Empowering startups to scale innovation across the Department of Defense and Commercial Industries.

Fuel x Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub Dual-Use Technology Accelerator

Empowering Dual-Use Innovation: Trusted Partnerships for Tomorrow’s Technology Solutions.

Fuel Accelerator and the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona have partnered to offer a best in class dual-use accelerator to support startups scaling in both commercial and military applications. We are at the forefront of scouting and integrating innovative technologies across the Department of Defense 14 critical technology areas. Our mission partners trust us to identify and foster the development of cutting-edge solutions, from early-stage breakthroughs to mature technologies ready for deployment. Our scope includes, but is not limited to, artificial intelligence, energy, and advanced communications. We seek technologies capable of performing in a wide range of environments, especially those that can operate under contested conditions.

Our commitment to bridging commercially innovative solutions with mission-critical needs is underscored by the deep trust our partners place in us to navigate the complexities of modern defense challenges..

Our Focus Areas

Artificial Intelligence

Emerging AI technologies are transforming decision-making, optimizing operations, and driving innovation across critical domains.

Examples include, but not limited to:

•Autonomous Systems

•AI-powered Cybersecurity

•Computer Vision and Image Recognition

•Robotics and Enhanced Manufacturing

•Predictive Maintenance

•Simulation and Training

•Edge Computing

•Enhanced Communications

•AI-Driven Support Systems

Energy

Emerging technologies are critical to improving energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.

Examples include, but not limited to:

•Energy Storage

•Fuel Cells

•Bioenergy and Biofuels

•Energy Harvesting

•Grid Modernization and Smart Grids

•Advanced Materials for Energy Applications

•Distributed Energy Resources

Advanced Comms

Emerging communications technologies are vital for ensuring secure, resilient, and adaptive networks in an increasingly contested landscape.

Examples include, but not limited to:

•5G and Beyond 6G Networks

•Satellite Communications

•Software-Defined Networks

•Alternative Position Navigation and Timing

•Mesh Networking

•Optical Communication

•AI for Communication Optimization

•Low-Power Wide Area Networks

•Secure Communication Protocols and Encryption

•High-Altitude Platforms and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Communication

Program Benefits:

This program offers entrepreneurs an unmatched opportunity to work directly with technology experts in their field to develop a viable venture. Benefits include:

Revenue Growth Opportunities

We foster revenue growth by helping dual-use technology companies identify new markets and scale their innovations for both military and commercial sectors.

Customer Discovery

Through targeted outreach and market analysis, the program facilitates customer discovery, connecting companies with potential clients in both defense and commercial industries to refine product offerings and expand market reach.

Raise Capital

The program provides resources and access to investors, guiding participants through the fundraising process and helping them secure the capital needed to scale their technologies for wider application.

Events

The program organizes networking and matchmaking events, providing valuable opportunities for startups to showcase their technologies, build relationships, and gain insights from industry leaders in both sectors.

Training

Tailored training sessions within the program equip participants with critical knowledge and skills, helping them navigate the complexities of dual-use technologies, government contracting, and scaling in both commercial and military markets.

Marketing & Brand

By offering expert guidance in marketing strategies and brand positioning, the program enables companies to effectively communicate their value proposition to both military and commercial audiences, enhancing visibility and credibility across sectors.

Our Team of Experts

Our people are innovators, entrepreneurs, industry experts, retired military members, program managers, academic researchers and former Congressional and White House senior leaders. Our standard for excellence is built on the diversity of our backgrounds that have afforded us deep understanding of the importance of startup success across the dual-use mission.

  • Darian Harris

    MANAGING DIRECTOR - FUEL GLOBAL

    Darian Harris is a seasoned entrepreneur and growth strategist, passionate about helping startups scale through strategic investments and go-to-market acceleration. Before co-founding Connected Capital, Darian led Fuel Accelerator, where he worked with hundreds of startups to refine their sales, partnerships, and investor readiness.

    His career includes time as a Merchant at Walmart, managing multi-billion-dollar product categories, and a strategic role at The Harvest Group, helping brands optimize their market positioning. With deep expertise in investment strategy and revenue acceleration, Darian ensures Connected Capital’s portfolio companies are positioned for high-growth and successful exits.

    Past Leadership Roles: Fuel Accelerator, Walmart, The Harvest Group

    Specialties: Startup Scaling, GTM strategy, Fundraising, Investor Relations

  • Drew Trojanowski

    CEO - SOUTHWEST MISSION ACCELERATION CENTER

    The Honorable Drew Trojanowski is the President and CEO of the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC), where he drives mission-driven innovation and fosters collaborations across entrepreneurs, academia, industry, and national security networks.

    Previously, his public service career included roles as a Presidentially Commissioned Officer and Senior Advisor in the White House, Military Legislative Assistant to Senator John McCain, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Arizona State University (ASU), and a decade of service as a U.S. Army scout/sniper with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. A dedicated advocate for defense and veteran issues, he played a key role in crafting and implementing the MISSION Act, transforming VA healthcare. Trojanowski holds a degree in Sustainability & Biochemistry from ASU and has been recognized as a "40 under 40" honoree by the Phoenix Business Journal. He lives in Phoenix with his wife, Samantha, and their four children.

  • Angela Aspito

    MANAGING DIRECTOR - DEFENSE INNOVATION ON RAMP HUB: ARIZONA

    Angela Aspito is the Managing Director for the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center, a Phoenix-based full-service consulting firm specializing in support services for defense-first and dual-use technology developers. With a decade of experience in growing small business defense contracting firms, Angela is an expert in the development and delivery of scalable solutions for defense contractors. She is responsible for all operations at the SWMAC and is laser focused on accelerating the speed of technology transition to the warfighter.

    Achieving rapid, sustainable growth is no small fete, and Angela is passionate about supporting founders as they develop successful businesses capable of meeting the DoD mission. She works tirelessly to develop customer relationships, expand corporate capabilities, and deliver cost-effective solutions to partners across the defense innovation ecosystem.

  • Tom Douglass

    MANAGING DIRECTOR - FUEL GLOBAL

    CEO & FOUNDER - CATAPULT CONSULTING

    Tom is a leading expert in identifying and implementing emerging technologies within the world’s largest enterprise. As the former Director of Emerging Technology at Walmart Tom assessed hundreds of technologies and companies annually giving him deep insight into how to successfully advance enterprise innovation and scale growth stage startups. Tom is now the founder of Catapult Consulting drawing on his experience and networks to help startups elevate their business with fractional C-level leadership, long and short-term strategy development, product market fit analysis and enterprise relationship management. He actively coaches startups across a variety of sectors including retail, supply chain, health, defense and government, cybersecurity and others drawing on his unique business acceleration program and extensive network. 

    Past Leadership Roles: Walmart, Royal Ahold, Catapult Consulting

    Specialties: Enterprise Readiness, M&A Strategy, GTM

  • Kim Whaley

    PROGRAM MANAGER - DEFENSE INNOVATION ONRAMP HUB

    Kim Whaley serves as the Program Manager for the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub, where she plays a pivotal role in driving the success of programs, projects, and strategic initiatives. She is responsible for developing and implementing both short- and long-term strategies to ensure the effective execution of the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub objectives. Kim works closely with government partners to design, execute, and evaluate programs, ensuring alignment with mission goals and contractual requirements.

    A seasoned Program Manager with over a decade of experience, Kim specializes in strategic planning, large-scale program management, and multi-million-dollar project oversight. She brings extensive expertise in leading diverse teams, optimizing operations, and ensuring accountability across business functions. Her ability to step into new roles and drive immediate, measurable impact reflects her strong leadership, analytical mindset, and commitment to continuous improvement. She is known for her proactive leadership style, strategic problem-solving, and ability to foster collaboration across teams and stakeholders.

  • Albert Behr

    ENTREPRENEUR IN RESIDENCE - FUEL

    CEO & FOUNDER - BEHR & ASSOCIATES

    Albert Behr is a globally recognized innovator and leader in technology commercialization, having played a pivotal role in two major acquisitions by Microsoft and Symantec. With over 30 years of experience in high-level corporate development, strategic marketing, and venture investing, Albert has built and scaled multiple high-growth technology companies.

    As the founder of Behr & Associates, he has spent the past 25 years driving startup success through strategic partnerships, licensing, and commercialization. His deep industry relationships and global network position Connected Capital to source and scale the most promising early-stage tech startups.

    Past Leadership Roles: AT&T, Fujitsu, Symantec, BorderWare Technologies, IBM

    Specialties: Tech commercialization, M&A strategy, corporate development

Ensure The Unfair Advantage

The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona is the epicenter of the national security innovation ecosystem in the southwestern United States.

A PROGRAM WITHIN THE DEFENSE INNOVATION UNIT

The Defense Innovation onRamp Hubs serve as an open door to the Department of Defense; where academics, companies and entrepreneurs can learn how to enter the national security innovation base, discover how to access government programming and funding, and engage in national security events and opportunities.

Through a national network of Hubs, academic, business and defense organizations come together to develop solutions to problems and put new technologies directly in the hands of the warfighter.

We bring together academic institutions, the venture community, and technology companies to collaborate with the government to solve the most challenging national security challenges facing the United States.

We are the experts the Department of Defense relies on to bring together the resources and partners required to accelerate technology transition to a stage in which they are capable to solve critical challenges. We work with the defense innovation community to identify and evaluate emerging technology needs and then support the rapid maturation of these technologies for scaled delivery to the warfighter.

Our approach to mission validation, technology maturation, and collaboration support improves the understanding of the mission, enables the delivery of the right technology at the right time, increases adoption rates, and directly improves warfighter lethality.

Thank You To Our Sponsors

The Dual-Use Accelerator is funded by the Defense Innovation Unit, Southwest Mission Acceleration Center, and City of Phoenix to accelerate innovation and deliver critical technologies to those who need it most.

 FAQs

  • Startups who are passionate about the problem they are solving, have raised capital and/or have revenue traction, and are willing to relocate for the duration of the program. We are NOT an idea stage accelerator or VC funding accelerator. We are an operational, revenue based accelerator.

  • There is no-cost and no-equity taken to participate. Startups are responsible for travel and accommodations. The program is sponsored by the Defense Innovation Unit to foster innovation.

  • Startups must participate in-person. No exceptions will be made.

  • Fuel x DIU On-Ramp Hub Dual-Use Accelerator is based in Phoenix, AZ. Each company will be provided access to our office at the heart of downtown Phoenix.