startups that have proven product-market fit and are ready to accelerate growth and expand market presence.

Icon of a globe inside a blue circular background

Global Network

Access to government contracts, defense partnerships, and commercial enterprise clients across multiple industries.

Blue circular icon with concentric target-like circles in white.

Strategic Guidance

Expert mentorship from industry veterans who understand the complexities of dual-use technology commercialization.

Ready to Transform Your Startup?

Join the select group of innovators who are shaping the future of dual-use technology.

⛉ Defense Applications

🌐 Commercial Applications

⚡ Scale-Stage Focus

Our Accelerator Program

A comprehensive 3-month hybrid program designed specifically for scale-stage dual-use startups.

A large check mark inside a circle.

program benefits

Orange checkmark inside a circle

Revenue Growth Opportunities

We foster revenue growth by helping dual-use technology companies identify new markets and scale their innovations across both sectors.

Orange check mark inside a circle on a black background.

GTM & Strategic Partnerships

Targeted outreach, customer discovery, and connecting companies with potential clients to expand market reach.

Orange check mark inside an orange circle on a black background.

Events & Exposure

Networking events provide valuable opportunities for startups to showcase technologies, build relationships, and gain insights from industry.

Orange checkmark inside a circle, indicating approval or completion.

Access to Capital

Gain access to non-dilutive capital and a global network of investors and the resources to successfully scale your dual-use products.

Orange checkmark inside a circular border, symbolizing confirmation or approval.

Government Contract Facilitation

Tailored training sessions to equip participants with critical knowledge and skills, helping them navigate the complexities of dual-use tech and government contracting,

Technology Readiness

TRL 6+ with proven prototypes and initial market validation

Market Traction

Scale-stage companies with $250k - $5M revenue and/or Seed funding

Dual-Use Potential

Clear applications in both defense and commercial markets

Team Strength

Experienced founding team with domain expertise

Founder(s) Participation

It is strongly recommended that startup founder(s) commit to the program. Participants will be expected to attend all sessions, workshops and activities.

Icon of three people, representing a group or team.

Ideal Candidates

Our Focus Areas

Icon of a computer chip with 'AI' in the center, surrounded by circuit lines representing artificial intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence

Emerging AI technologies are transforming decision-making, optimizing operations, and driving innovation across critical domains.

Examples include, but not limited to:

•Autonomous Systems

•AI-powered Cybersecurity

•Computer Vision and Image Recognition

•Robotics and Enhanced Manufacturing

•Predictive Maintenance

•Simulation and Training

•Edge Computing

•Enhanced Communications

•AI-Driven Support Systems

Icon of a lightning bolt inside a circle, representing electricity or power.

Energy

Emerging technologies are critical to improving energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.

Examples include, but not limited to:

•Energy Storage

•Fuel Cells

•Bioenergy and Biofuels

•Energy Harvesting

•Grid Modernization and Smart Grids

•Advanced Materials for Energy Applications

•Distributed Energy Resources

Icon of two overlapping speech bubbles, one with three dots indicating conversation.

Advanced Comms

Emerging communications technologies are vital for ensuring secure, resilient, and adaptive networks in an increasingly contested landscape.

Examples include, but not limited to:

•5G and Beyond 6G Networks

•Satellite Communications

•Software-Defined Networks

•Alternative Position Navigation and Timing

•Mesh Networking

•Optical Communication

•AI for Communication Optimization

•Low-Power Wide Area Networks

•Secure Communication Protocols and Encryption

Ensure The Unfair Advantage

The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona is the epicenter of the national security innovation ecosystem in the southwestern United States.

A PROGRAM WITHIN THE DEFENSE INNOVATION UNIT

The Defense Innovation onRamp Hubs serve as an open door to the Department of Defense; where academics, companies and entrepreneurs can learn how to enter the national security innovation base, discover how to access government programming and funding, and engage in national security events and opportunities.

Through a national network of Hubs, academic, business and defense organizations come together to develop solutions to problems and put new technologies directly in the hands of the warfighter.

We bring together academic institutions, the venture community, and technology companies to collaborate with the government to solve the most challenging national security challenges facing the United States.

We are the experts the Department of Defense relies on to bring together the resources and partners required to accelerate technology transition to a stage in which they are capable to solve critical challenges. We work with the defense innovation community to identify and evaluate emerging technology needs and then support the rapid maturation of these technologies for scaled delivery to the warfighter.

Our approach to mission validation, technology maturation, and collaboration support improves the understanding of the mission, enables the delivery of the right technology at the right time, increases adoption rates, and directly improves warfighter lethality.

The United States Department of Energy logo with a blue stylized atom symbol and black text.

Thank You To Our Sponsors

The Dual-Use Accelerator is funded by the Defense Innovation Unit and Southwest Mission Acceleration Center to accelerate innovation and deliver critical technologies to those who need it most.

Blue background with white emergency exit sign featuring a running figure and an arrow.
Logo for Mission Acceleration Center Southwest, featuring bold letters M4C with a lightning bolt in the middle, set against a dark blue background with contour lines.

 FAQs

  • Startups who are passionate about the problem they are solving, have raised capital and/or have revenue traction, and are willing to relocate for the duration of the program. We are NOT an idea stage accelerator or VC funding accelerator. We are an operational, revenue based accelerator.

  • There is no-cost and no-equity taken to participate. Startups are responsible for travel and accommodations. The program is sponsored by the Defense Innovation Unit to foster innovation.

  • Startups must participate in-person. No exceptions will be made.

  • Fuel x DIU On-Ramp Hub Dual-Use Accelerator is based in Phoenix, AZ. Each company will be provided access to our office at the heart of downtown Phoenix.