Dual Use Innovation in Action, Dual Use Challenge

What Makes a Technology Mission Ready?

Innovations that serve both civilian and military purposes—dual-use technologies—are at the heart of modern national security. These technologies hold immense promise: they can transform industries, improve lives, and provide critical advantages on the battlefield. However, their dual nature presents unique challenges that innovators and national security leaders must carefully navigate.

The Promise and the Paradox

Dual-use technologies often emerge from cutting-edge research and commercial sectors, from artificial intelligence and biotechnology to advanced materials and communications. Their adaptability means they can be harnessed for both everyday applications and critical defense missions.

Yet, this very adaptability creates a paradox… The same qualities that make a technology a powerful asset—accessibility, versatility, and widespread adoption—also introduce vulnerabilities and risks that require special management.

From Innovation to Mission Readiness

Turning a breakthrough into a mission-ready technology is far more than just advancing the science. It demands rigorous attention to:

• Security and Reliability. Military applications require technologies to be resilient under hostile conditions, secure from cyber or physical attacks, and dependable when lives are on the line.
• Ethical and Legal Considerations. Dual-use tech must be developed and deployed with an eye toward ethical use, regulatory compliance, and adherence to export controls to prevent misuse or proliferation.
• Strategic Collaboration. Bringing technologies into national security involves partnerships across government agencies, industry, and academia, ensuring alignment with mission goals and safeguarding intellectual property.
• Supply Chain Integrity. Mission-ready technology must rely on trusted suppliers and manufacturing processes to prevent disruption, tampering, or counterfeit components.

The Role of The FORGE at UC San Diego

At The FORGE at UC San Diego, we help innovators navigate these challenges by providing:

• Access to expertise in defense requirements, regulatory frameworks, and security best practices
• Opportunities for collaboration across government, industry, and academia
• Programs that accelerate development and prepare talent for mission-driven innovation
• A Platform for responsible innovation, balancing impact with oversight

Why It Matters

In an era when technology advances rapidly and global threats evolve constantly, ensuring mission-ready dual-use innovations is critical for national security and global stability. The path from the lab bench to the battlefield is complex, but with the right guidance and partnerships, it can lead to powerful, responsible, and transformative solutions.

Explore Our Programs

Discover how The FORGE at UC San Diego and its programs connect innovation, talent, and mission to shape the future of national security and space.

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