About The Homeland Security Startup Studio
The Homeland Security Startup Studio (HSSS) is an innovative program that brings together entrepreneurs, mentors, and inventors to deliver technology solutions for homeland security. Conducted in partnership with the venture-building company FedTech, HSSS pairs the next generation of entrepreneurs with federally-funded, cutting-edge technologies to help move them from the lab to the market.
Who are we looking for?
HSSS is looking for diverse applicants who are ready to continue their entrepreneurship journey or take a step into the world of entrepreneurship. Most prior participants have been employed full-time over the course of this program but must be willing and able to commit to the workshops, team meetings and mentorship sessions of this program, which typically occur during the week on evenings and occasional weekends.
Technologists: A competitive technical applicant has deep technical experience in a technology vertical(s). Although not required, a relevant PhD is generally a plus for deep tech startups along with 5+ years of industry experience. This role is for a future chief technology officer or vice president of research and development.
Business Experts: A competitive business applicant (non-technical) typically has experience in the business aspects of the vertical (i.e., business development, operations, marketing, fundraising, strategy). Although not required, an MBA or prior operating experience in a startup is preferred, along with 5+ years of experience. This role is for a future CEO, COO, CMO, or VP of Sales.
Career Shifters, Veterans, & Re-Entrants to the Workforce: Individuals who are looking to step out and explore new career pathways are encouraged to apply for the Startup Studio Program.
Individuals or teams are welcome to apply.
How does the HSSS program work?
FedTech forms teams of entrepreneurs and matches them with promising federally-funded technologies to assess their commercialization potential. Each team has two or three budding entrepreneurs who bring diverse expertise in technology, engineering, and business. The FedTech curriculum provides teams with entrepreneurial training and experiential learning with coaches and mentors.
Recruiting for the 2023 Cohort
Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 HSSS cohort, which will run from February through July 2023. Entrepreneur participants are expected to devote ~20 hours a week (weekends and evenings) to the program. All teams take part in the first phase of the program, and some may progress to Phase II, based on a competitive process. Apply here through January 9, 2023.
Join S&T and FedTech on December 1 at 1 p.m. ET for the HSSS ’23 Virtual Launch Event. Program alumni will join speakers from S&T and FedTech to discuss the program and answer audience questions. Visit the event page for more information and to register for the webinar.
Phase I
During phase I, program entrepreneurs are taught foundational basics and skill sets so teams can quickly assess potential use cases for their matched technology. During weekly breakout sessions, teams will practice pitching for mentors who will act as sounding boards. Entrepreneurs will participate in lectures on lean programming and spinout topics such as: fundraising, intellectual property, business models, and customer outreach. Participants also engage in customer discovery interviews to help identify the problem-solution fit for their technology.
Phase II
Phase II participants will set up early-stage companies with pragmatic and ambitious company goals. Entrepreneur teams will be guided by program mentors on how to navigate crucial formation steps from pitching to licensing their technologies. The content of this phase will be customized for the team.
Individuals or teams are welcome to apply.
This year’s program will run from February 2023 to July 2023
