; and (3) new innovation networks should be developed and incubated that would be comprised of businesses and academic institutions, which do not have a traditional relationship with the Department of Defense, to enable the Department to stabilize and then hopefully begin to close the digital and technological gap that is beginning to emerge in many key areas with United States competitors. (c) Pilot required (1) In general The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a pilot program to assess innovation network capabilities. (2) Establishment of network In carrying out the pilot program required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall establish a network of the dual-use startups produced under the pilot program. Such network would be known as the National Defense Accelerator Network . (3) Initial test phase In carrying out the pilot program required by paragraph (1), the Secretary may carry out an initial test phase at one leading university that— (A) has an established leadership team that is intimately familiar with the workings of In-Q-Tel and Defense Innovation Unit Experimental