Join Us at Disruptive Defense - Where Technologists, Government, and Capital Collaborate
Prepare to connect and collaborate during Disruptive Defense – the must-attend joint innovation programming powered by DIU, AFWERX and NavalX at Capital Factory House 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.
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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
Join us for a fireside chat with Gen. Tim Haugh, moderated by Emmy Probasco. Gen. Haugh will delve into the integration of artificial intelligence in national security, explore AI's dual role in intelligence and cybersecurity, discuss the burgeoning public-private partnerships essential for advancing the nation's defense, and evaluate strategies to maintain a competitive edge against global threats like China.
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
In today's challenging operating environments, robotics will be informed by artificial intelligence operations on the tactical edge. Breaking apart the autonomy paradigm for a robotics paradigm will ensure the DoD can effectively integrate and employ autonomous systems at speed and scale.
Maj. Victor Lopez, AFWERX Autonomy Prime Program Manager
Col Jason Hansberger, Stanford AI Studio and Air Mobility Command (AMC) Special Advisor, Dept. of the Air Force
Josh Roundtree, U.S. Air Force Test Pilot & PhD Student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Ganesh Harihara, Mission Engineering Lead, Scale AI
Moderator, Lt. Col. Russel G. Shirey, Chief, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration, Air Force Futures, Dept. of the Air Force
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.
Justin Fanelli, Department of the Navy CTO, Technical Director
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 got 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.
Matt Rabinovitch, CEO, Teleidoscope
Donald "Chee" Gainsberger, Delivery Program Manager, Second Front
Lt. Col. Jeff Wright, U.S. Air Force
Moderator, Nathanael Higgins, Deputy Director, Human Systems, DIU
Energy
Saturday, March 8
15:00- 15:45 | 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, DIU
Moderator, Tom Holm, Executive Director, Energy Defense Council & TEVCON
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
In this must-attend fireside chat, leaders from the Defense Innovation Unit and AFWERX will unveil game-changing initiatives aimed at scaling advanced manufacturing with a focus on real world opportunities and the path ahead for leveraging emerging technologies.
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, DIU
Moderator Howard "Howie" Marotto Strategic Engagements & Integration, Barnes Global Advisors
13:00- 13:45 | Wolverine, 8th Floor How Industry Can engage with the AFWERX Manufacturing Challenge
AFWERX & SpaceWERX Manufacturing Leads will discuss the broad manufacturing capability gaps identified by the @United States Air Force and @United States Space Force PEOs that the Challenge aims to address, as well as discuss the next steps for joining the initiative.
Ian Clowes, AFWERX Manufacturing Lead
Cayley Dymond, AFWERX Challenge Lead
Rachel Braun, SPACEWERX Manufacturing Lead
Moderator, Mia Blessing, AFWERX Strategic Communications Lead
14:00- 14:45 | Wolverine, 8th Floor Forged: Manufacturing Policy & Strategy
Explore how policy, innovation, and advanced manufacturing are reshaping the defense industrial base. Hear exclusive insights from Nate Diller on his Strategic Edge 2025 report, outlining the critical steps needed to accelerate production, strengthen supply chains, and ensure national security through next-gen manufacturing capabilities.
Nate Diller, Chief Executive Officer, Divergent Industries, Inc.
Arnold Kravitz, Chief Technology Officer, Blueforge Alliance
Michael Radigan, Liaison Officer, USSF Space Systems Command & Naval Postgraduate School
BONUS Tech Talks
Friday, March 7
Saturday, March 8
10:00- 10:45 | Wolverine, 8th Floor The Cyber Priority: Securing the Digital Battlespace - Panel
Maintaining digital dominance demands a constant evolution of cybersecurity strategies and technologies. This panel explores the future of cyber operations, featuring service leaders discussing new initiatives to protect critical infrastructure, focusing on network hardening and strategic industry partnerships.
Rachel Bondi, Naval Technical Director, Cybersecurity Program Office, CyberX (Navy)
Col. Bert Giovannetti, Director CyberWorx (Air Force)
Lt. Col. Theresa Kopecky, Director, Cyberspace Ops Austin, USSF Cyber
Moderator, Zach Walker, ATX Defense
Sunday, March 9
09:00- 17:00 | Other Racquet Social Club Human Performance Summit 2025 - Crossover Programming
Invite only, limited spots, and free for those approved. Apply to be apart of it here. https://lu.ma/dtcxb55c
Willpower Performance Collective is bringing the Human Performance Summit to Austin, Texas, in partnership with NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration & Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) sponsored by Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP & Hyperice. On March 9th, leaders in human performance, defense, and elite sports will convene for a full-day summit on performance, recovery, and innovation.
AFWERX Track
Friday, March 7
10:00- 10:45 | Voltron, 1st Floor Air Force Demand Signal: Making Sense of the Churn for Industry - Keynote
This forward looking talk brings together accomplished defense and venture capital leaders will discuss the pathway forward during this time of change with great opportunity for investment and tech development. Listen in to gain insight into the future direction of the U.S. Air Force.
Brig. Gen. Jason Hawk, Deputy Director, Capability Development, Air Force Futures
Moderator: Amy De Salvatore, Partner Business Development, Nightdragon
Saturday, March 8
14:00- 14:45 | Voltron, 1st Floor Keynote Fireside Chat with Alex Moore with Capital Team from the Defense Innovation Units
This insightful conversation with Alex Moore will include his work at 8VC incubating companies and reflection on his own startup journey since Employee #1 at Palantir Technologies. Joined by members of the defense innovation units, AFWERX, DIU, and partners, the conversation will explore alternative funding opportunities as part of the pathway to working with the DOD.
Alex Moore, Partner, 8VC - Keynote Guest
Helena Krusec, AFWERX Capital Initiatives Project Manager
Mike Dodd, Principal, DIU
Nick Breedloves, Small Business Investment Company Critical Technology (SBICCT) Initiative & NavalX Reserve Director, Venture Partnerships
Moderator, Ben McNally, Federal Venture Assoicate & Programming Lead, Capital Factory
16:00- 16:45 | Voltron, 1st Floor AFWERX & SpaceWERX Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) Successes & Selections - Panel
AFWERX & SpaceWERX leaders joined by STRATFI awarded companies discuss the Strategic Funding Increase Program and how the award has helped accelerate timelines, product development roadmaps and collaboration with government partners. We will also announce Program Year 25.1 STRATFI selections!
Arthur Grijalva, Director of SpaceWERX
Chase Eiserman, MIL DEP, Growth Stage Investments
17:00- 17:45 | Voltron, 1st Floor Shaping the Future of Space through SBIR/STTR Transitions - Panel
Experts from the space community discuss the critical role of SBIR/STTR programs in shaping the future of space. Leaders from government and industry will explore the challenges and opportunities of transitioning SBIR/STTR-funded technologies to commercial success and infusion into space systems.
Melissa Garmoe, Growth Stage Lead, AFWERX
Brian Bone, Principal Director, Commercial Space Futures, Aerospace Corporation
John Canipe, Military Aerospace Program Manager, Texas Space Commission
Moderator, Erin O'Brien, Defense Tech Reporter, Tectonic
DIU Track
Friday, March 7
12:00- 12:30 | Voltron, 1st Floor Fireside Chat with Rep. Ellzey, Dino Mavrookas & Liz McNally
An exclusive sit down covering the future of defense policy from a leading Congressional voice, Rep. Ellzey, alongside a tech founder, Dino Mavrookas, whose elite military experience shaped his path to scaling defense tech, guided by defense innovation leader, Liz McNally, who is optimizing commercial operations in the ecosystem. Speakers will lean in on how policy, industry, and national security converge to accelerate impact - and what a playbook for innovation in the future looks like.
Liz McNally, Deputy Director of Commercial Operations, DIU
Dino Mavrookas, Co-Founder & CEO, Saronic Technologies
Congressmen Jake Ellzey, U.S. Representative, Texas's 6th District
Saturday, March 8
11:00- 11:45 | Wolverine, 8th Floor DIU 101
Curious about how the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) accelerates commercial tech for national security? This introduction session will break down DIU's mission, priorities, and processes, giving you a clear roadmap for engaging with the DOD. Learn how DIU is fast-tracking solutions, streamlining procurement, and bridging the gap between the commercial sector and warfighter needs.
James "Jim" Rabuck, DODx Director
Nathanael Higgins, Deputy Director, Human Systems, DIU
16:00- 16:45 | Wolverine, 8th Floor Ecosystem Mapping for Technology Transition & AMA with DIU
Navigating the defense innovation landscape can be complex - but the DIU team is here to break it down. In this interactive session, a panel of DIU experts will map the innovation ecosystem, walk through the onramp process for commercial tech, and offer insider thoughts on acquisitions and emerging technologies in this Ask Me Anything- style discussion as your chance to get direct answers from the people at the center of bringing solutions to the mission.
James "Jim" Rabuck, DODx Director
Dr. Nick Estep, Director, Emerging Technology Portfolio, DIU
17:00- 17:30 | Wolverine, 8th Floor Introduction to DICE Digital Ecosystem
Cheryl Ingstad, Deputy Director, Digital Platforms & Developer Ecosystem, DIU
Moderator, James "Jim" Rabuck, DODx Director
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.
Participating organizations include: AFWERX (Phase I, Phase II), AFWERX/SpaceWERX - StratFi/TacFi, AFWERX Challenge, SPACEWERX, AFWERX - Prime, DIU OnRamp Hubs, DoD OSBP, NavalX, DARPA, DIU Portfolios, NATO DIANA.
Sunday, March 9
13:00- 14:00 | Wolverine, 8th Floor NEWCOMERS: Programs & Partners Panel
Cassie Muffley, onRamp Hubs Director, DIU
Weston Waldo Director at The University of Texas at Austin's Austin Technology Incubator (ATI), SW I-Corps
Jennifer Thabet, Program Director for DARPA Small Business Programs Office (SBPO)
Chase Eiserman, AFWERX Ventures Growth Stage Investment Branch Chief
Capt. Whitney Hessler, SpaceWERX Spark Branch Chief
Cayley Dymond, Challenge Team Lead, AFWERX
Devin L. Bohanan, Program Manager, Accelerate the Procurement & Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT)
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.