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MARCH 10-12, 2026 | RALEIGH, NC |
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MARCH 10-12, 2026 | RALEIGH, NC |
The innovation and business sector focuses on fostering cutting-edge ideas and translating them into viable commercial solutions that drive economic growth. This sector encompasses entrepreneurship, venture capital, and corporate innovation, supporting the development of new products, services, and business models across industries. By leveraging emerging technologies, market insights, and collaborative ecosystems, innovation in business fuels competitiveness, accelerates time-to-market, and opens up new opportunities for sustained success in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
Back to Top ↑Sessions | ||
Tuesday March 10 | ||
| 8:20 | TechConnect World Innovation Conference - Plenary Keynotes | |
| 10:30 | Bio in Space Symposium- Funding Opportunities for R&D in Microgravity: Discussing Public and Private Funding Mechanisms for Commercial Space Ventures | |
| 10:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Biotech & Medical I | |
| 10:30 | SBIR Session: SBIR 101 - The Basics about the SBIR Program | |
| 10:30 | Supporting the Translation of Research-based Technologies to Products | |
| 11:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Biotech & Medical II | |
| 11:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Space, Defense, and Mobility | |
| 11:30 | SBIR Session: Agency Reverse Pitches | |
| 1:00 | TechConnect World Expo and SBIR/STTR Pavilion Open | |
| 1:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: AI and Digital Transformation I | |
| 1:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Energy and Sustainability I | |
| 1:30 | SBIR Session: Navigating SBIR/STTR Agency Differences | |
| 1:30 | Bio in Space Innovation Challenge | |
| 1:30 | Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Innovation Challenge | |
| 2:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: AI and Digital Transformation II | |
| 2:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Energy and Sustainability II | |
| 2:30 | SBIR Session: Finding Help - Getting Started | |
| 3:15 | SBIR Session: Agency Differences - Focus on Evaluation | |
| 3:30 | Manufacturing USA Institutes: A Partner for Catalyzing Innovation Coast to Coast | |
| 4:00 | Bio in Space Innovation Challenge-Winners Announced | |
| 4:00 | TechConnect World Expo, Technical Poster Session I, and Expo Social (4:00 - 6:00) | |
| 4:00 | SBIR/STTR Pavilion Reception | |
Wednesday March 11 | ||
| 8:30 | TechConnect World Innovation Conference - Business Keynotes | |
| 9:30 | DOE EPIC Prize Challenge Pitch Competition | |
| 9:30 | LEAN Power and EMC2 Industry Day (open to all conference attendees) | |
| 9:30 | Reducing Injuries in Small Businesses: Program Implementation and Technology Readiness | |
| 9:30 | SBIR Session V | |
| 10:30 | Bio in Space Symposium - There and Back Again: Understanding Pathways to Orbit and the Operational Rresources in LEO | |
| 10:30 | SBIR Session: Small Business Success Stories | |
| 10:30 | DARPA Session (invited) | |
| 11:30 | SBIR Session: Commercializing Your SBIR-funded Technology: Federal Programs | |
| 11:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights Featuring MSD Prevention Challenge Finalists | |
| 12:15 | Lunch Break | |
| 1:00 | TechConnect World Expo and SBIR/STTR Pavilion Open | |
| 1:15 | SBIR Session: Navigating SBIR Government Phase IIIs | |
| 1:30 | U.S. National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing Town Hall | |
| 1:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Electronics and Microsystems | |
| 1:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials | |
| 2:15 | SBIR Session: Working with Defense Primes | |
| 2:30 | Future‑Ready by Design: How the FBI Builds Continuous Innovation | |
| 2:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials and Manufacturing | |
| 3:15 | SBIR Session: Crossing over from one Agency to Another | |
| 3:30 | DOE EPIC Prize Challenge Winner Announcement | |
| 4:00 | TechConnect World Expo, Technical Poster Session II, and Expo Social (4:00 - 6:00) | |
| 4:00 | SBIR/STTR Pavilion Reception | |
Thursday March 12 | ||
| 8:30 | SBIR/STTR Innovator Training Workshop 8:30am-4:30pm (Additional Registration Required) | |
| 9:00 | SBIR/STTR Session TBA | |
| 9:00 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials, AI, Biotech, and Defense | |
| 9:00 | TechConnect Horizons Workforce Development Program, Supporting Emerging Technology Manufacturing Workforce and Development | |
| 10:00 | TechConnect Horizons Workforce Development Program, Supporting Emerging Technology Manufacturing Workforce and Development | |
| 10:00 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials, AI, Biotech, and Defense | |
| 10:00 | SBIR/STTR Session TBA | |
| 11:00 | SBA (Private Meeting) | |
| 12:00 | Lunch Break | |
| 1:15 | Critical Materials - Workshop (open to all conference attendees) | |
2026 Detailed Program | ||
Tuesday March 10 | ||
| 8:20 | TechConnect World Innovation Conference - Plenary Keynotes | RCC Ballroom B |
| Session chair: Jennifer Rocha, Dalia Yablon, Matthew Laudon, TechConnect Division, ATI, US | ||
| Lightweighting with single crystal graphene, and new routes to growing diamonds R. Ruoff, Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology, KR | ||
| Quantum Computing 101: Foundations, Frontiers, and Future Impact W. Oliver, MIT, US | ||
| Architecting the Future with Silicon Carbide: A Platform for Power, Intelligence, and Immersion E. Balkas, Wolfspeed, US | ||
| SBIR/STTR Keynote TBA, U.S. Small Business Administration, US | ||
| 10:30 | Bio in Space Symposium- Funding Opportunities for R&D in Microgravity: Discussing Public and Private Funding Mechanisms for Commercial Space Ventures | RCC 303 |
| Session chair: Jonathan Jakischa, TechConnect Division, ATI | ||
| Panelist M.A. Snow, Eascra Bio Tech, US | ||
| Panelist N. Wagner, Lambda Vision Inc., US | ||
| Panelist R. Roettgen, E2MC Ventures, US | ||
| Panelist C. Puhl, Exobiosphere, US | ||
| Panelist T. Morris, Kall Morris Inc., US | ||
| Panelist E. Chancellor, Texas Space Commission, US | ||
| 10:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Biotech & Medical I | RCC 305B |
| Session chair: John David, BryceTech | ||
| Opening Remarks S. Soucek, FLC, US | ||
| Review Panelist K. Covey, First Flight Venture Center, US | ||
| Review Panelist T. Willis, Med1 Ventures, US | ||
| Review Panelist C. Stebbins, ATI, US | ||
| Review Panelist T. Martin, New Ventures and Investments, North Carolina State University, US | ||
| Review Panelist M. McKee, New Ventures and Partnerships, University of North Carolina, US | ||
| Review Panelist S. Soucek, FLC, US | ||
| Coordinate with Care: A Digital Educational Platform N. McFadden, Texas State University, US | ||
| Ambient Intelligent Modular Rack Guidance System R. Schmid, Intelligent Clinical Systems, LLC, US | ||
| RapiSep: A Plasma Separator Enabling Rapid and Decentralized Blood Processing and Diagnostics J. Zhou, MicroFAST Dx, US | ||
| MelodiaSync: Enhancing Cognitive Performance by an EEG-Guided Audio Neuromodulation System J. Blume, MelodiaSync, US | ||
| Regenerative Breast Tissue K. Weimer, GenesisTissue Inc., US | ||
| Enhanced Lubrication and Anti-inflammation Treatment for Articular and Artificial Joints D. Berman, University of North Texas, US | ||
| 10:30 | SBIR Session: SBIR 101 - The Basics about the SBIR Program | RCC 306A |
| 10:30 | Supporting the Translation of Research-based Technologies to Products | Marriott State A |
| Session chair: Christine Galib, Princeton University & Alex Norman, Princeton University | ||
| It Takes a Village: Innovation Ecosystem Building Panel E. Dinu (Moderator), J.E. Odegard, J. Jones, B. Solomon, P. Datta, Numinous Capital, 62x Ventures, North Carolina State University, FedTech, Evonik, US | ||
| Research Triangle Innovation Sphere J. Jur, NC Dept of Commerce, US | ||
| I-Corps as the First Stop: A Proven University Innovation Model A.T. Trotsenko, J. Blaho, CUNY Incubator Network, US | ||
| 11:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Biotech & Medical II | RCC 305B |
| Session chair: John David, BryceTech | ||
| Review Panelist K. Covey, First Flight Venture Center, US | ||
| Review Panelist T. Willis, Med1 Ventures, US | ||
| Review Panelist C. Stebbins, ATI, US | ||
| Review Panelist T. Martin, New Ventures and Investments, North Carolina State University, US | ||
| Review Panelist L. Foster, Z-Field Technologies, US | ||
| An efficient monitoring tool for chronic wounds and pressure ulcers V.D. Vincely, LumaWave Inc., US | ||
| RealNose: AI-Powered Bioelectronic Scent Detection Platform N. Stefanou, RealNose Inc, US | ||
| Smart Pneumatic Tourniquet for Field Hemorrhage Control R. Hogan, Pressure Medical, US | ||
| DEVA- Decellularized Engineered Vascularized Allograft G. Singh, Stony Brook University, US | ||
| Long-lasting, reversible on demand, non-hormonal male contraceptive D. Walley, NEXT Life Sciences, Inc., US | ||
| IV cNP8 (Phase 2 Clinical Trial) M. Musillo, Neomatrix Therapeutics, US | ||
| Direct de novo sequencing of therapeutic RNA and impurities via next-generation mass spectrometry S. Zhang, DirectSeq Biosciences, Inc., US | ||
| 11:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Space, Defense, and Mobility | RCC 305A |
| Session chair: Jennifer Rocha, TechConnect Division, ATI | ||
| Review Panelist R. Julian, BOKA Ventures, US | ||
| Review Panelist C. Owens, Lockheed Martin, US | ||
| Review Panelist B. Haji-saeed, BAE Systems, US | ||
| Review Panelist S. Obare, Research and Engagement, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, US | ||
| Review Panelist B. Burton, North Carolina Military Business Center, US | ||
| Optical Gas Detection Insight for Hydrogen and Beyond K. Andersen, Brint Tech Corp, US | ||
| Space Accountability and Reporting Console (SPARC) J. Brock, Web Sensing LLC, US | ||
| Next generation intelligent vision super-powering satellites and machines J. Galatsanos, Diffraqtion, US | ||
| In-situ recovery of rare earth elements from volcanic rocks M. Sumi, Ascension Earth Resources Ltd, UK | ||
| ArcSynerCom™: UAV and Autonomous System Communication Device S. Arzo, AgileRadioCom LLC, US | ||
| HiveLink UAVs V.V. Muvva, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, US | ||
| 11:30 | SBIR Session: Agency Reverse Pitches | RCC 306A |
| 1:00 | TechConnect World Expo and SBIR/STTR Pavilion Open | Expo Hall AB |
| 1:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: AI and Digital Transformation I | RCC 305A |
| Session chair: Sonia Vohnout, OppsSpot | ||
| Review Panelist M. Hetrich, ABB, US | ||
| Review Panelist L. Foster, Z-Field Technologies, US | ||
| Review Panelist A. Phillips, Wolfpack Investor Network (WIN), North Carolina State University, US | ||
| Review Panelist C. Sahu, ABB, US | ||
| Review Panelist J. Epstein, Lockheed Martin, US | ||
| Lastwall Zero Trust Identity for Multi-Domain Operations S. Moorhead, Lastwall, US | ||
| Efficient In-Sensor and Multimodal Signal Processing using Hyperdimensional Computing Algorithms Implemented on an FPGA V. Ehsan, Arch Systems, LLC, US | ||
| Belvedere B. Frutchey, Clear Fracture LLC, US | ||
| FraudSphere: Dependent Multi-Agent Generative Adversarial Framework for Adaptive and Explainable Fraud Detection T. Ekin, Texas State University, US | ||
| SMART Adaptive Twins R. Jha, SimInsights Inc., US | ||
| A Quantum Security Remediation Platform R. Parizi, Quturn, US | ||
| 1:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Energy and Sustainability I | RCC 305B |
| Session chair: Emma Mooney, TechConnect Division, ATI | ||
| Review Panelist J. Caley, U.S. Navy Operational Energy, US | ||
| Review Panelist L. Wilhelm, U.S. Navy Operational Energy, US | ||
| Review Panelist Q. Holyfield (invited), ATI, US | ||
| Review Panelist E. Armstrong, Naval Operational Energy Office, US | ||
| Review Panelist M. Worley, Alexander County Economic Development Corporation, US | ||
| Review Panelist K. Mish, Abbott On Call, US | ||
| "Plug-N-Forget" AI-powered Intelligent Miniature Sensor (AIMS) for Continuous in situ Wastewater Monitoring B. Li, We-Sensing LLC, US | ||
| Transformative Energy Materials: Tunable Architectures for Scalable Storage and Hydrogen Futures J. Liu, Nanoinnovation North American, LLC, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, US | ||
| Gateway System for Non-Penetrating Data & Power Transfer through Solid Barriers K. Swinden, SDI Engineering Inc./Rho-C Limited, US | ||
| Carbon Dioxide Reduction Through Electrolysis for Green Chemistry M. Rizkallah, Cincy Carbon, US | ||
| AquaSplash-Fast-Acting Nanotech Water Purification S. Mandal, Texas State University, US | ||
| AI-Driven PFAS Discovery for Manufacturing Materials and Suppliers J. Yu, EcoPulse, Inc., US | ||
| 1:30 | SBIR Session: Navigating SBIR/STTR Agency Differences | RCC 306A |
| 1:30 | Bio in Space Innovation Challenge | RCC 303 |
| Session chair: Laura Murphree, TechConnect Division, ATI | ||
| Review Panelist S. Herschede, Varda Space Industries, US | ||
| Review Panelist S. Giza, Space Tago, US | ||
| Review Panelist S. Gerges, Blue Origin, US | ||
| Review Panelist J. Yang, DMV Bio, US | ||
| Review Panelist M. Mulligan, Space MD, US | ||
| Review Panelist L. Foster, Z-Field Technologies, US | ||
| Microgravity Produced Organoids for Accelerated Regenerative Therapies Prometheus Life Technologies, CH | ||
| Microgravity-Optimized Janus Base Nanoparticles (JBNps) Eascra Biotech, US | ||
| Parkinson’s Drug Discovery with Olfactory Brain-on-Chip on Earth and in Microgravity Olfera, US | ||
| Arbimus RI – Trust Layer for Space Biological Data Analysis & Anomaly Detection Arbimus Corporation, US | ||
| Recyclable Antimicrobial Polymers for In-Space Medical Manufacturing JZU Scientific and Technical Consulting LLC, US | ||
| Advanced Biomaterials for Muscle Regeneration GenAssist, Inc., US | ||
| ScenarioLab: Multi-Domain Simulation Platform for Space Biology Research Symbio Holdings LLC, US | ||
| Project Caduceus - Neuroendocrine Stimulation Platform to Inhibit Muscle Atrophy and Bone Loss Processes in Microgravity or Austere Environments Skybound Medtech, US | ||
| Orbital High Throughput Screening Platform Exobiosphere, Inc., US | ||
| SequestOne™: Predicting Cancer Outcomes Through Cellular Aging, From Microgravity to Earth SequestBio, US | ||
| 1:30 | Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Innovation Challenge | Marriott State B |
| Session chair: Jonathan Jakischa, TechConnect Division, ATI | ||
| Review Panelist L. Shepherd, Cornell University, US | ||
| Review Panelist T. He, Edwards Lifesciences, US | ||
| Review Panelist A. Stoltzfus, Consultant, US | ||
| Review Panelist N. Melillo, ATI, US | ||
| Review Panelist R. Santiago, ATI, US | ||
| Advanced Fibers to Improve Space Access and Hypersonic Vehicles HeetShield, Inc., US | ||
| Smart Heated Military Base Layer for Cold-Induced Thermal and Musculoskeletal Stress Recovery Wilson College of Textiles, NCSU, US | ||
| Energy-Storing Exotendon Footwear Fabric Motive Labs, US | ||
| Oya: Advanced Antimicrobial and Diagnostic Tactical Base Layers Oya Apparel, US | ||
| Hybrid Flexible Ballistic Protection Textile Systems for Counter UAS Tactical Level Missions Salubrium Aegis, US | ||
| Seamlessly Knitted Multimodal Textiles for Warfighter State Monitoring in Deployed Environments University of Washington, US | ||
| Domestically Produced Advanced Polyurethane-Coated Textiles Algenesis Corporation, US | ||
| Advanced Drop Stitch Inflatable Structures PacMar Technologies, US | ||
| Vega™ 3D Weaving UNSPUN, US | ||
| Fiber-Based Barcodes for Durable, Digital Traceability of Protective Equipment Fibarcode, US | ||
| 2:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: AI and Digital Transformation II | RCC 305A |
| Session chair: Sonia Vohnout, OppsSpot | ||
| Review Panelist M. Hetrich, ABB, US | ||
| Review Panelist S. Vohnout, OppsSpot, US | ||
| Review Panelist M. McKee, New Ventures and Partnerships, University of North Carolina, US | ||
| Review Panelist L. Foster, Z-Field Technologies, US | ||
| Photonic Chiplets for AI DataCenter Interconnects M. Shahine, Wiconnect Global Corp, US | ||
| AI-driven vision system for safety monitoring of human-robot collaboration T. Yahia, Center for Intelligent Metrology & Sensing, US | ||
| A Facility Management Digital Twin Software Platform K. Mobasher, Power Theory INC., US | ||
| Voice-based Impairment Management R. Seiilova-Olson, Tenvos Inc., US | ||
| IDCommand Tactical: ZTA-Compliant, PQC-Secured, Local Authentication Capabilities from the Enterprise to the Disconnected Edge S. Moorhead, Lastwall, US | ||
| Sotaog S. Tamilarasan, Sotaog, US | ||
| 2:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Energy and Sustainability II | RCC 305B |
| Session chair: Emma Mooney, TechConnect Division, ATI | ||
| Review Panelist J. Caley, U.S. Navy Operational Energy, US | ||
| Review Panelist L. Wilhelm, U.S. Navy Operational Energy, US | ||
| Review Panelist Q. Holyfield (invited), ATI, US | ||
| Review Panelist E. Armstrong, Naval Operational Energy Office, US | ||
| Review Panelist B. Burton, North Carolina Military Business Center, US | ||
| Review Panelist K. Mish, Abbott On Call, US | ||
| Engineered amorphous aerogel catalysts for supercharged electrochemical processes A. Kent, M1 Catalysts, Inc., US | ||
| Direct Salt-to-Anode Manufacturing for Fully Domestic High-Energy Lithium Metal Batteries S. Esarey, Alpha-En Corporation, US | ||
| A next-generation solid-state hydrogen cell that protects itself from steam corrosion L. Xingbo, West Virginia University, US | ||
| Chargeable Hybrid Flexible Ballistic Protection Battery Systems for Individual Warrior Power Consolidation A. Kuntz, Salubrium Aegis, US | ||
| Organic SolidFlow battery G. Damato, CMBlu Energy, Inc., US | ||
| A High Performance membrane electrolyte for Solid State Lithium-ion Batteries H. Rathnayake, BRIGHT Institute, US | ||
| 2:30 | SBIR Session: Finding Help - Getting Started | RCC 306A |
| 3:15 | SBIR Session: Agency Differences - Focus on Evaluation | RCC 306A |
| 3:30 | Manufacturing USA Institutes: A Partner for Catalyzing Innovation Coast to Coast | RCC 305A |
| K. Rogers, Office of Advanced Manufacturing, NIST, US | ||
| S. Stolyarov, AFFOA, US | ||
| 4:00 | Bio in Space Innovation Challenge-Winners Announced | RCC 303 |
| Session chair: Laura Murphree, TechConnect Division, ATI | ||
| 4:00 | TechConnect World Expo, Technical Poster Session I, and Expo Social (4:00 - 6:00) | Expo Hall AB |
| 4:00 | SBIR/STTR Pavilion Reception | Expo Hall AB |
Wednesday March 11 | ||
| 8:30 | TechConnect World Innovation Conference - Business Keynotes | RCC Ballroom B |
| Session chair: Jennifer Rocha, TechConnect Division, ATI, US | ||
| Reinventing Workplace Safety Through Technology P. DeBaylo, National Safety Council (NSC), US | ||
| DOE and EPIC Prize Challenge TBA, Department of Energy, US | ||
| LEAN Power, US | ||
| J. Williams, SBIRC, US | ||
| 9:30 | DOE EPIC Prize Challenge Pitch Competition | RCC 305B |
| CurrentEdge Power Semiconductor LLC , US | ||
| Eden GeoPower Inc., US | ||
| Found Energy , US | ||
| Lukera Energy Corporation , US | ||
| Modal Motors, Inc. , US | ||
| Sensible Photonics, Inc. , US | ||
| 9:30 | LEAN Power and EMC2 Industry Day (open to all conference attendees) | RCC 201 |
| Operational Energy, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Energy, US | ||
| Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division, US | ||
| ATI, US | ||
| 9:30 | Reducing Injuries in Small Businesses: Program Implementation and Technology Readiness | RCC 305A |
| P. DeBaylo, National Safety Council (NSC), US | ||
| H. Everett, National Safety Council (NSC), US | ||
| M. Law, National Safety Council (NSC), US | ||
| 9:30 | SBIR Session V | RCC 306A |
| 10:30 | Bio in Space Symposium - There and Back Again: Understanding Pathways to Orbit and the Operational Rresources in LEO | RCC 303 |
| Session chair: Jonathan Jakischa, TechConnect Division, ATI | ||
| Panelist S. Giza, Space Tango, US | ||
| Panelist S. Gerges, Blue Origin, US | ||
| Panelist M. Roberts, International Space Station National Laboratory, US | ||
| Panelist T. Morris, Kall Morris Inc., US | ||
| Panelist M. Mulligan, Space MD, US | ||
| 10:30 | SBIR Session: Small Business Success Stories | RCC 306A |
| 10:30 | DARPA Session (invited) | RCC 305A |
| 11:30 | SBIR Session: Commercializing Your SBIR-funded Technology: Federal Programs | RCC 306A |
| 11:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights Featuring MSD Prevention Challenge Finalists | RCC 305B |
| Session chair: John David, BryceTech | ||
| Review Panelist J. David, BryceTech, US | ||
| Review Panelist E. Pagani, External Partnerships, Duke University, US | ||
| Review Panelist D. Ousterout, Cape Fear BioCapital, US | ||
| Review Panelist R. Maikala, National Safety Council (NSC), US | ||
| Wearable Robotic System for the Knees to Reduce MSKI Roam Robotics, US | ||
| R-Link MSD Ideagen Reactec, US | ||
| AI-Powered Ergonomic Assessment Software Inseer, Inc., US | ||
| ErgonSense: Personalized Wearable System to Monitor Spinal Health and Prevent MSD Clemson University, US | ||
| Wearable Hardware Safety System to Identify Hazards and Predict and Prevent Workplace Accidents IntelliSafe Analytics LLC, US | ||
| Safetizen Aatral , US | ||
| 12:15 | Lunch Break | On own |
| 1:00 | TechConnect World Expo and SBIR/STTR Pavilion Open | Expo Hall AB |
| 1:15 | SBIR Session: Navigating SBIR Government Phase IIIs | RCC 306A |
| 1:30 | U.S. National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing Town Hall | RCC 304 |
| Session chair: Mike Molnar, Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office, NIST | ||
| This town hall event will gather information from conference participants for the 2026 – 2030 National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing, which guides Federal efforts to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing. The plan is revised every four years to provide new federal priorities in advanced manufacturing research and development, aiming to create jobs, boost economic growth across various sectors, and strengthen national security. This town hall session augments an online Request for Information (RFI), enabling participants to voice their views and catalyze deeper input into priority areas. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has posted the full set of questions in the Federal Register at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/20/2025-11379/notice-of-request-for-information-national-strategic-plan-for-advanced-manufacturing | ||
| 1:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Electronics and Microsystems | RCC 305A |
| Session chair: Jaipreet Bindra, University of Ottawa | ||
| Review Panelist A. Phillips, Wolfpack Investor Network (WIN), North Carolina State University, US | ||
| Review Panelist S. Vohnout, OppsSpot, US | ||
| Review Panelist J. Bindra, University of Ottawa, CA | ||
| Review Panelist B. Haji-saeed, BAE Systems, US | ||
| Review Panelist C. Sahu, ABB, US | ||
| Integrating Edge AI on Embedded Devices at Scale D. Meer, Atym Inc., US | ||
| Gallium Oxide for High Voltage Power Electronics H. Splawn, Kyma Technologies, Inc., US | ||
| TREBUCHET: A Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) Accelerator for Deep Computation M. French, USC, Information Sciences Institute, US | ||
| Holographic Volumetric Lithography L. Connolly, Texas Microsintering, US | ||
| Metasurface Sensors for Enhancing UAV Autonomy and Capabilities D. Smith, Metacept, Inc., US | ||
| DiaDEM: A Digital Discovery Platform for Organic Electronic Materials O. Omar, Apoello Limited, UK | ||
| 1:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials | RCC 305B |
| Session chair: Bart Romanowicz, TechConnect Division, ATI | ||
| Review Panelist S. Obare, Research and Engagement, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, US | ||
| Review Panelist B. Romanowicz, TechConnetc Division, ATI, US | ||
| Review Panelist J. Wong, REDDS Capital, US | ||
| Review Panelist G. Garland, Office of the Vice Chancellor of Research Development, North Carolina State University, US | ||
| Review Panelist P. Fisher, Greenville ENC Alliance, US | ||
| MetaXLab - Integrated Design-to-Manufacturing Platform (SaaS) L. Mirmomen, 360 Degree Engineering LLC (DBA:Optimuos), US | ||
| BactiBlank (Anti‑adhesive, antibiotic‑free shield) P. Nallathamby, Berthiaume Institute for Precision Health at the Unviersity of Notre Dame, US | ||
| Biobased Two Part Adhesive-Metal to Metal, Glass to Glass, Wood to Wood, and Any Combination of Surfaces M. McConnaughey, BioBond Adhesives, Inc., US | ||
| Direct writing solution for semiconductor fabrication R. Beaudry, Digitho Technologies inc., CA | ||
| Submerged Cure, Composite Patch for Hull Restoration E. Andrew, Materials Sciences, US | ||
| Transforming Agricultural Waste into High-Performance, Biodegradable, and PFAS-Free Advanced Materials R. Saremi, Ecoatex, US | ||
| 2:15 | SBIR Session: Working with Defense Primes | RCC 306A |
| 2:30 | Future‑Ready by Design: How the FBI Builds Continuous Innovation | RCC 305A |
| 2:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials and Manufacturing | RCC 305B |
| Session chair: Bart Romanowicz, TechConnect Division, ATI | ||
| Review Panelist P. Fisher, Greenville ENC Alliance, US | ||
| Review Panelist E. Runge, Launch Chapel Hill, US | ||
| Review Panelist J. Hardin, North Carolina Department of Commerce, US | ||
| Review Panelist G. Garland, Office of the Vice Chancellor of Research Development, North Carolina State University, US | ||
| Review Panelist P. Datta, Evonik, US | ||
| Review Panelist A. Giska, Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), North Carolina, US | ||
| Shipboard Modular Testing System (SMTS) N. Rudenko, Materials Sciences, US | ||
| Nanocoining for highly scalable nanopatterning S. Furst, Smart Material Solutions, LLC, US | ||
| Infiltration-Free ceramic matrix composite J. Wei, SRI International, US | ||
| Advanced Electromagnetic Wave Absorption (EWA) Materials for Stealth and Defense Technology H.M. Duong, Mekong University, SG | ||
| Rapid Expeditionary Biomineralization for Enhanced Land Stabilization (REBELS) H. Binde, BioSqueeze Inc., US | ||
| Adaptive “Chameleon” Coatings to Enable Multi-Environment Space-Ambient Functionality D. Berman, University of North Texas, US | ||
| 3:15 | SBIR Session: Crossing over from one Agency to Another | RCC 306A |
| 3:30 | DOE EPIC Prize Challenge Winner Announcement | RCC 305B |
| 4:00 | TechConnect World Expo, Technical Poster Session II, and Expo Social (4:00 - 6:00) | Expo Hall AB |
| 4:00 | SBIR/STTR Pavilion Reception | Expo Hall AB |
Thursday March 12 | ||
| 8:30 | SBIR/STTR Innovator Training Workshop 8:30am-4:30pm (Additional Registration Required) | RCC 201 |
| 9:00 | SBIR/STTR Session TBA | RCC 305B |
| 9:00 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials, AI, Biotech, and Defense | RCC 305A |
| Session chair: Jonathan Jakischa, TechConnect Division, ATI | ||
| Review Panelist E. Runge, Launch Chapel Hill, US | ||
| Review Panelist J. Hardin, North Carolina Department of Commerce, US | ||
| Review Panelist J. Bindra, University of Ottawa, CA | ||
| Review Panelist S. Vohnout, OppsSpot, US | ||
| Review Panelist O. Buchan, Lockheed Martin, US | ||
| Durable, Non-Wetting Surface Solutions K. Nithyanandam, Impact Innovations LLC, US | ||
| Plasmonic Cooling for Spacecraft Components Through Ultrafast Laser Surface Structuring K. Campbell, Quantum Qool, US | ||
| The Vision-to-Motion (V2M) Engine A. Sharotry, Texas State University, US | ||
| Fungal Sphaeropsidin A for Refractory Cancer A. Kornienko, Texas State University, US | ||
| Rare-Earth-Free Magnets Via Field Assisted 3D Printing P. Karkhanis, Texas State University-San Marcos, US | ||
| Smart Catheter M. Keelen, Tessefi Medical Solutions, US | ||
| 9:00 | TechConnect Horizons Workforce Development Program, Supporting Emerging Technology Manufacturing Workforce and Development | Marriott State C |
| Session chair: Jared Ashcroft, Pasadena City College | ||
| Digital Twin and AI (DTAI) Based Training Content Capture, Creation, and Customization Skills Lab for All A. Ahmadi, Mercer County Community College, US | ||
| 10:00 | TechConnect Horizons Workforce Development Program, Supporting Emerging Technology Manufacturing Workforce and Development | Marriott Chancellor |
| Session chair: Jared Ashcroft, Pasadena City College | ||
| VR/AR Session for Semiconductor Manufacturing Educational Tools | ||
| 10:00 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials, AI, Biotech, and Defense | RCC 305A |
| Session chair: Emma Mooney, TechConnect Division, ATI | ||
| Review Panelist D. Horn, Greenville ENC Alliance, US | ||
| Review Panelist S. Davis, NCInnovation, US | ||
| Review Panelist M. Fiscus, NCInnovation, US | ||
| Review Panelist A. Monteza, North Carolina State University, US | ||
| Review Panelist D. Putnam, Town of Chapel Hill, US | ||
| Review Panelist J. Bowers, Lockheed Martin, US | ||
| Safer, Extreme Temperature Tolerant, Sodium-Ion Batteries for Military Microgrid Applications T. Vosburgh, Coulomb Technology, Inc., US | ||
| Advanced thermal technology T. Sehnem, Innovative Thermal Labs, Inc., US | ||
| Novel, Transformative Neurosensing Materials R. Cooley, Nuream, Inc, US | ||
| Fibrosis-preventing, vascularizing, non-degrading materials for implantable device encapsulation K. Papas, Procyon Technologies, US | ||
| GENESIS: A Fully Distributed Self Organizing Agentic Framework J. Upchurch, Real-Time Innovations, US | ||
| LATCHES (Large-Area Transactive Cooling & Heat Energy Storage) S. Birch, ThermoVerse, US | ||
| AI-Powered Fiber Composition Identification R. Geppert, Refiberd, US | ||
| 10:00 | SBIR/STTR Session TBA | RCC 305B |
| 11:00 | SBA (Private Meeting) | RCC 305B |
| 12:00 | Lunch Break | On own |
| 1:15 | Critical Materials - Workshop (open to all conference attendees) | Marriott State D |
| Session chair: Santa Jansone Popova, Oak Ridge National Laboratory | ||
| Rare Earths and Permanent Magnets: TEA, Life Cycle, and Supply Chain B.J. Smith, Argonne National Laboratory, US | ||
| From Mine to Concentrate: Extraction, Processing, and Separation C. Anderson, Colorado School of Mines, US | ||
| Rare Earth Separation Technologies: History, Progress, and Current Practice S. Jansone Popova, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US | ||
| Turning Waste into Resource: Secondary and Unconventional Feedstocks A. Fritz, National Energy Technology Laboratory, US | ||
| Permanent Magnets: From Fundamentals to Recycling A. Palasyuk, Ames National Laboratory, US | ||
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