DTSA BEAST Mode
From Battlefield Validation to Allied-Market Scale
A 6-month accelerator for TRL 6+ defense and dual-use startups that have proven performance in operational or combat-like environments, and are ready to expand into U.S., European, and Indo-Pacific allied markets.
Hosted with SRI International in Silicon Valley, connecting you to a trusted ecosystem spanning DARPA-adjacent research, DIU-style pathways, NATO-aligned stakeholders, primes, and allied DoD networks.
Real Teams. Real Traction.
Measurable Outcomes After the Program.
Hear Directly From Our Founders
Watch Highlights From Cohort I, and Hear Directly From the Teams Who Shaped It.
See How Founders Strengthened Their Narrative, Partnerships, and Fundraising Through DTSA
You are a fit if your company:
Is TRL 6+ and past prototype stage.
Validated in operational or combat-like environments (or equivalent high-stress field conditions).
Has pilots, users, or paying customers.
Is preparing for international scale + allied market entry.
Can commit to an April–October 2026 execution track.
I’m a Fit → Apply Now
You are not a fit if your company:
Is in pre-validation, idea-stage, or looking for theory-first acceleration.
Is still building the prototype or MVP.
Has only lab tests or demos, with no operational or field validation yet.
Is focused solely on local markets with no intention or plan for international/allied scale.
Not able to commit to the in-person residency and multi-month execution program.
Exceptional Teams May Be Considered
If your startup is building the future of defense and dual-use technology, you are in the right place.
Our Partners
What You Gain
Phase 1
Online Onboarding
(1 Week)
Get oriented with the program structure, align on goals, and prepare for the residency and execution track.
Phase 2
Silicon Valley Residency
(2 Weeks)
In-person working immersion: positioning, curated meetings, workshops, and ecosystem access designed to accelerate market entry.
Phase 3
Remote Execution & Mentor Support
(6 Months)
Ongoing support with expert mentoring, partner and investor follow-ups, and milestone tracking to help you scale effectively.
Executive Team
Advisory Board
How it Works?
Applications are open until
February 22, 2026.
Screening + interviews with
selected teams.
Selection decisions by
March 20, 2026.
Program execution:
April–October 2026.
Silicon Valley Residency:
April 13–24, 2026.
Build follow-ups: partner intros, investor readiness, and milestone tracking through October 2026 and beyond.
Cohort 2 — Open Call
for Applications Now Live
If your technology is validated in real-world conditions and you’re ready to scale into allied markets, DTSA BEAST Mode is your execution track.
Apply by February 22, 2026 • Decisions by March 20, 2026 • Residency April 13–24, 2026