WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
The Northwest Tech Bridge may be sunsetting, but innovators aren’t starting from scratch. A strong network of organizations is here to help companies navigate government opportunities, connect with the defense community, strengthen emerging technologies, and move promising solutions forward.
APEX Partnership Intermediary: For researchers, startups, and small businesses looking to connect emerging technologies with the Department of the Air Force and broader DoW needs. Parallax APEX helps bridge academia, industry, and government, with support focused on technology transition, commercialization, and building relationships across the defense innovation ecosystem through its WIN in PNW initiative. Visit Warfighting Integration Network | Defense Tech Transition to connect.
Defense Innovation Unit (DIU): For commercial technology companies with solutions relevant to national security challenges. DIU provides a direct pathway into DoW through open solicitations and flexible prototype contracting designed to move commercial technologies toward adoption and scale.
Matchstick Lab: For Kitsap founders and entrepreneurs looking for connections, learning opportunities, mentorship, and support navigating the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, including connections to defense innovation partners. Pacific NW Defense Coalition (PNDC): For companies building or growing in the defense and security market. PNDC connects its members with market intelligence, industry and government relationships, and business development opportunities across the Pacific Northwest defense supply chain.
Pacific NW Mission Acceleration Center: For innovators looking to enter and navigate the broader defense innovation ecosystem. PNW MAC connects startups and technology companies with defense partners and provides programming, mentorship, and opportunities designed to help technologies move toward DoW applications.
Parallax APEX: For researchers, startups, and small businesses looking to connect emerging technologies with the Department of the Air Force and broader DoD needs. Parallax APEX helps bridge academia, industry, and government, with support focused on technology transition, commercialization, and building relationships across the defense innovation ecosystem.
Washington APEX Accelerator: For companies navigating the nuts and bolts of government contracting. Washington APEX provides no-cost, one-on-one assistance with registrations and certifications, solicitations and proposals, market research, bidding, and contract performance.
Ventura Tech Bridge — Based at FATHOMWERX in Port Hueneme, California, Ventura Tech Bridge brings together government, industry, academia, and entrepreneurs to develop and transition innovative technologies for defense, port, and maritime challenges.
Central Florida Tech Grove — Connects innovators and small businesses with Department of War leaders, researchers, and opportunities to help move new technologies from concept to prototype and deployment. The Tech Grove also offers prize challenges, events, and other pathways for companies looking to enter the defense market.
Inland Empire Tech Bridge — Based in Southern California and anchored by Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, this Tech Bridge connects companies, academia, government, and military organizations around technologies such as data analytics, networked data environments, measurement technology, and training systems.
Northeast Tech Bridge — Based at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport in Rhode Island, the Northeast Tech Bridge connects industry, small businesses, academia, research organizations, and government to accelerate technologies for the Navy and fleet. Its focus includes undersea systems, robotics, shipbuilding, marine materials, and ocean sciences.
Midwest Tech Bridge — Anchored by Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division in Indiana, the Midwest Tech Bridge connects innovators with Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force organizations to accelerate technology development and transition. Focus areas include AI, data analytics, unmanned systems, electronic warfare, energy and batteries, microelectronics, and modeling and simulation.
Department of the Navy Office of Small Business Programs — Helps small businesses find opportunities to work with the Department of the Navy through policy, advocacy, counseling, training, and connections to Navy and Marine Corps acquisition activities. It is a useful resource for companies interested in understanding how to do business with the Navy