Scaling Innovation Across The Department of Defense and Commercial Partnerships to Empower Startups to Scale.

Fuel x Fraunhofer Deep-Tech Accelerator - Batch 1

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

Fuel Accelerator and Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (SWMAC) have partnered to offer a best in class dual-use accelerator to support startups scaling in both commercial and military application. 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, autonomous systems, advanced computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, directed energy, hypersonics, and biotechnology. 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

Trusted AI and Autonomy

Artificial Intelligence (Al) is the software engineering discipline of expanding capabilities of software applications to perform tasks that currently require human intelligence. Machine learning is an engineering subfield of AI that trains software models using example data, simulations, or real-world experiences rather than by direct programming or coding. Autonomy is the engineering discipline that expands robots’ abilities to perform tasks while limiting the need for human interaction. AI holds tremendous promise to improve the ability and function of nearly all systems and operations. Trusted AI with trusted autonomous systems are imperative to dominate future conflicts. As AI, machine learning, and autonomous operations continue to mature, the DoD will focus on evidence-based AI-assurance and enabling operational effectiveness.

Future Generation Wireless Technology (FutureG)

FutureG is a suite of emerging wireless network technologies enabled by DoD and commercial industry cooperation to enable military operations and ensure a free and open internet. As Fifth Generation (5G) wireless technology is adopted and provides building blocks for capability, the DoD will also look to FutureG for leap-ahead technologies to lead in creating future standards. The Department will invest in FutureG technology development to lay the groundwork for continued United States leadership in information technology, which is vital for maintaining our economic and national security.

Advanced Materials

Advanced materials explore innovative new materials and novel manufacturing techniques that can dramatically improve many of the Department’s capabilities. Materials that have higher strength, lighter weight, higher efficiency, and can handle more extreme temperatures will have the potential to better protect our service members and enhance their ability to accomplish their missions.

Space Technology

Space technologies include space flight, Space communication and other technologies needed to maintain space operations. With rising threats and increasing dependence on space-based systems, the Department’s space strategy must shift away from exquisite satellites to a more robust and proliferated architecture. Novel space technologies are necessary to enable resilient cross-domain operations. The space strategy must incorporate technologies that enhance the Department’s adaptive and reconfigurable capabilities in space situational awareness, space control, communication path diversity, on-orbit processing, and autonomy.

Ensure The Unfair Advantage

The Southwest Mission Acceleration Center is the epicenter of the national security innovation ecosystem in the southwestern United States.

We bring together academic institutions, the venture community, and non-traditional 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.

Our Team of Experts

Our people are innovators, serial 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 President and Chief Executive Officer of the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC). In this capacity, he is responsible for supporting mission-driven organizations and dual-use innovation to help solve the worlds most pressing challenges. Working to remove the barriers to entry and advance collaborations between entrepreneurs, industry, academic, venture and mission-driven national security partner networks in Arizona, nationwide, and worldwide.

    Prior to joining MAC, Trojanowski was the Assistant Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, for Arizona State University (ASU). He led the development of a robust national security innovation network within the Department of Defense and defense industry for the university. Before joining ASU, Trojanowski was a Presidentially Commissioned Officer on the White House Domestic Policy Council (DPC) and Special Assistant to the President (SAP). In these roles, he oversaw the departments of Defense, Veteran Affairs, Labor and NASA. During his tenure, Trojanowski was the policy lead on three executive orders and 56 regulations.

    Before joining the White House in 2018, he served two years as the Military Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator John McCain, Chairmen of the Senate Armed Services Committee. During Trojanowski’s tenure with Senator McCain, he oversaw Arizona defense priorities for the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and penned several successful pieces of legislation, including crafting and advancing the MISSION Act – a law that transforms the VA into a high-performing and integrated 21st century healthcare system.

    Trojanowski is a career public servant. He began as a scout/sniper in the U.S. Army, deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan, serving our nation’s military for a decade. He was also an overseas combat advisor to foreign militaries in the realms of operations, tactics, intelligence and civil affairs. After transitioning to the Arizona National Guard, he developed long-range plans for the Joint Counter Narco-Terrorism Task Force, including budget and staffing requirements, as well as implemented statewide training programs and policies.

  • Angela Aspito

    MANAGING DIRECTOR - SOUTHWEST MISSION ACCELERATION CENTER

  • Tom Douglass

    MANAGING DIRECTOR - FUEL GLOBAL

    CEO & FOUNDER - CATAPULT CONSULTING

    Tom is considered an expert in identifying and implementing emerging technologies within the world’s largest enterprise. He is the former Director of Emerging Technology at Walmart vetting hundreds of technologies annually and pulls on his experience and network to help startups succeed. He is also the founder of Catapult Consulting where he works with startups to elevate their business with fractional C-level leadership where needed, long and short-term strategy development, emerging tech assessment and demo validation, coaching and educational programs and access to our extensive network in a variety of disciplines.

    Past Leadership Roles: Walmart, Royal Ahold, Catapult Consulting

    Specialties: Enterprise Readiness, M&A Strategy, GTM

  • MELISSA SILVIA

    COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR - FUEL

    CEO & FOUNDER - SILVIA COMMUNICATIONS

  • 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

Thank You To Our Sponsors

The Dual-Use Accelerator is funded by the Defense Innovation Unit, Arizona Commerce Authority, and City of Phoenix to drive innovation, deliver critical technologies to the DoD, and scale startups through commercial partnerships. Thanks to our sponsors, the program is free for startups as we take no fee and no equity.

 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, Arizona Commerce Authority, and City of Phoenix to foster innovation.

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

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