Questions, answered.

U.S.-organized, U.S.-owned and controlled companies with a demonstrable technology responsive to one of the current challenge statements. See the eligibility list on the program page.

Yes. Each challenge has its own question set and its own review panel. Submit one application per challenge.

Prototype agreements are milestone-based and sized to the work proposed. The indicative range for Cohort 1 agreements will be published at intake open.

No. Selected companies enter a prototype agreement with defined milestones and deliverables, and retain ownership of their technology subject to negotiated data rights.

Companies retain ownership of the background IP they bring and, in general, the foreground IP they create. Data-rights terms are negotiated in each agreement and explained during the proposal stage.

No. Learning how the government defines needs, evaluates technology, and buys is part of what VEDDER provides.

Not to apply. Program security requirements, including U.S. citizenship for key personnel, apply to selected companies and are explained before agreements are signed.

Disclose it in the application. Foreign ownership, control, or influence is reviewed and may be disqualifying depending on its nature and extent.

A technology with a commercial market and a national-security application. VEDDER selects for companies that can succeed commercially, because commercial success is what sustains the capability.

D!NG is headquartered in Indiana; VEDDER is a national program. Applicants from any U.S. state are eligible, and most program activity is remote with periodic in-person events.

Successful prototypes may be eligible for follow-on production opportunities.

Join the general-interest list. New challenge statements and cohorts will be announced there first.

See Partner with VEDDER. States, investors, universities, and corporate sponsors all have a defined role.