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Sarah Pearson

(Left to right) Prescott Paulin, Department of Defense for Research & Engineering, Industry Engagement Director; Chief Operating Officer for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), Blake Moore; and Sarah Pearson, Department of Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Director of Strategic Initiatives & the Bridge Program; moderated by Jen Judson, Bloomberg News, speaks during the 2026 Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference, in Washington, D.C. September 10, 2026. (DOD Photo by Devon Bistarkey).

DIU moves to prototype new contract model that will fast-track security clearances for startups

Senior officials unveiled the plan and impending solicitation, which was developed under DIU’s new Bridge Program.
U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepare a first-person view small unmanned aircraft system during an FPV sUAS live fire demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 29, 2026. I MEF, in partnership with Defense Innovation Unit, evaluated fiber-optic drones for use in signal-degraded environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joshua Bustamante)

DIU tries to transition tech to the frontlines faster with launch of new Bridge Program

The initiative marks the unit’s latest move under Owen West’s leadership to rapidly supply measurable combat power to the joint force.
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