Crucible Ignitor
Seeking Aspiring & Experienced Entrepreneurs
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About the Program
Drawing inspiration from the U.S. Marines' 54-hour boot camp challenge, and developed in partnership with NavalX's Inland Empire Tech Bridge, Crucible Ignitor is a startup studio that fosters grit, critical thinking, and perseverance in entrepreneurial growth across California and the Pacific Northwest. Ignitor bolsters NavalX and the Tech Bridge Network's mission by uniting technology with the region's diverse innovators and promoting critical technology commercialization.
Overview
- Virtual, with one optional in-person Innovation Summit in Southern California
- No fees to participate and no equity taken
- Direct access to cutting-edge federal- or lab-created technologies selected for national security relevance and commercialization potential
- Mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, executives, and technologists
- Chance to license your technology and launch a spinout company
- Eligibility to compete for prizes to support your newly-launched startup
- Travel stipend provided to attend the optional in-person culmination event
“[This program] is a great mechanism to take confident action where we now have a window of opportunity.”
A Deeper Dive
Crucible's ecosystem approach is built on collaboration, featuring 10 Challenge Statements co-developed with key industry stakeholders. These statements aim to uncover dual-use solutions that not only address pressing regional challenges in California and the Pacific Northwest but also advance national security priorities in Naval science and technology.
The focus areas span a range of critical issues, including but not limited to:
Naval Problem Sets
- Data Analytics and Visualization
- Advanced Measurement and Metrology
- Enhanced Telecommunications, Information Sharing, and Networks
- Autonomous Systems and Robotics
Regional Problem Sets
- Supply Chain and Logistics
- Directed Energy Technologies
- Sustainable Infrastructure and Green Technologies
- Water Technologies, Products, and Platforms
- Injury Prevention and Safety
- Agricultural, Animal By Product Utilization
Program Length: Total of ~20 hours per week per entrepreneur from October 2025 through February 2026. Live sessions are 1-1.5 hours and the remainder is spent working with teams at mutually-agreeable times.
Who Should Apply?: We are seeking diverse skill sets and backgrounds such as technologists, businesspeople, spokespeople, operations specialists, and creative thinkers from across the United States. Previous founders and first-time founders are encouraged to apply. The program is designed to allow for individuals who are working full-time.
*Citizenship Requirements: The program is open to citizens of the United States of America (US). If you are a US Permanent Resident, green card holder, or have citizenship-related questions, please contact crucible@fedtech.io before completing an application.
Alumni Highlights
“FedTech offered the [commercialization] process to participants on a golden platter… the best part was working with the teams and excellent partners” - Tony Noser, CEO of Gen6Solutions
Gen6Solutions finalized a CRADA with their partner Naval laboratory moving forward to convert into an R&D license
Super Foam Corp. secured $150k in funding from the University of California, Riverside, matched by the Assistant Deputy Director of Innovation from the California Governor’s Office. They are preparing to submit a National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research (NSF SBIR) Phase I.
Aurelius Industries has received $50k in public funding, currently working on ITAR compliance.
About the NavalX Tech Bridge Network
Regional Tech Bridges help Naval leaders address operational challenges with solutions that can scale globally. This connected network of innovation hubs enhances collaboration between Naval Labs, industry, academia, and other military organizations.
When NavalX takes on a new effort, the 18 Tech Bridges serve as technology scouts, local networking hubs, and connection points to Naval Warfare Centers and Labs to make sure the best possible technology is brought to the table for consideration.
These strategically located teams offer a more easily accessible way for the Department of the Navy to foster collaboration, build productive partnerships, and speed delivery of solutions to Sailors and Marines. Tech Bridges are an essential link between Naval technologists and local startup ecosystems across the country — and around the world.
Learn More About NavalX
This program is NOT for existing startups-- if you have an existing startup that falls under the Naval Challenge Statements, please contact the Crucible team directly at crucible@fedtech.io
Other questions? Contact us at crucible@fedtech.io
Partners
