X-Force is an opportunity for technologists and entrepreneurs to serve their country by solving real-world national security problems in collaboration with the United States military.

Military Project Sponsors

The X-Force Program addresses real-world military problems that require technical and entrepreneurial expertise. Military Project sponsors will be matched with a small team of fellows (2-3) with diverse viewpoints and skill sets that match the project needs. Over a period of three months the fellows will deliver rapid, early-stage prototypes to the project sponsor. During the program, military sponsors must supply an Action Officer to engage with their fellows on a weekly basis (typically 5-10 hours per week). Sponsors are expected to provide fellows regular on-base access to facilities and personnel where appropriate and relevant.

All project work is done at the unclassified level. Projects often include hardware design and prototyping, software development, data analysis and visualization, technology scouting, communications and marketing strategy, and policy research. Successful projects are well-scoped with a clear end state and achievable/deployable within 3-4 months.

Project Sponsor Submission

The submission period for the Summer 2021 X-Force Fellowship Cohort is now closed. Prospective Military Project Sponsors interested in submitting problems for consideration for future iterations, should contact the appropriate member of the NSIN Regional Network Team for additional information.

About the X-Force Fellowship

The X-Force Fellowship program is open to U.S. citizens at the undergraduate and graduate level. Participants possess a diverse set of skills ranging from mobile and web app development, data analysis and visualization, hardware prototyping, social media strategy, and technology scouting. Participants get the opportunity to work on a mission-focused real-world project, participate in a professional development opportunity, work directly with military and national security leaders, and gain perspective as to how their skills and experience can have an outsized impact on national security.

The X-Force Fellowship program offers two pathways to service: 1) a full-time, in-person, paid opportunity and 2) a part-time, unpaid opportunity. Both pathways run from early June to mid-August. At its core, the program matches highly talented undergraduate and graduate students with operational military commands to deliver rapid, early stage prototypes that help solve project sponsor problems.

The NSIN X-Force Fellowship is a chance to:

  • Accelerate Problem Solutions
  • Collaborate with the U.S. Military
  • Innovate Novel Solution Concepts

Important Dates

02 NOV, 2020: X-Force Application portal opens

01 DEC, 2020: X-Force Problem Submission portal opens for Military Partners

31 DEC, 2020: X-Force Application portal closes

22 JAN, 2021: X-Force Problem Submission portal closes for Military Partners

03 MAR, 2021: X-Force 2021 Cohort decision notification

01 JUN, 2021: X-Force 2021 Cohort Kick Off

13 AUG, 2021: X-Force 2021 Cohort Ends/Last Day

Partners

  • Department of Defense

Questions about X-Force?

Please direct any questions to info@nsin.us