Crucible Afterburner
Seeking Startups & Small Businesses with High TRL (6-9)
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About the Program
Crucible Afterburner, powered by NavalX's Northwest Tech Bridge in partnership with FedTech, offers customized support and advisory services for growth-stage ventures aiming to transition their technologies into the Department of Defense (DoD). Targeting companies with high TRL (6-9), this program provides a comprehensive pathway to DoD acquisition through tailored market intelligence, expert advisory services, and strategic matchmaking with prime partners.
Program Overview
- Tailored DoD Market Intelligence: Companies receive a customized research plan to effectively navigate the defense market, ensuring alignment with specific Navy needs.
- Expert Advisory Services: Benefit from 1:1 advisory support from experienced professionals, including access to subject matter experts (SMEs) within the FedTech network. Advisors dedicate 10-12 hours per month to guide your journey.
- Comprehensive Support: Companies gain insights into DoD acquisition processes, identifying key primes, potential Navy partners, and strategic pathways to secure DoD contracts.
- High-Impact Ecosystem: Leverage an established network including top VC firms, industry leaders, and defense-focused organizations.
- Dual-Use Potential: Ideal for companies already in the market with established products looking to expand into defense applications.
A Deeper Dive
Tailored Pathway to DoD Acquisition Crucible Afterburner is designed for growth-stage companies that are ready to scale their innovative technologies within the Department of Defense. With a focus on transitioning technologies with high technology readiness levels (TRL 6-9), the program helps companies understand DoD acquisition processes, identify Navy-specific needs, and engage with key decision-makers.
Program Structure The six-month program begins with an initial assessment of your company's capabilities and needs, followed by market research and expert advisor matching. With regular meetings and advisory support, your company will refine its strategy for navigating the DoD ecosystem. FedTech’s extensive research ensures that your efforts are focused on the most relevant Navy needs and competitive landscape.
Expert Advisory Network Through Crucible Afterburner, you gain access to a dedicated Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) who provides personalized support, along with a network of subject matter experts from industries such as defense technology, cybersecurity, and IP law. Advisors help identify gaps in your current market strategy and provide actionable recommendations to align your product with DoD requirements.
Funding and Matchmaking Opportunities The program works closely with prime contractors like Boeing and Lockheed, offering unparalleled opportunities to form strategic partnerships. Additionally, Crucible Afterburner connects you with venture capitalists actively investing in dual-use technologies, giving you access to both public and private funding sources.
Comprehensive Support Services Whether it’s navigating compliance with DCAA or understanding CMMC requirements, the program offers support across multiple domains critical to successful DoD partnerships. You also receive intellectual property assistance, including patent drafting and freedom-to-operate analyses, ensuring your company is protected as it scales within the defense sector.
A Proven Path to Success Crucible Afterburner has been tailored to meet the needs of companies already demonstrating market traction but looking to expand into defense. The program leverages FedTech's expertise in commercialization, matched with Navy and defense sector insights, providing a structured yet flexible framework to ensure your technology is ready for DoD transition.
By the end of the program, your company will have a detailed action plan and a network of contacts within the DoD, primes, and VCs, ensuring you are well-positioned to secure contracts and scale effectively within the defense sector.
Partners
