Join Us at Disruptive Defense - Where Technologists, Government, and Capital Collaborate
View the AI and Autonomy track
Prepare to connect and collaborate at Capital Factory House for Disruptive Defense – the must-attend Joint Innovation event that bridges technology and national security from March 7-9, 2025 in Austin, Texas. This event is designed for bold thinkers and technologists looking to solve real-world problems and scale their impact. Connect with thought leaders, disruptors, and partners who are driving change at the intersection of national security and commercial technology
This year, we’re creating a space where visionaries and innovators can explore critical technology areas and drive strategic impact. Our dynamic agenda revolves around impactful tracks shaping the future of defense, and we encourage you to submit a question for our panel discussions.
Artificial Intelligence & Autonomy
Artificial Intelligence and autonomous systems are redefining industries and reshaping how humans interact with technology. For three talks, explore this rapidly evolving landscape and ways to navigate the opportunities and challenges of a world where machines think and act - faster and smarter than ever before.
Friday, March 7
9:00 - 9:45 | Voltron, 1st Floor AI at the Intersection of Defense & Intelligence - Fireside Chat
Gen. Timothy D. Haugh is Commander, U.S. Cyber Command and Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service Agency
Moderator Emelia (Emmy) Probasco, Senior Fellow, Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET)
15:00 - 15:45 | Wolverine, 8th Floor Computing at the Edge - Panel
Maj. Victor (Salsa) Lopez, AFWERX
Ganesh Harihara, Software Engineering Manager, Scale AI
16:00 - 16:45 | Wolverine, 8th Floor AI at the Crossroads of Global Trade and Security - Panel
As the geopolitical and global trade landscape evolves, its implications for economic security, supply chain resilience, and strategic competition are profound. In this discussion, explore AI-driven trade decision making, autonomous supply chain & logistics and predictive insights and gain insights into dual-use potential in both commercial and defense programs for maintaining technological and economic advantage.
Jen Ross, CEO InterVallo, LLC; Executive Consultant to SSC Commercial Space Office
Peter Swartz, Chief Science Officer & Co-Founder, Altana
Moderator Erringer Helbling, CEO & Founder, Demati
Saturday, March 8
15:00- 15:45 | Wolverine, 8th Floor Counter Unmanned - I got it, I got it... I don't go it.
Straight talk on state of the art for CUxS and why RF guns are not the answer. Spoiler: CUxS is not a one size fits all ‘tool’ that will counter any threat — instead we should view counter measures to robotic warfare as a layered approach that requires multiple levels of detect and defeat.
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Energy
Saturday, March 8
14:00- 14:45 | Voltron, 1st Floor DOD Energy Needs
As global challenges mount, energy stands at the crossroads of security, innovation, and investment. Join us for one powerful talk set to explore how energy can power not just the future - but a more secure and resilient one. Dive into optimizing energy generation, storage and delivery - and operational energy demands from enhancing the range, duration and efficiency.
Newt McKissick, Senior Military Advisor, Energy Portfolio, Defense Innovation Unit
Manufacturing & Supply Chains
Discover how the fusion of technology, strategy, and innovation is creating a more connected and resilient global manufacturing ecosystem - and what it means for businesses and communities everywhere. As one technology spotlight, explore how the future of manufacturing and supply chains hinges on adaptability, resilience, and innovation.
Friday, March 7
11:00- 11:45 | Voltron, 1st Floor Rebuilding the Defense Industrial Base
Col. Elliott J. Leigh, Director of AFWERX & Chief Commercialization Officer, Department of the Air Force
Mr. Darrell K. Phillipson, Director, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
Travis DeMeester, Program Manager, Manufacturing, Defense Innovation Unit
Moderator Howard "Howie" Marotto USMC (Ret.), Strategic Engagements & Integration, Barnes Global Advisors
13:00- 13:45 | Wolverine, 8th Floor Low Cost Advanced Manufacturing & Methods
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14:00- 14:45 | Wolverine, 8th Floor Forged
Kevin Czinger, Founder, Lead Inventor, & Executive Chairman, Divergent Technologies, Inc.
Arnold Kravitz, Chief Technology Officer, Blue Forge Alliance
BONUS Tech Talks
Saturday, March 8
16:00- 16:45 | Wolverine, 8th Floor Human Systems
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17:00- 17:45 | Wolverine, 8th Floor Introduction to DICE Digital Ecosystem
Cheryl Ingstad, Deputy Director, Digital Platforms & Developer Ecosystem, Defense Innovation Unit
Learn how a new digital tool is helping companies of all sizes and members of academia better match their warfighter products to DOD funding opportunities using the latest AI/LLM tools with a new prototype tool, Digital OnRamp. DIU's Cheryl Ingstad, Deputy Director for Digital Platforms & Developer Ecosystem, will brief how the platform is set to change how the DOD and industry connect and deliver commercial capabilities to the warfighter.
Office Hours & One-on-One Connections
Calling Industry and Academia with innovative technology for defense or security! In addition to compelling talks and discussions we’re hosting specialized Joint Office Hours to create meaningful one-on-one interactions with experts, mentors, and peers. This is an open call to meet 1:1 with DOD defense innovation units on Sunday, March 9 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Capital Factory House Austin, 8th floor. Register at the links below - reservations are customized to each organization. Check out our line-up:
AFWERX/SpaceWERX - StratFi/TacFi
Why attend?
At Disruptive Defense, you won’t just hear about innovation - you’ll be a part of it. This is your chance to:
Build connections that drive impact, deals, and progress
Collaborate across industries to tackle big challenges
Get inspired by the leaders defining the future of defense
Did you know?
If you've never considered working with the government, now is the time to discover how your solutions can make an impact—and get funded. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how your business can collaborate with the government and tap into a $150B+ market.