What Does Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Do?

Total employees286
HeadquartersMountain View
Founded2015

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is a United States Department of Defense (DoD) organization founded to accelerate the adoption of commercial technology throughout the military and strengthen national security. DIU serves as a bridge between the DoD and innovative commercial companies, particularly those not traditionally engaged in defense work. By leveraging agile contracting methods and focusing on speed, DIU prototypes and fields cutting-edge solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomy, cyber, human systems, and space. Their work aims to provide warfighters with the most advanced capabilities and ensure the U.S. maintains its technological edge.

Where Is Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)'s Headquarters?

HQ Function

The Mountain View headquarters serves as the central hub for DIU's operations, strategic planning, and direct engagement with the West Coast's vibrant technology ecosystem. It facilitates partnerships with leading tech companies, startups, and venture capitalists to source and accelerate commercial innovations for defense applications.

Notable Features:

Situated within a prominent tech park, the headquarters offers modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster innovation. Its location provides unparalleled access to cutting-edge technology and talent.

Work Culture:

DIU's work culture is dynamic, mission-driven, and fast-paced, blending military operational expertise with civilian technological acumen. It emphasizes agility, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to rapidly delivering impactful solutions to the warfighter.

HQ Significance:

The headquarters' location in Silicon Valley is crucial for DIU's mission. It enables direct, on-the-ground interaction with the epicenter of global technological innovation, allowing DIU to identify and harness emerging technologies vital for national security.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters reflects DIU's core values of innovation, speed, collaboration, public service, and acting as a critical interface between the Department of Defense and the commercial technology world.

Location:

While DIU's physical offices are located within the United States, its mission and impact are global. DIU sources technology from and collaborates with innovative companies worldwide, where appropriate and aligned with U.S. interests. The technologies DIU helps prototype and field are often deployed to support U.S. military operations, allies, and partners across the globe, enhancing international security and interoperability. DIU actively monitors global technology trends to ensure the U.S. warfighter maintains a decisive advantage.

Street Address:

701 National Ave

City:

Mountain View

State/Province:

CA

Country:

USA

Where Else Does Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Operate Around the World?

Cambridge, MA, USA

Address: One Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142 (Co-located within the Cambridge Innovation Center)

To tap into the dense concentration of academic research, biotech, and deep-tech startups in the Greater Boston area, fostering partnerships to solve national security challenges.

Austin, TX, USA

Address: 701 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701 (Co-located within Capital Factory)

To leverage Austin's dynamic innovation landscape and entrepreneurial spirit to identify and pilot emerging technologies for defense applications.

Chicago, IL, USA

Address: 965 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 (Co-located within mHUB)

To harness the Midwest's strengths in physical technology, manufacturing, and research to support defense modernization and industrial base innovation.

Washington, D.C. Metro Area, USA

Address: The Pentagon, Arlington, VA & other strategic locations in the National Capital Region

To serve as a critical liaison to key defense stakeholders, integrate DIU initiatives with broader DoD programs, and navigate policy and budgetary processes.

Buying Intent Signals for Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
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Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)' leadership includes:

Doug Beck - Director
Liz Young McNally - Principal Deputy Director
CAPT Matthew 'Trick' Patrick, USN - Chief of Staff
Aditi Gatti - Deputy Director, Strategic Engagements
Mike Madsen - Deputy Director, Operations and Integration

Who's Investing in Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)?

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

U.S. Department of Defense (Funded by U.S. Government Appropriations)

What Leadership Changes Has Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Seen Recently?

Hire1
Exits1

DIU experienced a key leadership transition with the appointment of Doug Beck as Director in April 2023, succeeding Michael Brown. This change marked a new phase for the organization, emphasizing scaling solutions and deeper integration with the DoD.

Departures

Michael Brown, Michael Brown departed his role as Director of DIU upon completion of his term.

New Appointments:

Doug Beck, Doug Beck was appointed as the new Director of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byDefense Innovation Unit (DIU)?

Discover the tools Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Email Formats and Examples

As a U.S. Department of Defense organization, Defense Innovation Unit personnel primarily use email addresses ending with the '.mil' domain. Common formats include [first].[last]@diu.mil or [first_initial][last_initial]@diu.mil. Specific formats can vary by individual or role.

[first].[last]@diu.mil or [first_initial][last]@diu.mil

Format

jane.doe@diu.mil or jdoe@diu.mil

Example

98%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)?

DIU WebsiteFebruary 20, 2024

Defense Innovation Unit Announces HELIOS OTA Award to Develop Hybrid Electric Propulsion for UAS

DIU awarded Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracts for the HELIOS project to prototype and develop advanced hybrid-electric propulsion systems for Group 3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), aiming to significantly increase range and endurance....more

DIU WebsiteJanuary 17, 2024

Defense Innovation Unit Releases State of the Innovation Base 2024 Report

DIU published its annual 'State of the U.S. Defense Innovation Base' report, providing an assessment of critical technology areas and the health of the U.S. innovation ecosystem in relation to national security imperatives....more

DIU WebsiteJuly 26, 2023

Defense Innovation Unit Unveils 'DIU 3.0' Strategy

DIU Director Doug Beck announced the 'DIU 3.0' strategy, outlining the organization's next phase focused on delivering strategic impact by scaling commercial technology adoption across the Department of Defense and strengthening partnerships with the innovation ecosystem....more

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