Costanoa Ventures Awards $100K SAFE Investment to Winning Startup Advancing National Security Solutions at MIT Harvard Conference

Innovation and national security are converging in an exciting way this spring.

Startups developing cutting-edge technologies in defense, cybersecurity, and global resilience are gearing up to compete for a $100,000 investment, thanks to Costanoa Ventures, at the upcoming 2026 MIT–Harvard Technology and National Security Conference on April 4, 2026.

$100K SAFE Investment on the Line

Costanoa Ventures, the early-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco and Palo Alto, is sponsoring the fifth annual conference and the Innovation Showcase pitch competition.

The winning startup will secure a $100,000 SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) investment, providing a significant boost to companies aiming to make an impact in national security and defense.

Who Will Judge the Competition?

A panel of experts from both venture capital and defense sectors will evaluate the startups.

Notable judges include Greg Sands, Founder & Managing Partner at Costanoa Ventures, and John Doyle, Founder & CEO of Cape.

Suggested Readings (News continues below)

AE Industrial Partners Strengthens Executive Team with Key Promotions and Vice President Appointments to Support National Security and Aerospace Investments Across Boca Raton Florida and Washington D.C.

Police identify suspect living on remote Oak Park station as investigation into missing four-year-old Gus Lamont intensifies near Yunta South Australia

TV Presenter Narinder Kaur Speaks Out About AI-Edited Photograph Linking Her to Jeffrey Epstein and Urges Authorities to Take Action in London

John Virgo opens up about losing two marriages and his family home before his third wife helped him overcome gambling addiction and rebuild his life after hitting rock bottom in Surrey

Five finalists will have the opportunity to present their ideas on stage, competing for:

• A $100K SAFE investment from Costanoa for first place
• Additional non-dilutive grants from Common Mission Project: $5K for first, $3K for second, $1K for third, and $1K for the crowd favorite
• Two complimentary tickets to attend the conference

Who Can Apply?

Startups that want to take part in this showcase must meet the following criteria:

• Be at the Pre-Seed to Seed stage
• Focus on national security, defense, or other operational challenges with real-world impact

Interested startups can submit their applications here by February 27, 2026, at 5 pm ET.

Finalists will be notified by March 6, 2026.

A Conference Bridging Technology and National Security

The MIT–Harvard Technology and National Security Conference brings together more than 800 leaders from government, venture capital, defense, academia, and industry.

This year’s theme, “Acta Non Verba: Innovating for the Frontlines,” emphasizes the technologies, startups, and government leaders transforming bold ideas into operational impact.

Tickets are available here.

About Costanoa Ventures

Costanoa Ventures supports startups from formation through Series A, specializing in Applied AI, AI Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, National Security, and Fintech.

With $2.5 billion in assets under management, the firm has invested in more than a dozen national security startups, including Cape, Hidden Level, Muon Space, and Vannevar Labs, helping innovative ideas reach their full potential.