The National Security Innovation Hub (NSIH), seed funded by the Maine Technology Institute (MTI), is a dual-use innovation platform at Northeastern University’s Roux Institute in Portland, Maine, designed to accelerate the development, commercialization, and deployment of technologies serving both civilian and government needs.
At its core, NSIH operates a dual-use incubator embedded within a force-multiplying ecosystem that connects applied research, AI/ML capabilities, talent pipelines, advanced manufacturing, venture creation, and federal transition pathways. Together, these elements create a powerful innovation flywheel that dramatically shortens the path from breakthrough idea to real-world impact.
The NSIH provides companies with a collaborative environment designed to accelerate innovation while connecting founders to talent, research capabilities, and strategic partnerships.
Through the NSIH, companies can:
Engage Roux Institute graduate student talent and co-op programs
Participate in industry and government engagement opportunities
Connect with our network of mentors, investors, ecosystem leaders, and strategic partners
Unlock pathways into national security, maritime, infrastructure, and resilience markets.
NSIH supports companies working across a range of technologies that contribute to local, community, national resilience, and security, including but not limited to:
The NSIH supports a growing portfolio of companies developing technologies with meaningful applications across both commercial and national security environments.
Current and recent companies in the Hub include innovators working across:
These founders benefit from access to resources including but not limited to Roux talent, research capabilities, and ecosystem connections that help accelerate development and commercialization.
Know a dual-use technology company that could benefit from the resources and ecosystem at the National Security Innovation Hub? We’d love to connect. Feel free to email NSIH Director, Chris Torina at [email protected].
Become Northern New England’s premier dual-use technology and national security innovation hub, supporting founders building technologies that strengthen economic resilience, infrastructure security, and community and national preparedness.
Catalyze and support 100 dual-use startups by 2030, accelerating companies developing technologies across AI, autonomy, maritime systems, cybersecurity, energy grid security, and resilient infrastructure.
Equip 500 students, engineers, and founders with the skills needed to build and scale companies working at the intersection of advanced technology and national security.
Develop a collaborative platform that connects startups, researchers, government, investors and industry partners to accelerate the commercialization of technologies that strengthen local, regional, and national resilience.
The NSIH is guided by leaders across entrepreneurship, research, national security, and advanced technology development. Together, this team connects startups with Northeastern University’s global research network, industry partners, and the broader national security innovation ecosystem.
The NSIH Advisory Committee brings together leaders from defense, intelligence, technology, and venture development to help guide the Hub’s strategy and ensure strong alignment with national security priorities and emerging technology trends.
Advisory members provide insight across defense innovation, dual-use technology commercialization, maritime systems, and national security strategy, helping position Northeastern University and the Roux Institute as a key platform connecting startups, industry, talent, researchers, and national security experts.
Additional advisory members will be announced as the NSIH continues to expand its network across government, industry, and venture ecosystems.
NSIH works with organizations across national security, venture capital, research, and regional innovation ecosystems, including:
Additional ecosystem partners continue to join as the National Security Innovation Hub expands its network across industry, government, and innovation communities.
Learn how your organization can get involved. Feel free to email NSIH Director, Chris Torina at [email protected].
