In the Pacific Northwest’s dynamic innovation landscape, the PNW Mission Acceleration Center joins the NW Tech Bridge in playing a vital role in advancing breakthrough technologies.
Together, the Pacific Northwest Mission Acceleration Center (PNW MAC) and NW Tech Bridge share a mission to identify and scale innovative solutions for defense challenges.
Read on, as the PNW MAC Team break downs key initiatives of the NW Tech Bridge partnership that fosters formal collaboration and spontaneous innovation, or “coffee pot collaboration”.
Q: How does the PNW MAC accelerate the path from innovation to use for defense and homeland security clients?
PNW MAC: As the innovation arm of the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition (PNDC), we bridge the gap between innovators and the Department of Defense by providing tailored programming and mentorship to companies at various growth stages.
We work closely with DoD equities across all branches to identify their needs, scout suitable commercial solutions right here in the PNW, and offer platforms for meaningful connections. Existing outside the fence of DoD processes, PNW MAC meets innovators where they are and, equipped with problems direct from DoD mission partners, are able to stimulate connections rapidly.
PNDC is a delivery partner for the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Washington program. A front door to collaboration for both industry and DoD, funded by NSIN/DIU. The goal is to equip innovative companies with defense-focused education and direct access to defense leaders. PNDC, through its PNW MAC, also delivers NATO DIANA (Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic), extending opportunity for PNW companies to allied nations.
Through partnerships with the NW Tech Bridge, we connect innovators to global defense ecosystems and advanced testing environments, enabling them to refine their solutions for military applications. By combining education, direct matchmaking, and clear pathways to contracting opportunities, PNW MAC accelerates the adoption of critical technologies, directly addressing the needs of defense and homeland security clients.
Q: How does PNW MAC collaborate with NW Tech Bridge?
PNW MAC: PNW MAC and NW Tech Bridge share a common mission: identifying and scaling innovative solutions to address defense challenges. As a result of this shared vision, an education program was launched – the Business in Defense (BiD) webinar series. These seminars provide key information and expert contacts to expedite an innovator’s technology development, transfer to the DoD, and pathways to compliance with federal contracting. Past topics include Go-to-Market Strategies in Defense, SBIR/STTR contracts, IP protection, and more. NAVALX and NW Tech Bridge are critical in identifying dual-use technologies in the ecosystem that satisfy mission-critical needs. By facilitating direct engagement between military stakeholders and product companies in the Pacific Northwest, we accelerate technology adoption while creating valuable opportunities for regional innovators.
Q: What are the emerging technologies or industries PNW MAC focuses on? How do these align with your mission?
PNW MAC: The PNW MAC prioritizes technologies and industries critical to defense resilience. This is guided by the Office of the Undersecretary for Defense for Research and Engineering critical technology areas and their alignment with the region. The PNW ecosystem boasts a wide net of capable technology development but has noted excellence in: Artificial
Intelligence, Autonomy (including aerial and underwater drones and counter-capabilities), Cyber and Telecom, Energy, Human Systems, and Space. Notwithstanding, PNW MAC responds to demand signals directly from warfighters and industry and synchronizing the two for fast-tracked solutions. The Pacific Northwest is home to an extraordinary array of talent and cutting-edge industries, from photonics and quantum technologies in Montana to AI/ML and space innovations in Washington. Oregon is home to a robust drone market and associated accessories as well as advanced textile development. These focus areas, coupled with the region’s strong industrial base, align perfectly with our mission to deliver high-impact solutions that enhance defense capabilities while strengthening the local tech ecosystem.
Q: What are the major opportunities and challenges facing defense innovation? How is PNW MAC addressing these?
PNW MAC: The explosion of commercial technologies that have a dual-use capability provides a significant opportunity to solve critical warfighter problems, and fast. We see growing alignment between commercial innovation and defense needs, particularly in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and autonomy.
There is a growing want to participate in the defense economy from industry and a recognition from the DoD that current processes are inadequate or outdated to rapidly adopt these capabilities in the market.
Adversely, the DoD has been historically difficult to navigate for startups, with complex acquisition processes and high entry barriers. PNW MAC offers programming that demystifies defense acquisition and provides innovators with education, mentorship, and access to military stakeholders.
Through leveraged partnerships with NW Tech Bridge, DIU, and other partners, innovators are well-prepared to meet the unique demands of defense markets and can build clearer roadmaps to their success.
Q: How does PNW MAC facilitate technology transfer between innovators and the defense industry?
PNW MAC: At the PNW MAC, we facilitate technology transfer by educating innovators on defense acquisition processes and connecting them directly with military problem owners. Utilizing valued relationships with NW Tech Bridge and other stakeholders, we provide innovators with access to defense challenges and the resources needed for successful validation and adoption.
One key initiative is our “Brown Bag” matchmaking events, which align curated military needs with innovative companies. These events often result in opportunities such as SBIR/STTR sponsorships, test and evaluation support, and actionable feedback for product development.
By ensuring technologies transition smoothly from ideation to impactful application, PNW MAC bridges the gap between innovators and defense mission partners, accelerating solutions that meet mission-critical needs.
Q: How does PNW MAC support the development of innovation clusters and regional economic competitiveness?
PNW MAC: We aim to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem through on-the-ground engagement with companies, increasing their visibility and market reach. Our team, composed of military members, entrepreneurs, academics, and government specialists, work face-to-face with industry leaders to foster collaboration.
We also partner with organizations like NW Tech Bridge to host/co-host innovation and startup events. Partnerships with industry, however, are equally important.
For instance, we recently supported the NASA Space Apps Challenge in Seattle, which brought together students, entrepreneurs, civilian space experts, business leaders and defense stakeholders – including a visit from a former astronaut.
Get connected with the PNW MAC Team at: https://pnwmac.org/contact