Crucible Ignitor
Applications are closed! For more information or to apply for the next iteration of Ignitor, please contact crucible@fedtech.io
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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
2025 applications have closed!
If you have questions about applying for the next iteration of Ignitor, please contact crucible@fedtech.io
- No fees to participate and no equity taken
- Access to cutting-edge lab- or university-created technologies selected for their relevance and commercialization potential
- Mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, technologists, and executives
- Access to entrepreneur training resources from FedTech's ecosystem
- The chance to license your technology and launch a spinout company
“[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 December 7, 2024 to April 1, 2025. Live sessions are 1-1.5 hours and the remainder is spent working with teams at mutually-agreeable times. CLICK HERE to learn more about specific dates!
Format: All activities are 100% virtual, EXCEPT for one in-person Innovation Summit in April 2025 in Riverside, CA. More details to come soon.
Who Should Apply?: We are seeking diverse skill sets and backgrounds such as technologists, businessperson, spokesperson, operations specialist, and creative thinkers from West Coast states: California, Oregon, Hawaii, and Washington state. Previous founders and first-time founders are encouraged to apply. There is no cost to participate and is designed to allow for individuals who are working full-time to participate.
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
The program is open to US citizens and US permanent residents based in California, Oregon, Washington state, and Hawaii. For citizenship status or residency-related questions, please contact crucible@fedtech.io
Other questions? Contact us at crucible@fedtech.io
Partners
