The objective of the American Security Challenge is to increase the visibility of innovative technology and help the commericalization process so that innovative technology can reach the marketplace faster to protect our citizens and critical assets. 

The Challenge, which took place in conjunction with the 2008 Homeland Security S&T Stakeholders Conference East, presented by the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) with subject matter support provided by the Science & Technology Directorate (S&T) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is working to reduce the typical time it takes for technology transfer so that security technologies can be utilized faster. 

Each year the Challenge reaches out to universities, incubators, entrepreneurs, researcher labs, early stage investors and other networks and invites those with an innovative idea or start-up firm to submit an executive summary of their concept.

Over 100 abstracts are reviewed and rated, and the 25 best executive summaries are invited to submit a full business plan for consideration.

From the full plans, six finalists are selected to present their plans at the American Security Challenge Event in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate bi-annual Stakeholder's conference.

The winner is selected at the Challenge and awarded prize money of up to $100,000 in addition to national exposure for the firm.

For more information contact, Roger London, Chair, American Security Challenge at Rlondon@americansecuritychallenge.com

Any small company, researcher or entrepreneur with a technology with national security applications is eligible to apply. 

What is a "national security technology"?

Technology that will assist in achieving long-term energy security including fuel cells, renewable energy, portable power...

Technology that reduces our dependence on foreign oil

Technology that improves or advances detection of hazardous substances or explosives

Technology that improves or enhances interoperability for first responders and others involved in security or response

Technology that improves techniques for accurate and timely identification

And so on....