The NavalX Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge (MATB) and 757 Collab have launched the Defense Technology Accelerator

The NavalX Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge (MATB) and 757 Collab have launched the Defense Technology Accelerator — a new program designed to fast-track dual-use technologies for Department of Defense (DoD) impact. With a deadline of April 30, 2025 the accelerator is nearing the end of its application window for the inaugural cohort.




Built for early-stage companies developing scalable solutions with both commercial traction and national security relevance, this 12-week accelerator will help participants advance their Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), engage directly with government stakeholders, and position their capabilities for real-world DoD integration.

“There’s no other accelerator like this in the country. We’re offering non-dilutive funding and true government interaction — real mentorship, real feedback, and real connection to the people who can help transition these technologies into the field.” — Dr. Julie Stark, Director, Mid-Atlantic Tech Bridge from NSWC Carderock Division Norfolk Detachment.

Program Overview
The Defense Technology Accelerator will run from August 18 — November 6, 2025, bringing together 6–10 selected companies for an intensive, dual-use-focused program. Participants will receive funding in non-dilutive capital, plus hands-on support and direct engagement with government stakeholders, technology leads, and decision-makers in addition to specific programming to enable them to work with the DoD.

The program format includes:
Week 1: In-person kickoff at Assembly Norfolk
Weeks 2–11: Virtual programming, workshops, and stakeholder touchpoints
Week 12: In-person capstone and technology demonstration in Norfolk, VA

Focus Areas

Selected participants will align their technologies with critical Department of the Navy and DoD needs. The accelerator is actively seeking solutions in the following areas:

1. Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Enablers
Tools and technologies that enhance USV performance, including precision navigation, resilient comms, self-defense capabilities, and integrated perception systems.

2. Multi-Domain Targeting
Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) systems capable of operating across sensor types and domains to detect, classify, and distinguish targets in complex environments.

3. Electromagnetic Spectrum Monitoring
Machine learning-enabled RF monitoring and signal analysis to support real-time decision-making and anomaly detection at the tactical edge.

4. Decision Advantage
Solutions that reduce cognitive burden and compress time-to-target by fusing disparate data, identifying gaps, and generating/recommending courses of action.

5. Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures
Technologies that support amphibious operations by detecting, neutralizing, and navigating underwater and surf-zone explosive threats.

6. Autonomous Network Management
Automated, interoperable network solutions that ensure resilient communications across hybrid fleets and contested, disconnected environments.

Eligibility

This opportunity is designed for U.S.-based, early-stage companies with commercially viable technologies that could meet Department of Defense needs. To qualify, applicants must:

Be U.S. owned and operated
Have at least one full-time employee
Be eligible to register in SAM.gov
Commit to weekly participation throughout the program
Attend in-person sessions in Norfolk, VA during Weeks 1 and 12

The accelerator is especially focused on teams with a strong desire to explore national security applications and navigate DoD pathways for tech transition.
How to Apply

Applications are open through April 30, 2025. Interested companies can apply by completing the online application form.

The form will ask for basic company info, a summary of your technology, and your alignment with one or more of the six focus areas.

Selection notifications will be sent mid-July 2025, with cohort programming kicking off in August.

Got questions before you hit submit?
Join MATB’s final Ask Me Anything session on April 23 to connect directly with the MATB team and get your questions answered. You can also contact midatlantictechbridge@gmail.com or kali@757collab.org with questions.

For more information, please visit: navalx.nre.navy.mil/s/tech-bridges/mid-atlantic-tech-bridge

Location: USA