DTSA BEAST Mode
From Battlefield Validation to Allied-Market Scale
A 6-month accelerator for TRL 6+ defense and dual-use startups that have proven performance in operational or combat-like environments, and are ready to expand into U.S., European, and Indo-Pacific allied markets.
Hosted with SRI International in Silicon Valley, connecting you to a trusted ecosystem spanning DARPA-adjacent research, DIU-style pathways, NATO-aligned stakeholders, primes, and allied DoD networks.
Real Teams. Real Traction.
Measurable Outcomes After the Program.
Hear Directly From Our Founders
Watch Highlights From Cohort I, and Hear Directly From the Teams Who Shaped It.
See How Founders Strengthened Their Narrative, Partnerships, and Fundraising Through DTSA
Is DTSA Beast Mode For You?
You are a fit if your company:
Is TRL 6+ and past prototype stage.
Validated in operational or combat-like environments (or equivalent high-stress field conditions).
Has pilots, users, or paying customers.
Is preparing for international scale + allied market entry.
Can commit to an April–October 2026 execution track.
I’m a Fit → Apply Now
You are not a fit if your company:
Is in pre-validation, idea-stage, or looking for theory-first acceleration.
Is still building the prototype or MVP.
Has only lab tests or demos, with no operational or field validation yet.
Is focused solely on local markets with no intention or plan for international/allied scale.
Not able to commit to the in-person residency and multi-month execution program.
Exceptional Teams May Be Considered
If your startup is building the future of defense and dual-use technology, you are in the right place.
Our Partners
DTSA operates in strategic partnership with SRI International, connecting battle-tested teams with trusted experts, strategic partners, and real-world defense markets.
What You Gain
Program Structure
Our world-class, comprehensive program is designed to address the unique challenges deep-tech security startups face.
Phase 1
Online Onboarding
(1 Week)
Get oriented with the program structure, align on goals, and prepare for the residency and execution track.
Phase 2
Silicon Valley Residency
(2 Weeks)
In-person working immersion: positioning, curated meetings, workshops, and ecosystem access designed to accelerate market entry.
Phase 3
Remote Execution & Mentor Support
(6 Months)
Ongoing support with expert mentoring, partner and investor follow-ups, and milestone tracking to help you scale effectively.
How it Works?
Applications are open until
March 1, 2026.
Screening + interviews with
selected teams.
Selection decisions by
March 20, 2026.
Program execution:
April–October 2026.
Silicon Valley Residency:
April 13–24, 2026.
Build follow-ups: partner intros, investor readiness, and milestone tracking through October 2026 and beyond.
Who Should Attend
DTSA is designed for founders and senior leaders who can make strategic decisions and fully engage in the program. The ideal representative is:
Founder / CEO
CTO involved in strategic partnerships
Chief Strategy or Business Development leader
The participant must be able to represent the technology and its operational validation, engage with investors and primes, and act on strategic decisions during and after the program. If the attendee cannot make decisions, the program won’t deliver its full value.
Program Fees & Coverage
Ukrainian Startups
Fully covered by the Ukrainian Alumni Fund and supporting donors. Participants cover only travel and accommodation.
Other Applicants
$8,250 total for the 2-week residency + 6 months of mentoring and ecosystem access. Participants cover travel and accommodation.
What Makes DTSA Different
We accelerate companies already building, not companies still imagining.
What does “battle-tested” mean for DTSA?
Operational validation in real-world or combat-like environments.
What stage is required?
We are selecting top TRL 6+ teams, and in exceptional cases, we may consider TRL 4–5 companies that have completed operational validation.
When will we receive a decision?
By March 20, 2026.
What is covered and what is not?
For Ukrainian startups, participation is fully covered by the Ukrainian Alumni Fund and other supporting donors. Participants cover only travel and accommodation. For all other applicants: the program fee is $8,250 + travel and accommodation.
Who should attend from the team?
A founder or senior decision-maker (CEO/CTO/Strategy/BD).
Is DTSA focused on execution or learning?
Execution-focused: procurement readiness, market entry, partnerships, and scaling.
Can dual-use startups apply?
Yes. DTSA is built for defense and dual-use technologies.
How is sensitive information handled?
Share only what is required for evaluation and partnership conversations.
What markets does DTSA focus on?
U.S., European, and Indo-Pacific allied markets.
How do we apply?
Click Apply and complete the application form by March 1, 2026.
Meet the DTSA Team
Our team brings deep expertise across technology, defense, and venture building, backing founders with the insight and experience to move fast and build right.
Executive Team
Kateryna Akymenko
Co-founder
Gauthier Vasseur
Co-founder, Academic Program Director
Arseniy Polozhiy
Head of Partnerships, Europe & Ukraine
Nate Punta
Head of Partnerships, US & Asia
Cyrille Najjar
Strategic Advisor
Ivan Martsilenko
Defense Tech Advisor
Anastasiia Liubiashcheva
Head of Operations
Madelyn Montilla
Head of Logistics
Advisory Board
Eveline Buchatskiy
Managing Partner, D3 Defense Tech Fund
Steve Ciesinski
Ex-President of SRI International
Oleksandr Akymenko
Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Yes&Design, Yes&Innovations
Jaime Fitzgibbon
Founder & CEO, Ren.ai.ssance Insights; AI/ML Portfolio, DIU
Cohort 2 — Open Call
for Applications Now Live
If your technology is validated in real-world conditions and you’re ready to scale into allied markets, DTSA BEAST Mode is your execution track.
Apply by March 1, 2026 • Decisions by March 20, 2026 • Residency April 13–24, 2026