Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is a fast-moving organization under the Department of Defense (DoD) that contracts with commercial companies to solve national security problems. DIU's mission is to strengthen national security by accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge commercial technology within the military and growing the national security innovation base. With offices in Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin, Chicago, and inside the Pentagon, DIU serves as the Department's gateway to leading technology companies across the country.

DIU partners with various organizations within the DoD to rapidly prototype and field dual-use capabilities that address operational challenges on a fast and large scale. DIU's streamlined process allows them to deliver prototypes to their DoD partners within 12 to 24 months, providing scalable revenue opportunities for the commercial vendors involved. Successful prototypes may transition to follow-on production agreements or contracts.

DIU operates in six critical technology sectors and engages directly with the venture capital and commercial technology innovation ecosystem. They maintain transparency by producing an annual report that offers insights into their achievements, project highlights, organizational evolution, and goals for the future. By working closely with both the government and commercial sectors, DIU is building a more secure world