Homeland Security Funding Blockchain Technology
The US Department of Homeland Security is looking to find more uses of blockchain technology to assist with Identity Management and Analytics challenges. Through the Federal SBIR Program, DHS has posted two R&D funding opportunities for US small businesses to develop specific applications for blockchain technology unrelated to bitcoin.
Each topic will provide $100K in non-dilutive funds for Phase 1 research to explore how to leverage blockchains for these specific applications. Successful Phase 1 projects may receive $750K in Phase 2 grants to develop the projects further into prototypes with an eye toward production deployment for government or private sector use.
Proposals for Phase 1 funding are due by January 20, 2015. DHS could award several Phase 1 grants, with the best final projects receiving Phase 2 continuations. All US small businesses may apply to the SBIR program, subject to good standing, and majority ownership by management.
DHS Topic H-SB016.1–009:
Blockchain Applications for Homeland Security Analytics