Robots!
Drones!
Autonomous cars! 

If your startup works with anything that walks, rolls, flies, or swims by itself, you might be able to win $100,000!

The challenge will occur on March 10 in partnership with Guinn Partners and the Center for Autonomous Robotics. Part of the second annual Fed Supernova, this will be an entirely virtual experience that draws national attention and connects leading entrepreneurs, investors, thought leaders, corporations, and decision-makers in the defense industry. In the first year,  successful results in hosting virtual events and helping startups win funding.

The challenge will feature five technology startup finalists that will be evaluated by a panel of successful entrepreneurs, defense industry leaders, and venture capitalists. One will walk away with a $100,000 investment!

Startups, submit your application

Are you eligible?

Any U.S.-based startups working on hardware and/or software applications that leverage or enhance autonomous mobility can apply to participate. If you win, you will receive a $100,000 investment from Capital Factory on a convertible security (see application for more details).

What is the Center for Defense Innovation?

In 2019, Capital Factory opened the Center for Defense Innovation – 23,000 square feet of collaboration space with the Army Applications Lab, AFWERX, Defense Innovation Unit, the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN – formerly MD5), The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the Texas Military Department (National Guard), and a team of Booz Allen Hamilton’s defense innovators. This unprecedented collaboration between the public and private sector brings entrepreneurs and government innovators shoulder-to-shoulder in a coworking environment where they can learn from each other and have a kind of serendipity that can’t happen behind high security.

Capital Factory’s center of gravity for defense innovation brings together military leaders with entrepreneurs, innovators, and established defense industry leaders to co-create solutions that ensure our armed forces are poised to meet the threats of tomorrow. On June 6, 2019, the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, Capital Factory held our first Defense Innovation Challenge and awarded $100,000 to Austin startup, ZPEG, a video compression marketplace that reduces file sizes and streaming costs.

In November 2019, Capital Factory held a second $100,000 Artificial Intelligence Investment Challenge aligned with the AI “initial thrusts” articulated by the Army Artificial Intelligence Task Force. Pattern Sciences, a SaaS startup helping businesses in healthcare, defense, and other industries make sense of their data with machine learning and AI algorithms, received the $100,000 investment.

In July of 2020, Capital Factory completed a third $100,000 investment challenge and invested in Boston, MA, Pison Technologies. Pison leverages neuromuscular data and filtering signals from the nervous system. Pison is building an advanced human-machine interface and intuitive control of digital devices and interfaces.

Capital Factory will showcase the finalists of this $100,000 Autonomous Drones & Mobility Investment Challenge and select the winner during Fed Supernova, a two-day virtual conference gathering qualifying startups, investors, mentors, and corporate companies in the defense industry. This event will also include keynotes, lightning talks, Epic Office Hours, panel discussions, and more to connect Texas’ defense startup ecosystem and make the introductions to fuel its growth.

Think you’ve got a shot at $100,000? Apply now to be one of five teams selected to pitch. You could walk away with $100,000 and a new home at the Center of Gravity for Defense Innovation! Application deadline is February 19.

Startups, submit your application now!