Accelerator Program

As a principal supplier of best-in-class maritime defense technology, FMD is well-positioned to recognize and foster pioneering solutions that have the potential to solve challenges faced by the industry. This program will help us identify and apply emerging technologies with mission-critical applications to the maritime defense market.

The FM Defense Accelerator is aimed at technology companies developing products or services with maritime defense applications. It has a flexible structure that can be adapted to suit the specific needs and timelines of the start-ups and projects it supports.

If interested, please apply using the accelerator application. Once you submit your application, the FMD team will review the application and reach out to let you know if you application was approved.

Each company’s program length will differ depending on its development needs. A program can last as few as three months and as long as several years.

The FM Defense Accelerator is open to eligible entrepreneurs and technology companies with a great idea, product or application, and an appetite to work with us and benefit from our expertise and relationship with the Navy, Coast Guard, and Military Sealift Command (MSC).

Applicants don’t need to have prior maritime defense industry experience. In fact, one of the benefits of the FM Defense Accelerator is that we will leverage our relationships with the Navy, Coast Guard and others to introduce your technology to these key target audiences when it reaches a predetermined stage of development.

We want to develop hardware and software technology to support marine autonomous and unmanned programs, system efficiency software and technology, and augmented and mixed reality collaboration tools and software.

While applicants should have a thorough business plan, their level of business experience will be judged individually. If the innovation is likely to scale in size and scope, funding, or a process to secure it, should be in place.

If you’re ready to take your defense startup or small business to the next level, apply now for our FM Defense Accelerator Program. We’re looking for the next generation of defense innovators and we want you to be a part of it.
Submit an application

Applications for the FM Defense Accelerator are accepted year-round. Acceptance into the program will be determined by the type of technology you are developing and the availability of resources that we can dedicate to your specific needs.

The review process varies depending on amount of applicants received.

An FMD representative will notify you once your application has been reviewed and if you were selected for the program.

There is not a predetermined number of companies that may participate in the FM Defense Accelerator program. The number will fluctuate based on the availability of resources.

Once a submission has been accepted, FMD will source the right team member from within our Technology Center of Excellence to work with the company and initiate a face-to-face strategy meeting to establish goals, needs and processes. This will be followed by regular interactions with your FMD team member. Technology updates or assessments, usually every quarter, will be conducted to determine progress.

Each program is customized to meet your specific needs. All programs will have an assigned team member from our Technology Center of Excellence. Additional resources may include access to FMD technical experts and our worldwide services network, brand exposure opportunities and marketing support and route to market advice and support.

FMD may provide brand exposure opportunities and marketing support. Additionally, we will provide route to market. The specific types of exposure and support will be determined individually.

Presuming that involvement with the FM Defense Accelerator is enabling the company to meet its objectives, you may be invited to participate in our Technology Innovation Day or related trade shows and industry events. This provides an opportunity to introduce and demonstrate technology among target customers, including U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Military Sealift Command (MSC) representatives. As appropriate, the technology may also be demonstrated in the FMD booth at trade shows and industry events.

Investing in participating companies or technologies is not part of the FM Defense Accelerator. This program is designed to provide teaming opportunities and exposure to target audiences.

All participants are required by the FM Defense Accelerator Charter and Code of Conduct. These documents will be shared with you once your application has been approved. Beyond that, any obligations will be mutually determined in the scope of your FM Defense Accelerator contract.

There is no cost to participate in the FM Defense Accelerator.

No, working from an FMD location is not required to participate in the FM Defense Accelerator. FMD may provide you with space as needed and as available.

The time required for this program will be determined on a case-by-case basis. You will be required to participate in regular check-ins with your FMD team member and abide by any requirements outlined in your program contract. Beyond that, you will take away from the program as much as you put into it.

FMD will provide advice and support for your route to market. Beyond that, FMD’s involvement with your technology after completing the FM Defense Accelerator will be determined individually.

You can send an email to FM.Marketing@FMDefense.com