Partner with AMDEF to turn campus research into mission-ready prototypes and commercial ventures. We work with technology transfer offices, research centers, faculty inventors, and student entrepreneurs to shorten DoD transition pathways and increase commercialization success.
Why partner with AMDEF?
- We translate research into acquisition outcomes. We map university R&D to DoD problem sets, funding mechanisms (SBIR/STTR, OTAs, CRADAs, DIU/service pathways), and operational testbeds.
- We reduce administrative friction. Proposal co-authorship, compliance packets, CRADA templates, and contracting support that speeds execution.
- We open pathways for students and faculty. Internship placement, capstone projects with sponsors, and commercialization training that grow the national security workforce.
- We expand research impact. We help your discoveries reach users and primes who can field them, increasing follow-on funding and real-world transition.
Services tailored for universities
- Research commercialization & SBIR/STTR support: co-authoring, commercialization plans, investigator engagement, and faculty-facing workshops to convert grants into Phase I-ready proposals.
- CRADA design & lab access matchmaking: draft CRADA scopes, connect cleared testbeds and DoD labs, and set up sponsored research agreements that protect IP while enabling operational testing.
- OTA/PIA pathway advisories: identify rapid-procurement routes and prepare contracting packets so campus teams can pivot to prototype funding quickly.
- Student engagement & workforce development: sponsor internships, capstone projects, and joint training programs to build DoD-ready talent pipelines.
- Commercialization workshops & mentor networks: run investor-ready pitch sessions, roadmaps to scale, and introductions to primes and venture partners focused on dual-use defense tech.
- Compliance & export-control readiness: export-control posture reviews (ITAR/EAR), CUI handling plans, and facility/employee clearance guidance for campus labs and spinouts.
What universities can expect (quick outcomes)
- Phase I SBIR/STTR-ready proposal draft within 7–14 days
- CRADA or sponsored-research scope in 10 business days
- Student capstone or internship placement pathways defined in 2–3 weeks
How it works — a simple engagement flow
- 1. Intake & problem mapping (free 15-min triage): we identify best-fit DoD problem statements and commercialization pathways.
- 2. Sprint support: we co-author a targeted capability statement, demo script, and proposal or CRADA scope in a 7–14 day sprint.
- 3. Pilot & transition: we help operationalize demos with cleared testbeds, OTA/PIA routes, or prime teaming to secure funded prototypes.
Anonymized micro-case studies
Autonomy lab (Southern university): AMDEF worked with the tech-transfer office to convert a faculty prototype into a Phase I SBIR in 10 days and arranged an OTA prototype briefing with a service innovation cell.
Materials science spinout (Midwest): AMDEF drafted a CRADA and matched the team with a cleared lab for classified materials testing, enabling a DoD pilot that led to follow-on sustainment funding.
Why this matters for research offices and university leadership
Partnering with AMDEF increases translation rates, brings practical pathways for student employment, and demonstrates the economic and national-security impact of campus research. We help you convert intellectual property into real-world capability without sacrificing university values or commercial upside.
Get started — partnership options & next steps
We offer institutional partnership options (annual engagement, per-project sprints, and sponsored program support) and customizable academic packages for tech-transfer offices.
Membership & institutional pricing
Institutions that partner with AMDEF receive priority pipelines to our DoD and industry networks, discounted rapid-sprint rates, and access to workshops and student placement services. Contact us for a tailored pricing guide.
Questions? Email contact@amdef.org or request a short call via the intake button above. We typically respond to institutional inquiries within 48 business hours.
