DEFENSE & DUAL-USE TECHNOLOGY
Open Innovation for Defense & Dual-Use Technology
Elpis Labs connects defense organizations, government agencies, and dual-use technology companies with market-ready startups in AI, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, advanced materials, and satellite technology.
We help defense innovation teams identify commercial technologies with military applications and help dual-use startups navigate the path from commercial to government markets.
200+
Dual-use startups
in our network
THE CHALLENGE
What defense innovation leaders face today
Defense organizations and dual-use technology companies face mounting pressure to adopt commercial innovation faster while navigating complex procurement processes, security requirements, and the growing convergence of civilian and military technology.
Commercial-to-Military Technology Transfer
The most impactful defense technologies increasingly originate in commercial markets AI, autonomous systems, satellite analytics, advanced materials. Defense organizations need structured scouting to identify dual-use startups and validate their applicability to military and government use cases.
Autonomous Systems & AI Integration
From autonomous vehicles and drones to AI-powered intelligence analysis and decision support, defense organizations need partners who can scout, evaluate, and facilitate pilots with commercial AI and robotics companies developing technologies applicable to defense missions.
Cybersecurity & Information
Warfare
Nation-state threats, supply chain vulnerabilities, and emerging AI-powered attacks demand next-generation cybersecurity solutions. Defense agencies need access to commercial cybersecurity startups building technologies that can be adapted for classified and critical infrastructure environments.
Allied Innovation & Cross-Border Access
Allied nations are developing critical dual-use technologies across AI, space, materials science, and biotech. Defense innovation teams need cross-border scouting capabilities that connect them with startups from allied countries while navigating export controls and security requirements.
WHAT WE DO
Our services for defense & dual-use technology
Elpis Labs provides end-to-end innovation support tailored to the security requirements, procurement cycles, and technology validation needs of defense organizations and dual-use technology companies.
01
Dual-Use Startup Scouting
& Validation
Targeted identification and validation of commercial startups with defense-applicable technologies in AI, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, advanced materials, satellite technology, and communications. Elpis Labs evaluates technology readiness, security considerations, and government-market fit.
03
CVC Deal Flow
& Investment Matchmaking
Curated pipeline of investment-ready dual-use technology startups for defense-focused venture capital and corporate venture arms. Elpis Labs aligns deal flow with investment theses spanning defense AI, space technology, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.
05
U.S. Market Access
for Dual-Use Startups
Go-to-market programs for international dual-use technology startups seeking to enter the U.S. defense and government market. Includes guidance on ITAR, FedRAMP, SBIR/STTR pathways, and introductions to defense primes and government innovation offices.
02
Innovation Challenges
& Pilot Programs
Structured programs where defense organizations and primes present specific capability gaps and vetted startups compete to deliver dual-use solutions. Elpis Labs manages the full cycle from challenge design through startup screening, evaluation, and pilot facilitation.
04
Defense Innovation
Expeditions
Custom visits to U.S. defense innovation hubs, dual-use startups, defense-focused VCs, and government innovation labs. Designed for allied defense delegations and defense primes seeking firsthand exposure to emerging commercial technologies with defense applications.
06
Cross-Border
Open Innovation Programs
Elpis Labs designs and operates innovation programs connecting allied defense ecosystems. Through partnerships with government trade organizations across Japan, Korea, Europe, and Latin America, we facilitate cross-border technology matchmaking for defense-applicable innovations.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
Technologies we scout in defense & dual-use
Elpis Labs identifies and validates commercial startups with defense-applicable technologies across the following domains.
Recent Corporate PoCs
Innovation Challenge: Automotive In-Cabin Technology
Client
Leading Japanese chemical and materials manufacturer operating across automotive, electronics, and healthcare sectors.
144
Scouted startups
30
Startups validate
Project
Elpis Labs managed the full innovation challenge as part of JETRO NY's J-Bridge program, attracting 144 startup applications across three industry verticals.
3
Winners Chosen
4
Day Program
CVC & INVESTMENT
Corporate venture capital in defense & dual-use technology
Defense corporate venture capital has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments in the VC ecosystem, driven by geopolitical tensions, allied defense modernization programs, and the accelerating convergence of commercial and military technology. Defense primes, sovereign wealth funds, and dedicated defense VCs are all increasing allocations to dual-use technology startups.
Elpis Labs connects defense-focused investors with validated dual-use startup deal flow. Our cross-industry scouting expertise spanning AI, autonomous systems, advanced materials, cybersecurity, and sensing technologies means we identify defense-applicable innovations from commercial sectors that defense-only scouting teams often miss.
Through cross-border innovation programs with allied nations including Japan, Korea, and European partners, Elpis Labs facilitates technology matchmaking that strengthens the allied defense innovation base while creating commercial opportunities for dual-use startups.
