HUSTLE Defense Accelerator

READY...SET...HUSTLE Defense Accelerator!

Are you a tech startup pushing artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, quantum science, or uncrewed aircraft system solutions?

Are you interested in sharpening your skills in running a business?

Are you interested in education and mentoring through a group of highly talented professionals with the chance to learn how to work with the government, how to open the door to partnerships and how to fund and grow your ventures and deliver trusted technologies to the American economy?

HUSTLE is Supported & Sponsored by:

Air Force Research Laboratory

National Grid

NYSTAR

Interested in HUSTLE? Provide your info below and we'll be in touch!

HUSTLE Defense Accelerator is...

The HUSTLE Defense Accelerator is an elite and immersive accelerator for pre-seed and seed-stage tech startups pushing AI/ML, cyber, quantum and UAS solutions with dual-use potential and the drive to elevate the United States’ national security and economic competitiveness.

This program is 100% in person and on site at Innovare Advancement Center in Rome, NY.

Twelve startups will be selected for participation in this elite program for defense innovation and summer residency in our world-class facility.

HUSTLE Defense Accelerator graduates will…

Know the defense enterprise as a customer.
Know how, when, and where to make the perfect pitch.
Know the people and players who will be your partners in delivering national security solutions.
Know how to engage early-stage sources of capital to de-risk technologies and develop your team.
Launch your venture in an inclusive community of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs who areinspired and committed to elevate national security and economic competitiveness.
Learn the rich legacy of innovation in New York's picturesque Mohawk Valley.
Learn the ropes of startup success from world-class trainers, coaches and mentors.
Compete for hundreds of thousands in seed funding to grow your company in the Mohawk Valley.

HUSTLE Defense Accelerator cohort teams will be provided a unique opportunity to learn knowledge and skills to develop, market and grow their businesses and a special track focused on how to successfully work with the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies.

Business Development Track focuses on all aspects of establishing and growing your company through a combination of lectures and guest speakers. Topics include:

Motivation
Ideation
Customer Discovery
Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Competition
Intellectual Property Strategy
Go to Market, Customer Acquisition
Key Activities, Resources & Partners
Business model, Revenues & Costs

Government Business Track focuses on requirements for the DoD/Air Force SBIR/STTR programs, How to Write a Winning SBIR/STTR Proposal, How to Handle Control Unclassified Information (CUI), International Traffic in Arms Regulations, Data Rights, Technology Transfer Agreements, Developing and Submitting a DoD License Request to DoD Labs, What is a Project Intermediary and How They Can Help, Government Procurement: Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), and DoD Contracting 101.

The HUSTLE Defense Accelerator culminates in a Demo Day where qualifying HUSTLE teams will have the opportunity to compete for hundreds of thousands in prize money, based on their track, to scale their ventures in the Mohawk Valley!

Thank you, New York State and Empire State Development, for your steadfast support of HUSTLE Defense Accelerator!