Applications open for U.S. Early Stage Security and Resiliency Program

Whether you’re building the next breakthrough in cybersecurity, smart defense, or emergency response, they want to work with you.

Why do they focus on security & resilience?

• The development of critical and complex technologies – from regenerative medicine and sustainable materials to autonomy systems and climate resilience solutions – has long relied on government support, particularly from defense and research agencies, to accelerate early development. MassChallenge’s expertise in dual-use commercialization helps founders navigate complex regulatory, procurement, and technical integration challenges. Their network of government agencies, defense contractors, commercial partners, and specialized investors accelerates these breakthrough technologies from lab to market, serving both commercial and national security applications

Focus Areas

• Resilient Industry and Logistics
  • Solutions for resilient supply chains, infrastructure monitoring, and predictive maintenance. Includes AI-enabled logistics optimization, real-time transportation monitoring, and climate-adaptive infrastructure systems.
• Secure Communications & Infrastructure Protecting
  • critical networks and infrastructure through quantum-resistant encryption, secure edge computing, and resilient communication systems. Focus on autonomous verification, adaptable networks, and secure IoT integration.
• Human Health & Performance
  • Technologies enhancing human capabilities and human-machine teaming. Includes advanced training systems, augmented reality interfaces, and cognitive assistance tools that improve decision-making and operational effectiveness.
• Energy & Power Systems Solutions
  • for energy security, autonomous power generation, and resilient distribution networks. Focus on advanced battery technologies, smart grid systems, and sustainable power solutions for remote operations.
• Emergency Response & Humanitarian Operations
  • AI-driven situational awareness, autonomous logistics, and rapid deployment technologies for disaster relief and humanitarian missions. Emphasis on solutions that enhance response capabilities while protecting critical services and infrastructure.
• Naval & Maritime
  • The ocean is a critical theater for commerce and security. Innovations in autonomous underwater vehicles, maritime cybersecurity, and satellite-based threat detection are transforming how nations and businesses monitor and protect maritime environments.
• Priority technology areas include Artificial Intelligence, Biosecurity and Biotechnology, Microelectronics, sensors and radars

Why MassChallenge?

• They help startups win.
  • Zero Equity, Maximum Impact – You keep 100% ownership while gaining access to top-tier support.
  • Sector-Driven Success – Industry-specific programs designed to drive market readiness and traction.
  • Proven Results – They are proven to increase you likliehood of success. 4,000+ alumni have raised $15B+

Is this program right for you?

• If your startup has under $3M in trailing 12-month revenue and less than $5M in equity funding, this program is designed to help you unlock your next level of growth. These are simply benchmarks—if you’re close, they encourage you to apply and see how MassChallenge can support your journey.
• They measure traction for pre-seed, seed, and pre-revenue startups through:
  • Customer interviews and feedback
  • Revenue generation or pre-orders
  • Website traffic and engagement
  • Letters of Intent or Proofs of Concept
  • Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs)

For more information, visit MassChallenge.