The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking innovative solutions from blockchain startups to enhance anti-forgery and counterfeiting through its Science and Technology Directorate, the department reported on December 4th.
S&T’s new solicitation through its Silicon Valley Innovation Program will offer grants upwards of $800,000 to startups and small businesses in non-dilutive funding to be spread out over four phases.
“SVIP is a bridge between the early-stage startup community and the Homeland Security Enterprise,†said Melissa Oh, S&T SVIP managing director. “DHS has need of the innovations coming from this community to ensure we’re at least a step ahead of national security threats. By releasing this solicitation, we are asking the innovation community to contribute to this work through the application of commercial solutions to homeland security use-cases.â€
CoinDesk has reported blockchain startups are presenting proposed solutions covering use-cases, including digital documents related to travel, immigration, cross-border oil and raw material movements. Funding is also only available to companies that haven’t had a government contract in the past year over $1M and must have under 200 employees when submitting the application.
“Understanding the feasibility and utility of using blockchain and distributed ledger technology for the digital issuance of what are currently paper-based credentials is critical to preventing their loss, destruction, forgery and counterfeiting,†SVIP Technical Director Anil John added.