Defense accelerators and startup programs
Compare the 3 accelerators, incubators, and founder programs that back defense startups, before you apply.
- See the terms. What each program invests, for how much equity, and for how long.
- Check that you fit. Stages, sectors, eligibility, and format, each with its source.
- Compare the perks. Cloud credits and discounts: the most each one offers across its tiers.
3 programs back defense startups
1 of them publish a standard investment and 0 offer credits or perks.
| Program | Type | Headquarters | Investment | Credits and perks | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invest OttawaIO | Government program | Ottawa | — | — | 2012 |
| MassChallengeMassChallenge HealthTech | Accelerator | Boston | Equity-free | — | 2009 |
| Startup Wise Guys AcceleratorStartup Wise Guys, SWG | Accelerator | Tallinn | $110K | — | 2012 |
Other sectors
By stage
About the data
A program is listed here when it names Defense among the sectors it takes. Investment is its standard cash investment per company and the equity it takes, where it publishes one; credits and perks are the most a company can receive. Terms change from cohort to cohort, so check the program’s own site before applying. Compiled from program websites, announcements, and press reports as of October 9, 2026; every profile links its sources.