Ever wondered how military breakthroughs become part of your everyday? Join the director of DARPA and the Chief of Naval Research for a fireside chat that connects the dots from combat tech to commercial triumphs. They'll unpack the journey of innovations born from defense needs that have transformed civilian life — think GPS, the internet, and even your smartphone tech — and highlight projects in the works now with the potential to do the same. This conversation promises a behind-the-scenes look at how the drive for national security fosters advancements that reshape our world.

SPEAKERS:
Rear Admiral Kurt Rothenhaus
Chief of Naval Research (CNR)
US Navy

Dr. Stefanie Tompkins
Director
DARPA

Join us as government teams spotlight three real-world military problems in need of solutions. These interactive sessions remix the conventional pitch format, inviting fresh perspectives from a panel of industry experts on how to approach each challenge. All nine problems presented, Friday-Sunday, will then be open to the public, allowing technological innovators a chance to submit potential solutions as part of a funded opportunity.

PRESENTERS:
Arthur Grijalva
Director, SpaceWERX
U.S. Space Force

Kevin Larkins
Systems Engineer
NAVAIR

Dan Sheridan
Defense Industrial Base Senior Program Analyst
ASN RD&A

FEEDBACK PANEL:
Drew Allen
Deputy Executive Director, Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute
University of Oklahoma

Mary Lombardo
VP, Applied Research & Tech
Collins Aerospace

Armen Kherlopian
Scientist-CEO and Investor
Covenant Venture Capital

Eric Wesley
CEO
Parasanti

In this enlightening panel discussion, we dive into the strategic initiatives of the military in technology domains that lie outside the typical focus of the venture capital (VC) community. Join our esteemed panelists as they shed light on the military's unique role in nurturing and investing in technologies at various stages of development, particularly those areas overlooked by private sector funding. The panelists will discuss the rationale behind these investments, the challenges faced, and the potential impact on national security and technological advancement. Expect insights into how the military identifies future tech needs, collaborates with private entities, and drives innovation in critical, yet underfunded, areas.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Tim Grayson
Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force
US Air Force

Jon Lazar
Director, Innovation & Modernization
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense
for Research and Engineering, OUSD (R&E)

Phil Root
Director, Strategic Technology Office
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

Michael Stewart
Director, Disruptive Capabilities Office
US Navy

LTC Amanda Wilson
Private Capital Integrator
US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)

NavalX Tech Bridge leaders and members of the Navy SBIR team will be holding Office Hours onsite, Saturday and Sunday, to answer your questions in real time. Schedule a 1:1 appointment to learn about non-dilutive funding for small businesses and how to get paid to pursue your passion or further develop your tech.

In an age where connectivity and energy access are synonymous with progress, there remain pockets of the world where the electric hum of the grid doesn’t reach. From isolated neighborhoods in Africa to the unpredictable terrains of expeditionary forces, the challenge is universal: How can we provide sustainable energy to the world’s most remote areas? With insights from energy activists, off-grid technology innovators, and military end-users, this panel promises a fresh perspective on energy challenges and solutions. While some strategies may have origins in supporting expeditionary tasks, their implications are far-reaching, with the potential to electrify and empower isolated communities worldwide.

SPEAKERS:
Saul Elbein (moderator)
Energy Reporter
The Hill

Scott Lacy
Deputy Director
Marine Corps Warfighting Lab

Kathryn Meng
Investment Director
RA Capital Management

Arielle Miller
Technical Advisor
Nuclear Energy Institute

NavalX Tech Bridge leaders and members of the Navy SBIR team will be holding Office Hours onsite, Saturday and Sunday, to answer your questions in real time. Schedule a 1:1 appointment to learn about non-dilutive funding for small businesses and how to get paid to pursue your passion or further develop your tech.

Our oceans, covering more than 70% of the Earth's surface, are at the forefront of the fight against climate change. Rising sea levels, intensified storm activities, and changing aquatic ecosystems are not just environmental concerns — they represent challenges and opportunities in global strategy, logistics, and defense. In an unexpected twist, organizations like the Department of the Navy are finding themselves on the vanguard of climate change action, not just out of environmental concern, but for strategic imperatives. Through the lenses of environmental scientists, maritime strategy experts, and discreet voices from the naval realm, this panel promises to shed light on the intricate ties between climate change, our oceans, and global defense mechanisms.

SPEAKERS:
Jeanette Davis
Assistant Professor
Hampton University

Dr. Melissa C. Lott
Professor, Senior Director of Research
Columbia University Climate School

Suzanne Pierce, PhD
Research Scientist
Texas Advanced Computing Center University of Texas at Austin

Dr. Darrel Tremaine
Climate & Energy Senior Engineer
CenTrio

Madeleine White
Water Resilience PM
NAVFAC EXWC

Join us to discuss the transformative role of technology in defense and intelligence with Defense leaders Doug Beck, Director, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and Dr. John Beieler, Director of Science & Technology at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, as they explore the evolving landscape of national defense and intelligence in the age of rapid technological advancement. This session offers a deep dive into new initiatives with insights into how DIU and ODNI are collaborating with tech innovators and startups to embrace innovative technologies.

SPEAKERS:
Emily de La Bruyère (Moderator)
Co-Founder
Horizon Advisory

Doug Beck
Director
Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)

Dr. John Beieler
Director of Science & Technology
Office of the Director for National Intelligence (ODNI)

Join us as government teams spotlight three real-world military problems in need of solutions. These interactive sessions remix the conventional pitch format, inviting fresh perspectives from a panel of industry experts on how to approach each challenge. All nine problems presented, Friday-Sunday, will then be open to the public, allowing technological innovators a chance to submit potential solutions as part of a funded opportunity.

PRESENTERS:
Luke Walter
RGI Division Chief
Capital Initiatives

Noam Oz
Deputy Director, Product Development
NavalX

CAPT Alex Campbell
Navy Service Lead
Defense Innovation Unit

FEEDBACK PANEL:
Steve Guengerich
Associate VP, Innovation & Commercialization
UT-Dallas

Melissa Pegus
Managing Director
TechStars ATL & NOLA

Felix Phillips
Partner
Baker Botts

Tyler Sweatt
Chief Executive Officer
Second Front Systems

Join us for an engaging fireside chat on the synergies and challenges of with integrating government and private sector funding strategies — and the value that presents to industry. The discussion will focus on how public entities, like the Office of Strategic Capital, and private venture capitalists can collaborate to foster technological advancements crucial for national security and innovation. Andy will share insights on the government’s approach to leveraging private investments while Heather brings her perspective to discuss partnering with public entities, highlighting the mutual benefits and complexities involved.

SPEAKERS:
Heather Richman
Founder, Co-Chair
AUKUS DIN

Andy Yakulis
Director, Strategic Engagement
Office of Strategic Capital

NavalX Tech Bridge leaders and members of the Navy SBIR team will be holding Office Hours onsite, Saturday and Sunday, to answer your questions in real time. Schedule a 1:1 appointment to learn about non-dilutive funding for small businesses and how to get paid to pursue your passion or further develop your tech.

As our world becomes ever more interconnected, the frontiers of transportation are expanding rapidly. From drones capturing breathtaking aerial shots to submersibles exploring the ocean's deepest mysteries, uncrewed vehicles are revolutionizing the way we understand and traverse our environment. Journey with us into the innovative world of uncrewed vehicles — from the pioneering research efforts of defense sectors to commercial and environmental applications, discover how these autonomous wonders are shaping our present and heralding an exhilarating future.

SPEAKERS:
Michelle Bolner
Lead engineer, Unmanned Systems
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren

CAPT Matthew Culp (moderator)
Senior Advisor, U.S. Navy
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

Fatema Hamdani
CO-Founder & CEO
Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, Inc.

Robert Iannuzzi
Director, Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Development and Integration
Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division

Dr. Srikanth Saripalli
Professor, Engineering
Texas A&M University

NavalX Tech Bridge leaders and members of the Navy SBIR team will be holding Office Hours onsite, Saturday and Sunday, to answer your questions in real time. Schedule a 1:1 appointment to learn about non-dilutive funding for small businesses and how to get paid to pursue your passion or further develop your tech.

Dive into the world of logistics with this session dedicated to the art and science of supply chain management. Discover how the military's approach to end-to-end supply is influencing the entire logistics industry, from manufacturing to last-mile delivery. We’ll cover the latest in predictive analytics, blockchain for transparency, and the role of AI in orchestrating complex networks. This talk is perfect for anyone interested in how goods get to shelves or the future of seamless delivery — whether in business, tech, or just your online shopping. Join us for a look at the strategies ensuring efficiency and resilience, whether on the front lines or at your front door.

SPEAKERS:
Billy J. Burnett
President, National Security Programs Business Unit
GRSi, a DLH Company

Troy Clarke (moderator)
Director, Inland Empire Tech Bridge
NavalX

Sean Higgins
Director, Process Management & Optimization Division
Defense Contract Management Agency

Rama Jayaraman
Technical Project Manager
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona

Ellen Jochums
Combat Systems Test and Evaluation Department Chief Logistician
NSWC Port Hueneme