As global challenges demand innovative solutions, the lines between commercial and government markets are increasingly blurred. Startups with dual-use strategies—balancing civilian and defense applications—are uniquely positioned to innovate and scale. Yet, navigating the complex ecosystems of government and commercial markets requires a distinct set of skills, cultural understanding, and strategic frameworks.
Taught by Fiona Murray and Gene Keselman, world-renown experts on this topic, Dual-Use Strategy for Startups and Government is designed to bridge the gap between these two worlds. Startups will learn how to unlock government funding, master procurement processes, and build capabilities that resonate with mission-driven markets. Government participants will gain an appreciation for startup culture, venture capital mechanics, and the commercial innovation landscape. By fostering a mutual understanding, this course accelerates collaboration and innovation across sectors.
A dual-use strategy is about making tradeoffs: which solution to build and for whom, how to test it, how to fund it, and how to deploy it. MIT’s Dual-Use Readiness Levels™ framework provides a structured approach for startups to evaluate their readiness across commercial, mission, and technological dimensions. This model fosters better communication between commercial and mission-driven sectors, helping participants assess opportunities, align strategies, and bridge critical gaps.
Through engaging lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises, participants will explore the nuances of dual-use strategies, including how to “speak mission” and translate milestones from one ecosystem to another. The course highlights the key differences in customer needs, funding structures, and technological expectations between commercial and defense markets. By mastering these distinctions, participants will leave with actionable strategies to thrive in both worlds.
