See finalists showcase technologies to detect and track satellites in low earth orbit (LEO) in contested environments for up to $150,000 in awards.

Overview

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), in partnership with the U.S. Space Forces-Indo-Pacific (USSPACEFOR-INDOPAC) and the Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Tools, Applications, & Processing (TAP) Lab and support from India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), have executed a prize challenge focused on detecting and tracking satellites in low earth orbit (LEO) in contested environments.

Leading up to this event, submissions have undergone rigorous evaluation by government subject matter experts (SMEs), with applicants advancing through challenge stages. A total of $150,000 in awards will be distributed among the top-performing company or companies selected from the pool of finalists.

Agenda

Opening Remarks | 10:00 - 10:25 a.m.

Pitch Presentations | 10:25 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Winner Announcement & Closing Remarks | 12:30 p.m. - 12:35 p.m.

Speakers

  • Angela Austin, Lead Challenge Program Manager, DIU

  • Bryan Wilson, Chief of Global Partnerships, DIU

  • LtCol Zachary Blackwell, Division Chief, Resources & Assessments, U.S. Space Force Indo-Pacific

  • Maj Travis Pond, Program Manager, SDA TAP Lab

  • Megan Saunders, Challenge Program Manager, DIU

Panelists

  • LtCol Zachary Blackwell, Division Chief, Resources & Assessments, U.S. Space Force Indo-Pacific

  • LtCol Sanjay Mahala (Retd.), Program Director & Group Head (Space), iDEX

  • Maj Travis Pond, Program Manager, SDA TAP Lab

  • Andre Candido, Program Manager, DIU Space Portfolio

Competing Teams

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Questions

Please direct your questions to prizechallenge@diu.mil.

About U.S. Space Forces - Indo-Pacific

U.S. Space Forces – Indo-Pacific (USSPACEFOR-INDOPAC) is permanently assigned as the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Service component to USINDOPACOM. USSPACEFOR-INDOPAC plans, integrates, synchronizes, and executes command and control of space operations in support of combatant command priorities and objectives and is the lead/supported command for joint space theater integration, joint space target development, space domain awareness, and space-focused security cooperation in accordance with the USINDOPACOM Campaign Plan and in coordination with Department of Air Force (DAF), USSF, and U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) security cooperation strategies. With allies and partners, USSPACEFOR-INDOPAC enhances stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting interoperability and integration from planning and programming through fielding and execution to respond to contingencies, deter aggression, and maintain space superiority in pursuit of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

About Space Domain Awareness TAP Lab

The Space Domain Awareness Tools, Applications, & Processing Lab (SDA TAP Lab) accelerates the delivery of space battle management software to operational units. SDA TAP Lab decomposes kill chains, prioritizes needs with operators, maps needs to technologies, and onboards technologies to existing platforms quickly. They partner with industry, academia, and across the government to succeed.

About Innovations for Defence Excellence

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India, to foster innovation and enhance collaboration between the defence sector and the startup ecosystem. By engaging startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators, iDEX aims to deliver technologically advanced solutions to modernize the Indian Armed Forces. iDEX offers grants of up to INR 25 crore (∼ $3 million), and other support for R&D/rapid prototype development, facilitating the future adoption of cutting-edge technologies in Indian defence and aerospace. Over the years, iDEX has emerged as a key pathway for procurement, empowering Indian defence startups and MSMEs to contribute to national security.

About the Defense Innovation Unit

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) strengthens national security by accelerating the adoption of commercial technology in the Department of Defense and bolstering our allied and national security innovation bases. DIU partners with organizations across the DoD to rapidly prototype and field dual-use capabilities that solve operational challenges at speed and scale. With offices in Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin, Chicago and Washington, DC, DIU is the Department’s gateway to leading technology companies across the country.