DIU Funding

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) provides funding opportunities primarily aimed at accelerating the adoption of commercial technology into the U.S. military to strengthen national security. DIU uses a fast-track contracting process called Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs), which allows them to make prototype contracts with commercial innovators quickly and efficiently.

EverGlade's solutions include:

DIU focuses on a range of technology areas, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human systems, space, and advanced energy and materials, and they actively seek partnerships with private sector companies that can provide innovative solutions in these areas. As part of the application process, DIU requests that applicants submit a solutions brief that clearly addresses the problem and demonstrates how the proposed technology can be applied.

Download the Guide to DIU Funding

Recent DIU Funding Programs

DIU Launches Blue Manufacturing Marketplace

Leveraging AI to Enhance Business Intelligence

DIU Funding for TacRS

A Guide to DIU Funding

Why EverGlade?

Federal funding is our science. We create, support, and manage strategic partnerships between innovators and funding agencies to maximize the impact of investment dollars while accelerating our clients’ growth.

Proven in Highly Regulated Federal Environments

With over 50 programs actively managed, we bring hands-on experience across federal agencies in a number of industries, navigating the strategic, technical, and regulatory demands that define successful programs.

Technical & Regulatory Fluency That Drives Post-Award Success

We are PhD-level scientists, former U.S. Government COTRs and SETAs, and federal procurement, financial, cost accounting & compliance regulatory experts who bring diverse perspectives to every stage of the funding lifecycle.

Successful Transition from Program Design to Execution

We operate as an extension of your team — like a “think tank” — where the diverse skill sets of our experts help ensure your program is built to perform from day one.

Powered by Proprietary Program Infrastructure

Your team gains access to proprietary intellectual property developed across years of complex R&D and financial program execution, including standardized tools, templates, and processes.

Ready to Pursue DIU Funding?

Have a question or ready to discuss your project? Our team can help determine eligibility, align your proposal with agency priorities, and guide you through every step of the process.

DIU Funding FAQ

What is DIU and what does it fund?

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) accelerates the Department of Defense's adoption of commercial technology, prioritizing AI, autonomy, cybersecurity, space, and other dual-use areas. Funding runs through Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs), prototype contracts, and SBIR opportunities. EverGlade helps commercial technology companies position their solution briefs for DIU's fast-track process.

What is a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)?

A Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) is DIU's fast-track mechanism for identifying and contracting with companies offering innovative commercial technologies, reducing traditional barriers to entry. It allows the DoD to rapidly evaluate and prototype new solutions. EverGlade helps innovators craft compelling CSO responses that demonstrate mission impact.