The Software in Defense Coalition is a membership-based coalition founded in 2021 that advocates for faster adoption of software and commercial technology by the U.S. national security enterprise. It elevates startups and small- and medium-sized technology firms, convenes policymakers and acquisition stakeholders, and pushes outcome-oriented reforms to help nontraditional companies compete and transition software into defense programs.
Defense acquisition and procurement reform to accelerate software adoption, support for SBIR/STTR and other innovation funding, measures to lower entry barriers for nontraditional vendors, policies that strengthen the Defense Innovation Unit and rapid prototyping/fielding authorities, software modernization and cybersecurity priorities, and legislative engagement on appropriations and contracting rules that affect startups and small businesses.
Primarily funded by membership dues and paid partner/sponsor relationships (corporate and venture-capital sponsors), event and training fees, and sponsorships from industry partners.
Corporate and VC sponsors such as Sequoia Capital, General Catalyst, Insight Partners, Red Cell, Squadra; partner and allied coalitions and groups including the Silicon Valley Defense Group, Alliance for Commercial Technology in Government, and the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum.
Membership-based coalition / non-profit trade association
