Minnesota’s hub for national security innovation.
The Minnesota National Security Ecosystem
The Minnesota National Security Ecosystem (MN-NS-ECO) is an industry, academic, and nonprofit-driven 501(c)(6) organization with a mission to support members in advancing innovation, building collaborative networks, and developing talent to grow and sustain Minnesota's contribution to U.S. national security.
Since October 2025, the Minnesota National Security Ecosystem has operated Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Minnesota. Defense Innovation OnRamp Hubs are a strategic initiative designed to lower barriers for entrepreneurs, researchers, and commercial companies that want to apply their technologies to the national security needs of the U.S. Department of War (DoW). OnRamp Hubs engage stakeholders to ensure that both early and late-stage technologies can be adopted by the DoW at speed and scale. Through educational programming and stakeholder gatherings, OnRamp Hub: Minnesota provides an “open front door” to Minnesota entities that seek to engage with the DoW.
Why is the MN-NS-ECO needed?
Every year, Congress appropriates nearly $850 billion in support of national security. Historically, Minnesota has ranked near 50th in defense spending per capita. We can do better. There is a need to support our businesses, entrepreneurs, and world-class academic institutions to compete more effectively for federal funding that supports national security-related innovation and job creation in Minnesota.
What is the mission of
MN-NS-ECO?
To provide capacity-building, networking, and information sharing among member businesses, academic institutions, and entities engaged in supporting our country’s national security.
To showcase and promote Ecosystem companies and academic research across the national security sector.
To strengthen and sustain the sector's engagement with federal, state, and local policymakers and government entities.
To support the education, training, and workforce development needs of the sector to foster job growth in Minnesota.
To enable rapid response to emerging national security issues and the needs of Ecosystem members.