A DefTech project is built where a technology, a use and an industrial environment meet. To move from idea to a credible trajectory, you need to know which step to take next and whom to involve.
In a contribution shared on Hexablock’s LinkedIn page, Nadège Monneron looks back at the defence and dual-use ecosystem map presented by INAS’s Dual-Use Innovation Commission. She highlights the importance of structuring and orienting projects.
Here are the questions we suggest asking to prepare this work.
1. Start from the need, define the use
The starting point is the situation your solution must improve. Who will use it? In what environment? Under what constraints? Answering these questions lets you present your project beyond its technical features alone.
For a project with dual-use potential, describe the intended civil use and defence use separately. Users, operating conditions and expectations may differ. The goal is to identify what is shared and what requires adaptation.
2. Make visible what has already been demonstrated
An idea, a prototype and a tested solution do not tell the same story. Clearly present what works today, the evidence that demonstrates it and the assumptions still to be verified.
A simple basis to prepare the conversation
- The problem and the target user.
- The solution and its actual state of progress.
- The available evidence: prototype, tests or user feedback.
- The next milestone and the resources needed to reach it.
3. Look for the contacts useful to the next step
At this stage the question becomes concrete: do you need a technical opinion, an industrial partner, a finer understanding of the operational need or work on your business model?
An introduction gains value when the purpose of the exchange is clear. Before approaching a stakeholder, prepare a short presentation of your need, your maturity and the contribution you expect.
4. Link development, funding and market access
Funding is part of a trajectory. Start by defining what the next step must demonstrate, then estimate the resources required and the decisions that depend on them.
For a company that wants to explore new innovation avenues based on its know-how, an Innovation Diagnostic can be an entry point worth considering. For a startup, the work may begin by qualifying the project, its uses and its support needs.
How Hexablock can support you
Hexablock helps entrepreneurs and companies clarify their project, structure its development and identify the right expertise. Our support journey links these steps to concrete objectives.
Are you developing a technology with civil and defence potential? Present your project to AVA to clarify your need and prepare a first conversation with the team.
