Innovation Business

TechConnect Innovation Business Program Coming Soon!

Back to Top ↑ 2026 Sessions
	Tuesday March 10
8:30	TechConnect World Innovation Conference - Plenary Keynotes
10:30	Bio In Space Symposium
10:30	TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Biotech & Medical I
10:30	SBIR Session I
10:30	Supporting the Translation of Research-based Technologies to Products
11:30	Bio In Space Symposium
11:30	TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Biotech & Medical II
11:30	TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Space, Defense, and Mobility
11:30	SBIR Session II
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 III
1:30	Bio In Space Innovation Challenge
1:30	Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Innovation Challenge
2:30	TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: AI and Digital Transformation I
2:30	TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Energy and Sustainability II
2:30	SBIR Session IV
3:30	Manufacturing USA Institutes: A Funding and Partner Catalyst for Fostering 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	LEAN Power and EMC2 Industry Day
9:30	DOE EPIC Prize Challenge Pitch Competition
9:30	National Safety Council (NSC) Session (invited)
9:30	SBIR Session V
10:30	Bio In Space Symposium
10:30	SBIR Session VI
10:30	TechConnect Innovation Spotlight
10:30	DARPA Session (invited)
11:30	SBIR Session VII
11:30	TechConnect Business Session TBA
12:15	Lunch Break
1:00	TechConnect World Expo and SBIR/STTR Pavilion Open
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
1:30	SBIR Session VIII
1:30	LEAN Power and EMC2 Member Only Meeting
2:30	Future‑Ready by Design: How the FBI Builds Continuous Innovation
2:30	TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
2:30	SBIR Session IX
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	TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials, AI, Biotech, and Defense
9:00	Pathfinder Workforce Development Program, Supporting Emerging Technology Manufacturing Workforce and Development
10:00	Pathfinder Workforce Development Program, Supporting Emerging Technology Manufacturing Workforce and Development
12:00	Lunch Break
1:15	Critical Materials - Workshop (open to all conference attendees)

2026 Detailed Program
	Tuesday March 10

8:30	TechConnect World Innovation Conference - Plenary Keynotes
	Session chair: Jennifer Rocha, Dalia Yablon, Matthew Laudon, TechConnect Division, ATI, US
	Architecting the Future with Silicon Carbide: A Platform for Power, Intelligence, and Immersion E. Balkas, Wolfspeed, US
	Quantum Computing 101: Foundations, Frontiers, and Future Impact W. Oliver, MIT, US
	Lightweighting with single crystal graphene, and new routes to growing diamonds R. Ruoff, Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology, KR
	SBIR/STTR Keynote TBA, U.S. Small Business Administration, US

10:30	Bio In Space Symposium
	Session chair: Jonathan Jakischa, TechConnect Division, ATI

10:30	TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Biotech & Medical I
	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
	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 I

10:30	Supporting the Translation of Research-based Technologies to Products
	Session chair: Christine Galib, Princeton University & Alex Norman, Princeton University
	NASA’s University Collaborations and Their Effects on Its Mission, Technical Excellence, and Workforce J.S. McCabe, NASA Johnson Space Center, US
	Research Triangle Innovation Sphere J. Jur, NC Dept of Commerce, US
	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

11:30	Bio In Space Symposium
	Session chair: Jonathan Jakischa, TechConnect Division, ATI

11:30	TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Biotech & Medical II
	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
	Session chair: Jennifer Rocha, TechConnect Division, ATI
	Review Panelist R. Julian, HOKA Ventures, US
	Review Panelist C. Owens, Lockheed Martin, US
	Review Panelist S. Scharf (invited), BAE Systems, US
	Review Panelist S. Obare, Research and Engagement, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 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 II

1:00	TechConnect World Expo and SBIR/STTR Pavilion Open

1:30	TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: AI and Digital Transformation I
	Session chair: Sonia Vohnout, OppsSpot
	Review Panelist M. Hetrick, 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
	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
	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 TBA, NSWC Crane, US
	Review Panelist E. Armstrong, Naval Operational Energy Office, 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 D. Messenger, 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
	PFAS AI J. Yu, EcoPulse, Inc., US

1:30	SBIR Session III

1:30	Bio In Space Innovation Challenge
	Session chair: Laura Murphree, TechConnect Division, ATI

1:30	Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Innovation Challenge
	Session chair: Jonathan Jakischa, TechConnect Division, ATI

2:30	TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: AI and Digital Transformation I
	Session chair: Sonia Vohnout, OppsSpot
	Review Panelist M. Hetrick, 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
	VerifAI: Quality Inspector’s AI Companion L. Bhat, iZen ai, Inc., 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
	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 TBA, NSWC Crane, US
	Review Panelist E. Armstrong, Naval Operational Energy Office, 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 IV

3:30	Manufacturing USA Institutes: A Funding and Partner Catalyst for Fostering Innovation Coast to Coast

4:00	Bio In Space Innovation Challenge-Winners Announced
	Session chair: Laura Murphree, TechConnect Division, ATI

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
	Session chair: Jennifer Rocha, TechConnect Division, ATI, US
	National Safety Council (NSC), US
	DOE EPIC Prize Challenge, US
	LEAN Power, US

9:30	LEAN Power and EMC2 Industry Day
	Operational Energy, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Energy, US
	Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division, US
	ATI, US

9:30	DOE EPIC Prize Challenge Pitch Competition

9:30	National Safety Council (NSC) Session (invited)

9:30	SBIR Session V

10:30	Bio In Space Symposium
	Session chair: Jonathan Jakischa, TechConnect Division, ATI

10:30	SBIR Session VI

10:30	TechConnect Innovation Spotlight

10:30	DARPA Session (invited)

11:30	SBIR Session VII

11:30	TechConnect Business Session TBA

12:15	Lunch Break	On own

1:00	TechConnect World Expo and SBIR/STTR Pavilion Open

1:30	U.S. National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing Town Hall

1:30	TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Electronics and Microsystems
	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 S. Scharf (invited), BAE Systems, 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
	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. Bindra, University of Ottawa, CA
	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

1:30	SBIR Session VIII

1:30	LEAN Power and EMC2 Member Only Meeting
	Operational Energy, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Energy, US
	Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division, US
	ATI, US

2:30	Future‑Ready by Design: How the FBI Builds Continuous Innovation

2:30	TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
	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 C. Sahu, ABB, 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

2:30	SBIR Session IX

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	TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Advanced Materials, AI, Biotech, and Defense
	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
	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

9:00	Pathfinder Workforce Development Program, Supporting Emerging Technology Manufacturing Workforce and Development
	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	Pathfinder Workforce Development Program, Supporting Emerging Technology Manufacturing Workforce and Development
	Session chair: Jared Ashcroft, Pasadena City College
	VR/AR Session for Semiconductor Manufacturing Educational Tools

12:00	Lunch Break	On own

1:15	Critical Materials - Workshop (open to all conference attendees)
	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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TechConnect Innovation Business Program Coming Soon!

2026 Sessions

Tuesday March 10

Wednesday March 11

Thursday March 12

2026 Detailed Program

Tuesday March 10

Wednesday March 11

Thursday March 12

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