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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 | ||
| 8:15 | TechConnect World Innovation Conference - Plenary Keynotes | |
| 10:00 | Coffee Breaks 10:00AM-11:00AM | |
| 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 | 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 | |
| 1:00 | TechConnect World Expo and SBIR/STTR Pavilion Open | |
| 1:15 | SBIR Session: Finding Help - Getting Started | |
| 1:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: AI and Digital Transformation I | |
| 1:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Energy and Sustainability I | |
| 1:30 | Bio in Space Innovation Challenge | |
| 1:30 | Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Innovation Challenge | |
| 2:15 | SBIR Session: Small Business Success Stories | |
| 2:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: AI and Digital Transformation II | |
| 2:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights: Energy and Sustainability II | |
| 3:15 | SBIR Session: Investment for Deep Tech Development | |
| 3:30 | Mission-Makers: How Small Business Innovation Fuels the DoW | |
| 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 | |
| 9:00 | Coffee Breaks 9:00AM-10:00AM | |
| 9:30 | DOE Office of Technology Commercialization’s EPIC Pitch Competition | |
| 9:30 | LEAN Power and EMC² Industry Day (open to all conference attendees), 9:30AM-12:00PM | |
| 9:30 | Reducing Injuries in Small Businesses: Program Implementation and Technology Readiness | |
| 9:30 | SBIR Session: SBA Listening Session on SBIR/STTR Reauthorization | |
| 10:30 | SBIR Session: Commercializing Your SBIR-funded Technology: Federal Programs | |
| 10:30 | Bio in Space Symposium - There and Back Again: Understanding Pathways to Orbit and the Operational Rresources in LEO | |
| 10:30 | Your Door to Defense Innovation: Navigating DARPA through DARPAConnect | |
| 11:30 | SBIR Session: The Future of DOE SBIR Program | |
| 11:30 | TechConnect Innovation Spotlights Featuring MSD Prevention Challenge Finalists | |
| 11:30 | Acquisition at the Speed of Innovation: How Solutions Marketplaces Provide Approachable Access to Acquisition | |
| 12:15 | Lunch Break | |
| 1:00 | TechConnect World Expo and SBIR/STTR Pavilion Open | |
| 1:15 | SBIR Session: Luck Favors the Prepared: Planning for Opportunities Ahead | |
| 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: Navigating SBIR Government Phase IIIs | |
| 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: Working with Defense Primes | |
| 3:30 | DOE EPIC Pitch Competition 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 | 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 | |
| 12:00 | Lunch Break | |
| 1:15 | Critical Materials - Workshop (open to all conference attendees) | |
2026 Detailed Program | ||
Tuesday March 10 | ||
| 8:15 | 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 W. Briggs, U.S. Small Business Administration, US | ||
| 10:00 | Coffee Breaks 10:00AM-11:00AM | Pre-Function Areas |
| 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 | 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 | ||
| 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 | ||
| Path to Phase 2 Clinical Trials of IV cP12 and of IV cNP8 for Deep Dermal Burns R. Clark, 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 O. Buchan, 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 | ||
| 1:00 | TechConnect World Expo and SBIR/STTR Pavilion Open | Expo Hall AB |
| 1:15 | SBIR Session: Finding Help - Getting Started | RCC 306A |
| Panel will highlight the various types of support available for innovators who are focused on commercializing their technology, support like assistance in applying for federal programs, competing for contracts, and market research and customer discovery. | ||
| Moderator R. O'Reilly Jones, SBA, US | ||
| Panelist H. Port, SBA, US | ||
| Panelist E. Gahl, Shadow Ridge (RIC), US | ||
| Panelist K. Covey, First Flight Ventures (NC FAST), US | ||
| Panelist C. Gutierrez, USPTO, US | ||
| 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 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 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 | Bio in Space Innovation Challenge | RCC 303 |
| Session chair: Katie Bornfleth, 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, BioOrbit, Inc., 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 | ||
| AI-Driven System to Predict Radiation Exposure for Astronauts University of South Florida, 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 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 | ||
| 2:15 | SBIR Session: Small Business Success Stories | RCC 306A |
| Panel will highlight small businesses that have used federal funds and other resources to further develop their technology and grow their business. | ||
| Moderator J. Shieh, US Small Business Administration, US | ||
| Panelist S. Scarneo, Eydis Bio Inc, US | ||
| Panelist B. Reynolds, Onda Vision Technologies, 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 H. Opoku, Boeing, 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 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 | ||
| MELLT & VITELiS C. Forney, Iowa State University Research Foundation, US | ||
| 3:15 | SBIR Session: Investment for Deep Tech Development | RCC 306A |
| Panel will highlight how small businesses can be investor ready and the role different types of capital play in business growth and technology development. | ||
| Moderator J. Howell, SBA, US | ||
| Panelist C. Lyerly Connell, Bull City Venture Partners, US | ||
| Panelist G. Brown, Institute for Private Capital, US | ||
| Panelist E. Boduch, 24 and Up, US | ||
| 3:30 | Mission-Makers: How Small Business Innovation Fuels the DoW | RCC 305B |
| Moderator J. Rocha, TechConnect Division, ATI, US | ||
| Panelist J. Thabet, DARPA, US | ||
| Panelist B. Shipley, Navy, US | ||
| Panelist H. Binde, BioSqueeze, US | ||
| 3:30 | Manufacturing USA Institutes: A Partner for Catalyzing Innovation Coast to Coast | RCC 305A |
| K. Rogers, NIST, US | ||
| S. Stolyarov, AFFOA, US | ||
| 4:00 | Bio in Space Innovation Challenge-Winners Announced | RCC 303 |
| Session chair: Katie Bornfleth, 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 |
| AFWERX, US | ||
| Army, US | ||
| DARPA, US | ||
| DMEA, US | ||
| MDA, US | ||
| NASA, US | ||
| Navy, US | ||
| NOAA, US | ||
| SpaceWERX, US | ||
| SBA, US | ||
| USPTO, US | ||
| Defense Counterintelligence and Security (DCSA), US | ||
| EPA, US | ||
| NSF, US | ||
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 OTC Fireside Chat A. Pugliese, U.S. Department of Energy, US | ||
| SBIR: Policy, Performance, and the Path Ahead J. Williams, SBIRC, US | ||
| 9:00 | Coffee Breaks 9:00AM-10:00AM | Pre-Function Areas |
| 9:30 | DOE Office of Technology Commercialization’s EPIC Pitch Competition | RCC 305B |
| Six energy tech startups will pitch their innovative technologies to compete for over $100,000 in cash prizes! The startups have six minutes each to pitch their tech, and winners will be announced in a session this afternoon. | ||
| Review Panelist B. Solomon, FedTech, US | ||
| Review Panelist L. Chang, NC State University, US | ||
| Review Panelist Z. Williams, NC State University, US | ||
| 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), 9:30AM-12:00PM | RCC 201 |
| Welcome and Introductions J. Caley, Operational Energy, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Energy, US | ||
| Welcome and Introductions L. Wilhelm, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (RDT&E), US | ||
| EMC² - LEAN Overview B. Roush, Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division, US | ||
| EMC² - LEAN Overview Q. Holyfield, ATI, US | ||
| EMC² - LEAN Overview A. Kluesner, Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division, US | ||
| RFI Topic "Battery Test Facility" J. Leonard, Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division, US | ||
| RFI Topic “Autonomous Systems to Reduce Risk Warfighters Encounter” L. Buechler, Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division, US | ||
| RFI Topic “MK34/MK48 Gun Weapon System Electro Optic Sight Sensor (EOSS) Modernization” L. Buechler, Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division, US | ||
| RFI Topic “SENSEI Data Fusion Correlator” L. Buechler, Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division, US | ||
| RFS Topic “Improved Tactical Aviation Armaments System (ITAAS)” L. Buechler, Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division, US | ||
| RFS Topic “Drone Killer Cartridge” L. Buechler, Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division, US | ||
| RFS Topic “Wargaming” L. Wilhelm, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (RDT&E), US | ||
| Broad Request for Solutions: Advanced Battery Technology J. Leonard, Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division, US | ||
| Broad Request for Solutions: Advanced Battery Technology L. Wilhelm, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (RDT&E), US | ||
| Broad Request for Solutions: Contested Logistics L. Wilhelm, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (RDT&E), US | ||
| Broad Request for Solutions: Supply Chain L. Wilhelm, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (RDT&E), US | ||
| Audience Q&A | ||
| 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: SBA Listening Session on SBIR/STTR Reauthorization | RCC 306A |
| G. Lind, SBA, US | ||
| J. Shieh, SBA, US | ||
| 10:30 | SBIR Session: Commercializing Your SBIR-funded Technology: Federal Programs | RCC 306A |
| Panel will discuss programs that can support a small business's transition to development and production and what to do to better position yourself for assistance. | ||
| Moderator G. Lind, SBA, US | ||
| Panelist V. Pande, SpaceWERX, US | ||
| Panelist L. Torres, NASA, US | ||
| Panelist L. Crumpton-Young, NSF, US | ||
| Panelist S. Soucek, NIH NIEHS, US | ||
| 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 | ||
| Panelist K. Shields, VAST, US | ||
| 10:30 | Your Door to Defense Innovation: Navigating DARPA through DARPAConnect | RCC 305A |
| J. Thabet, DARPA, US | ||
| J. Resig, Applied Research Institute, US | ||
| 11:30 | SBIR Session: The Future of DOE SBIR Program | RCC 306A |
| Panel will bring together DOE leadership and key commercialization partners to discuss how the Department of Energy’s SBIR program is evolving under the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) and what that means in practice for small businesses. | ||
| Moderator J. Shieh, SBA, US | ||
| Panelist F. Salomone, DOE, US | ||
| Panelist A. Pugliese, DOE, US | ||
| Panelist M. Yamada, DOE, US | ||
| 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 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 | ||
| 11:30 | Acquisition at the Speed of Innovation: How Solutions Marketplaces Provide Approachable Access to Acquisition | RCC 305A |
| Explore how solutions marketplaces like DARPA’s Expedited Research Innovation System (ERIS), CDAO’s Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace, and more are dramatically improving acquisition speed over traditional methods and reducing barriers to entry by connecting mission needs with industry-driven solutions. This session explores how commercial-like approaches like a simple 5–7-minute video pitch provide approachable access to acquisition, allowing both government and industry to modernize the acquisition experience and deliver capabilities at the speed of innovation. | ||
| J. Thabet, DARPA, US | ||
| J. Preisser, Applied Research Institute, US | ||
| J. Resig, Applied Research Institute, US | ||
| 12:15 | Lunch Break | On own |
| 1:00 | TechConnect World Expo and SBIR/STTR Pavilion Open | Expo Hall AB |
| 1:15 | SBIR Session: Luck Favors the Prepared: Planning for Opportunities Ahead | RCC 306A |
| Panel will discuss how small businesses can position themselves and their technology to serve both government and commercial customers and how to navigate various agencies and large organizations. | ||
| Moderator A. Evans, SBA, US | ||
| Panelist R. Brooke, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), US | ||
| Panelist W. Larsen, Arizona Commerce Authority, US | ||
| Panelist J. Waller, Arrowhead Center, US | ||
| Panelist S. Whitson, Wichita State University, US | ||
| 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 | ||
| Review Panelist H. Opoku, Boeing, US | ||
| Gallium Oxide for High Voltage Power Electronics H. Splawn, Kyma Technologies, Inc., US | ||
| Integrating Edge AI on Embedded Devices at Scale D. Meer, Atym 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: Navigating SBIR Government Phase IIIs | RCC 306A |
| Panel will discuss how Phase III enables SBIR/STTR-funded projects to access sole source contracting opportunities and the keys to a successful SBIR/STTR journey and Phase III success. | ||
| Panelist J. Calbert, Space and Missile Defense Command, US | ||
| Panelist N. Fox, Army, US | ||
| Panelist V. Pande, SpaceWERX, US | ||
| Panelist B. Shipley, Navy, US | ||
| 2:30 | Future‑Ready by Design: How the FBI Builds Continuous Innovation | RCC 305A |
| S. Anderson, FBI, US | ||
| K. Schiliro, FBI, US | ||
| M. Sherrill, FBI, US | ||
| P. Ahearn Jr., FBI, US | ||
| A. Pathak, FBI, US | ||
| 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 | ||
| Hexavalent Platinum Single-Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical C-N Coupling C. Forney, Iowa State University Research Foundation, US | ||
| 3:15 | SBIR Session: Working with Defense Primes | RCC 306A |
| Panel will include representatives from defense prime contractors and discuss how they work with small businesses. | ||
| Moderator J. Thabet, DARPA, US | ||
| Panelist H. Opoku, Boeing, US | ||
| Panelist C. Owens, Lockheed Martin, US | ||
| Panelist T. Clement, Raytheon, US | ||
| Panelist B. Haji-Saeed, BAE Systems, US | ||
| 3:30 | DOE EPIC Pitch Competition Winner Announcement | RCC 305B |
| Find out which competitors from the morning pitch competition will walk away with a piece of the prize pool worth over $100,000. Watch the winners receive their big checks, including $50,000 for first place from the Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC)! | ||
| 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 |
| AFWERX, US | ||
| Army, US | ||
| DARPA, US | ||
| DMEA, US | ||
| MDA, US | ||
| NASA, US | ||
| Navy, US | ||
| NOAA, US | ||
| SpaceWERX, US | ||
| SBA, US | ||
| USPTO, US | ||
| Defense Counterintelligence and Security (DCSA), US | ||
| EPA, US | ||
| NSF, US | ||
Thursday March 12 | ||
| 8:30 | SBIR/STTR Innovator Training Workshop 8:30am-4:30pm (Additional Registration Required) | RCC 306A |
| 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 C. Owens, Lockheed Martin, US | ||
| Review Panelist D. Brown, Boeing, 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 | ||
| AI-powered robotic platform for cell culture automation B. Li, Whelix, 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 | ||
| Safer, Extreme Temperature Tolerant, Sodium-Ion Batteries for Military Microgrid Applications T. Vosburgh, Coulomb Technology, 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 | ||
| ENgraft: A bioabsorable bone graft M. Khandaker, ENF Medical, LLC, US | ||
| 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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