US Defense Dept's tech research agency, DIU, expedites military use of emerging commercial tech.
Founded
2015
Location
Mountain View, CA, US
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is a United States Department of Defense organization founded in 2015 to expedite the military's adoption of emerging commercial technologies. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, with additional offices in Austin, Boston, Chicago, and the Pentagon, DIU's core mission is to bridge the gap between the U.S. military and the tech industry. The organization focuses on leveraging cutting-edge innovations in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing to enhance national security.
Notable affiliated individuals include a mix of civilian experts and both active duty and reserve military personnel. DIU has successfully accelerated the deployment of numerous technologies within the Department of Defense, earning recognition as "the Pentagon's Innovation Experiment." Its impact is evident in the faster integration of commercial tech solutions into military operations, significantly enhancing the U.S. military's capabilities and readiness in an evolving technological landscape.