With a variety of conflicts occurring all across the global stage and economic power struggles reaching unprecedented levels, the U.S. government is doubling down on homeland security technology investments.
Several U.S. allies are also investing huge sums into this essential industry. This funding gives investors and technology entrepreneurs the resources they need to fuel innovation.
Below, we have outlined the most prominent U.S. and international government-funded programs that support homeland security technology innovation. Some of these programs are purely research-driven, while others are focused on applying existing tech toward specific security goals.
U.S. TSA Innovation Task Force
The Transportation Security Administration’s Innovation Task Force focuses specifically on homeland security solutions as they pertain to the aviation industry. They offer four collaboration tracks, each of which includes specific criteria.
The ITF-led Demonstration track is used for security solutions that are chosen by the TSA. The ITF and TSA test pilot solutions at designated “innovation sites,” where the efficacy of technology is analyzed.
Demonstration leverages an assigned ITF coach; however, planning and pilot activities are run by a non-ITF stakeholder.
The other two collaboration tracks are the Future Checkpoint Design and Process and Information Collaboration. These tracks are less applicable to technology entrepreneurs, as they often involve teams of stakeholders.
Entities that are interested in a collaboration with the Innovation Task Force must contact the ITF directly via email.
U.S. DHS Silicon Valley Innovation Project
The Silicon Valley Innovation Project/Program (SVIP) falls under the umbrella of the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate.
The SVIP concentrates its efforts on finding new technologies that bolster national security.
The Silicon Valley Innovation Program is divided into four phases and spans 24 months. Program participants are eligible to receive between $200K and $2M in funding, which is dispersed in three to four equal tranches every three to six months.
During Phase 1, participants must submit a proof-of-concept demo. Phase 2 involves a demonstration of a pilot-ready prototype. Phase 3 of SVIP is functional and red team testing.
In order to complete Phase 4, the participant must be able to pilot or test the technology in an operational environment.
U.S. DHS S&T Long-Range Broad Agency Announcement
The DHS’s S&T Directorate also has a Long-Range Broad Agency Announcement (LRBAA) funding opportunity. This standing invitation is meant for entrepreneurs and other members of the scientific and technical communities and is designed to fund R&D projects.
The proposal submission process of the LRBAA is much more open-ended than the SVIP.
In the proposal, applicants must answer essential questions such as “What research problem do you propose to solve?” and “How is your concept different from and superior to solutions currently available elsewhere?” This format gives researchers the opportunity to promote their aims so that they can obtain vital funding.
DHS SBIR
The DHS Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is one of the oldest and largest homeland security technology research and development programs around.
This program is responsible for some of the most significant homeland security innovations to date. It is also unique in that funding is competitive and award-based.
The SBIR program is divided into three phases. Phase 1 generally provides participants with up to $150,000 in funding and lasts for five months. This stage is designed to test the scientific and technical feasibility of the proposal. Funding is usually provided within 45 days after the selection process is concluded.
Phase 2 is 24 months long and includes up to $1M in funding. The small business must perform at least 50% of the work in-house and must demonstrate a working prototype by the end of the two-year deadline.
Phase 3 is the commercialization stage. It has no time or financial restrictions because it is funded by a non-SBIR government source or private entity.
UK Government Future Aviation Security Solutions
The UK FASS (Future Aviation Security Solutions) program is one of the premier international funding opportunities for homeland security technology. The program works with a variety of stakeholders, including universities and private airports.
The UK FASS program primarily funds early-stage products and technologies. They also assist with testing new equipment.
Applicants are evaluated on an individual basis and must contact the organization via email. They do not have an established or uniform selection process at this time.
EU Horizon Program
EU Horizon is a massive research and innovation program. Currently, Horizon Europe has a 95.5 billion Euro budget. They fund projects related to climate change, economic growth, and technology in homeland security.
EU Horizon has a straightforward application process. Prospective participants must first locate a proposal opportunity on the Funding & Tenders Portal. The next step is to find project partners (if desired).
Once that is complete, applicants must create an EU account, register their organization, and submit the grant proposal. If chosen, they will receive funding as outlined in the “Call for Proposal.”
Obtain Vital Funding with AGX Marketing
Whether you are a tech entrepreneur working on an innovative piece of homeland security technology or a private investor seeking government support, grant funding is essential to the success of your endeavor.
All of the funding programs discussed above receive dozens, if not hundreds of bids for each grant. This can make it challenging to obtain the resources you need to succeed.
If you want to overcome this barrier, consider partnering with an experienced marketing team like AGX Marketing. Our organization helps firms to navigate the technology industry and effectively market their products.
Together, we can bring your private sector innovation to the homeland security sphere. Contact us today for a free consultation.
