Bridging Innovation & Defense

Purpose

This event is designed to bring together the commercial technology, venture, defense, and government communities around a shared question: How can promising dual use technologies move more quickly and effectively into Department of the Air Force and Space Force missions?

A central component will be the official announcement of the SpaceWERX Small Business Innovation Research Program. The program is intended to help eligible small businesses access pathways for developing, demonstrating, and transitioning technology relevant to Air Force and Space Force priorities.

Scope of discussion

This event is designed to bring together the commercial technology, venture, defense, and government communities around a shared question: How can promising dual use technologies move more quickly and effectively into Department of the Air Force and Space Force missions?

A central component will be the official announcement of the SpaceWERX Small Business Innovation Research Program. The program is intended to help eligible small businesses access pathways for developing, demonstrating, and transitioning technology relevant to Air Force and Space Force priorities.

• How early stage and growth stage technology companies can engage with SpaceWERX and AFWERX.
• Lessons from companies that have successfully navigated defense technology transition.
• The role of investors, government partners, and commercial operators in helping technologies scale.
• Approaches to reducing the gap between commercial innovation, pilot activity, and operational deployment.
• Practical next steps for participating in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) opportunities.

Who should attend

• Defense technology founders and executive teams.
• Venture capital, private equity, and strategic investors active in dual use technology.
• Government innovation leaders and acquisition professionals. Air Force, Space Force, Department of Defense, and national security stakeholders.
• Organizations exploring SpaceWERX, AFWERX, SBIR, and related mission partner pathways.