DOD launches new 'Innovation Pathways' website

The Pentagon's chief technology officer has launched a new "Innovation Pathways" website partly intended to connect interested defense contractors to various prototyping and development opportunities available throughout the Defense Department.

“The site serves as a gateway to the department’s efforts to bring in new ideas and technology, with a special focus on students, universities, and businesses,” according to a DOD announcement.

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks and Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu both teased the launching of the website in recent days.

“The Innovation Pathways website is one part of our on-going efforts to make it easier for those across the innovation ecosystem, including small businesses, new entrants to the defense markets, universities, and traditional defense suppliers, to find ways to collaborate with the DOD and each other,” Hicks said in a statement. “For the first time, the department has a website that puts the range of these different opportunities across the department in one place.”

The website pathway is focused on the academic community so students and faculty can search available DOD internships, grants, scholarships, and research opportunities.

A second pathway exists for commercial companies seeking business opportunities with the DOD.

The last pathway is designed for military personnel and DOD civilians looking to “leverage existing projects, participate in workshops, or collaborate,” DOD said.

The website also features an option to explore all DOD’s various innovation organizations.

“All users, both inside and outside the DOD, can apply filtering criteria based on their unique interests to find relevant DOD innovation organizations,” the department said.