History of the NSIC

Technology advances quickly.  In an age where terrorism and rouge nations threaten national and international interests; staying ahead of those advances can only make us safer.

The National Security Innovation Competition™ was designed as a one-of-a-kind venue to link college students conducting cutting-edge research on concepts and technologies intended to meet national security capability needs, with government and industry customers. 

The NSIC has evolved from having a focus on Colorado universities to its present international level focus. We have expanded to include Canadian Universities and expect in the near future to include other countries who are conducting national security research.  Undergraduate and graduate level students are our focus. We also include high-level government and industry technical representatives who attend for insight to technologies emerging from the research labs, as well as identifying future scientists and engineers for their workforce. The event has traditionally been held in the Spring at various locations throughout Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The NSIC serves as a powerful engine for solving security issues and advancing new concepts and technologies of commercial value.  This capability is especially important given our fragile economy, the need for innovation to solve national and state levels problems, and concerns about our capacity to produce mathematicians, scientists, engineers, technologists, and even forward-looking social scientists.

Quick Facts About NSIC:

• Several competing teams are conducting research relevant to government issues (national and state levels), such as nuclear detection, cyber protection, infrastructure protection, etc.    
• Several previous student teams successfully formed start-up businesses, including:

University of Colorado -  UAV Hybrid Engine

USAF Academy  - “Fly Eye” sub pixel, ultra-high acuity microchip

Georgia Tech -  Pathogen Detection Device

• The competition is also designed for judges and audience to further mentor student research, partner to commercialize the technology, open avenues for research funding and provide graduate placement with government or industry.

The competition is designed to facilitate outcomes with impact:  such as follow-on research and development funding, start-up businesses, and new jobs for students as they approach graduation while providing government and industry a future STEM-experienced workforce.

The NSIC promotes the importance of education to advance innovation for improved homeland, national, and international security, and a healthy economy.  The event is broadly covered by the media, intending to further socialize the venue and validate the Foundation's efforts to promote education and innovation.

Post-proceedings material is then distributed after the event to highlight to government and industry all entries in addition to the top ten finalists.