After the presentation of colors and National Anthem, join us for keynotes featuring defense, SBIR investment, and SBA Leadership

Learn the basics about the SBIR/STTR Program

Agencies to provide overviews and general funding areas of interest.

Visit with SBIR/STTR Federal Agencies

Visit with over 20 SBIR/STTR Federal Agencies to discuss funding opportunities for small businesses and universities

The inaugural Drone Dominance Innovation Challenge, sponsored by VLC and ATI, features breakthrough innovations with a focus on operational utility, scalability, and rapid deployment. The top 3 ranked innovators will share a prize of $50K.

This panel discussion will focus on the best practices for safely, reliably, and resiliently running AI/ML models in a critical production environment. Learn what questions you should be asking in order to best prepare yourself for operating your models on a live, continuous basis. From technical aspects such as understanding how to measure and detect model drift over time, to organizational challenges like integrating the model analysis results and awareness of key AI security and operational risks into your existing business processes, you will discover key strategies to successfully operationalize your AI/ML models.

Visit with over 20 SBIR/STTR Federal Agencies to discuss funding opportunities for small businesses and universities

The inaugural Drone Dominance Innovation Challenge, sponsored by VLC and ATI, features breakthrough innovations with a focus on operational utility, scalability, and rapid deployment. The top 3 ranked innovators will share a prize of $50K. Join us as we announce the top 3 award winners!

Visit with over 20 SBIR/STTR Federal Agencies to discuss funding opportunities for small businesses and universities

Sponsored by Idaho National Laboratory and RISE Consortium, view the posters and raise a glass to the poster presenters!

Participants in the Workshop will leave with an understanding of the requirements and knowledge of and access to tools that they can use to meet the obligations to protect the DoD information they will either receive or generate as part of the SBIR process.

The Defense TechConnect(DTC) Innovation Spotlights are designed to accelerate private-sector and defense-sourced technology solutions aligned with warfighter and national security problem-sets.

Join experts from Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and industry for a dynamic, facilitated workshop designed to help energy and utility asset owners navigate the complex landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. This session combines structured discussion with a hands-on AI Adoption Workbook to guide participants through evaluating the benefits, risks, and readiness factors associated with integrating AI into operational environments. Participants will explore real-world use cases and challenges in AI deployment across the energy sector; use a structured workbook to assess organizational readiness, risk tolerance, and strategic alignment; engage in open dialogue with peers and facilitators to share insights, concerns, and best practices; leave with actionable steps and a clearer understanding of how to move forward with AI responsibly and effectively. Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or are actively implementing solutions, this workshop offers a collaborative space to learn, reflect, and plan.