SBIR FALL Innovation Conference

SEPTEMBER 22-24, 2026  |  NATIONAL HARBOR, MD
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  Detailed Program  



TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026


7:00 AM
Woodrow Wilson Lobby 

Defense TechConnect Summit: Registration


7:30 AM
Woodrow Wilson Lobby 

Defense TechConnect Summit, SBIR/STTR Innovation Summit, and Resilience Week: Coffee and Networking


8:30 AM
Woodrow Wilson A 

Defense TechConnect Summit, Resilience Week, and SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference Keynotes

After the Presentation of Colors and National Anthem, join us for keynotes featuring defense, investment, energy resilience, and small business leadership.

Presentation of Colors
U.S. Air Force Honor Guard
National Anthem
Vocalist, U.S. Air Force Band
Welcome
Jennifer Rocha, Strategic Partnerships, TechConnect Division, ATI
Opening Remarks
Mica Dolan, President & CEO, Advanced Technology International (ATI)
OUSD R&E (invited)
Resilience Week Keynote
Pedro M. Allende, Under Secretary for Science and Technology, Department of Homeland Security
Fireside Chat with DARPA, Led by Jennifer Rocha, TechConnect Division, ATI
Jennifer Thabet, Office Director Small Business Programs Office, DARPA

10:00 AM
Woodrow Wilson Lobby and Baltimore Lobby 

Defense TechConnect Summit: Networking Coffee Break


10:30 AM
Wilson B 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: SBIR 101 and DOW SBIR Overview

New to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program? This session provides a foundational overview of how the programs work, who is eligible, and how funding can support research and commercialization. A great starting point for first-time applicants and those looking to better understand the programs.

Dr. Genevieve Lind, SBIR/STTR Program Manager, U.S. Small Business Administration
Gina Sims, Director, DoW Office for Small Business Innovation, DOW

11:05 AM
Wilson B 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: SBIR Agency Reverse Pitches

Learn how participating federal agencies use SBIR/STTR to advance innovation and address critical mission needs. Through lightning reverse pitches, agencies will share their priorities and opportunities for innovators.

Nicole Berry, SBIR Program Specialist, NIST
Gina Sims, Director, DoW Office for Small Business Innovation, DOW
Army
Navy
AFWERX
SOCOM
SpaceWERX
NSF
NIH/HHS
EPA
NASA
DHS
DOE
DARPA
DTRA
DHA
DLA
MDA
NOAA
NIST
USDA
US Department of Education
DCSA
USPTO

1:00 PM
Prince George's Hall B-C 

Defense TechConnect Summit: Defense TechConnect, MOSA, SBIR/STTR Pavillion and Smart Cities Expo Hall Opens (1:00PM-6:00PM)

Join us for day one in the exhibit hall, featuring over 200 exhibitors, SBIR/STTR Agency Pavillion, and Expo Theater


1:00 PM
Prince George's Hall B-C 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference Agency Pavilion Opens (1:00PM-6:00PM)

Visit with participaitng SBIR/STTR Federal Agencies and learn more about areas of interest for small businesses and universities.


1:00 PM
Woodrow Wilson Lobby and Baltimore Lobby 

Defense TechConnect Summit, SBIR/STTR Innovation Summit, and Resilience Week: Coffee and Networking


1:30 PM
Wilson B 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: Navigating Agency Differences

New to SBIR and STTR and not sure where to start? Join us for a discussion with SBIR/STTR program leaders as they share information about how to figure out which agencies might be a good fit for your innovation, discuss how to position yourself to apply, share nuances between granting and contracting agencies, and more!

Gina Sims, Director, DoW Office for Small Business Innovation, DOW
Kate Kvaternik, SBIR Program Manager, DOW
Lesia Crumpton-Young, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships Directorate, National Science Foundation

2:30 PM
Baltimore 3-4 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: Inside the Head of an Evaluator (DoW)

Tylar Temple, Deputy Director, DoW Office for Small Business Innovation
Obidon Bassinan, Navy
MDA
Vaibhav (VJ) Jain, DLA
Air Force

2:30 PM
Wilson B 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: Inside the Head of an Evaluator (Civilian Agencies)

Curious about what evaluators are looking for when reviewing SBIR and STTR submissions? Don't miss this session where Agency Program Managers will share insights into the evaluation process, common and avoidable mistakes, and tips on how to prepare a strong proposal.

Jacqueline Gray, SBIR Program Manager, National Institute of Standards and Technology

3:30 PM
Wilson B 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: Finding Help - Getting Started

Join us for a panel discussion with federal partners to learn about the various programs and organizations across the country available to help you navigate your SBIR/STTR journey. Learn how you can get support for applying to SBIR/STTR solicitations, protecting your intellectual property, competing for contracts, and so much more!

Elizabeth Jackson, Acting Director, Northeast Regional Outreach Office, USPTO
Nirav Rajpara, Economic Development Specialist, SBA DC District Office Representative

3:30 PM
Baltimore 3-4 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: Prototype to Production - Federal Programs for Transition and Production Advancement

SBIR/STTR-funded technologies already enhance our daily lives but getting a product made and into the hands of your customer is never easy. Join experts from across the federal government to learn about the programs and funding available to take your SBIR/STTR-technology from a prototype to a manufactured and sellable product.

Jennifer Shieh, Acting Director, Innovation, U.S. Small Business Administration
Chuck Wallace, Deputy & Execution Manager, APFIT
Nagesh Rao, Director (Acting) and Deputy Director, NIST

4:00 PM
Prince George's Hall B-C 

Defense TechConnect Summit: Defense TechConnect Summit, MOSA, SBIR/STTR Pavillion, and Smart Cities Expo Hall Reception

Raise a glass and network with attendees and exhibitors from all co-located events!


The poster session is strongly attended by both military and industry technology scouts seeking future solutions to their needs.


4:15 PM
Prince George's Hall B-C 

SBIR/STTR Pavilion Reception

Meet and greet with 25+ Agencies in the SBIR/STTR Pavilions.

DOW - AFWERX/Air Force
DOW - Army
DOW - DARPA
DoW - DCSA
DOW - DHA
DOW - DLA
DOW - DTRA
DOW - MDA
DOW - Navy
DOW - SOCOM
DOW - SpaceWERX
DHS
DOC - NIST
DOC - NOAA
DOE
DOT
ED
EPA
HHS
HHS - NIH
NASA
NSF
USDA
USPTO
SBA

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026


7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Woodrow Wilson Lobby 

Registration


8:30 AM
Woodrow Wilson A 

Defense TechConnect Summit: Defense, National Security and SBIR/STTR Keynotes

Join us for keynotes featuring defense, national security, and SBA leadership.

Welcome to Day Two
Jennifer Rocha, Strategic Partnerships, TechConnect Division, ATI
Hide in Plain Sight: Using Patent Secrecy Orders to Protect American Ingenuity and Preserve Commercial Advantage
John Squires, Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director, United States Patent and Trademark Office
Resilience Week Keynote
Andrew McClure, Director of the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), U.S. Department of Energy
SBIR/STTR Keynote
Joshua Carter, Associate Administrator, Office of Investment and Innovation, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
DOE Leadership Keynote
Anthony Pugliese, Director of the Office of Technology Commercialization and the Chief Commercialization Officer, U.S. Department of Energy
Small Business Keynote
John Williams, Executive Director, Small Business Innovation Research Consortium (SBIRC)

10:00 AM
Woodrow Wilson Lobby and Baltimore Lobby 

Networking Coffee Break


10:30 AM
Wilson B 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: Small Business Success Stories

Join us for an engaging discussion with SBIR/STTR-funded small businesses. Learn how they used federal funds and other resources to develop their technology and grow their business.


11:30 AM
Wilson B 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: Avoiding Deal Killers: Foreign Risk and Research Security

Before making an SBIR or STTR award, federal agencies must evaluate whether a small business presents a foreign threat or research security risk. Join us for a discussion with experts on how to protect your innovation from foreign influence or exploitation and avoid deal killers that could stand between you and SBIR/STTR funding.

Dr. Genevieve Lind, SBIR/STTR Program Manager, U.S. Small Business Administration
Tylar Temple, Deputy Director, DOW

1:00 PM
Prince George's Hall B-C 

Defense TechConnect Summit: Defense TechConnect Summit, MOSA, SBIR/STTR Pavillion and Smart Cities Expo Hall Opens (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

Join us for day two (final day) in the exhibit hall, featuring over 200 exhibitors, SBIR/STTR Agency Pavillion, and Expo Theater


1:00 PM
Woodrow Wilson Lobby and Baltimore Lobby 

Defense TechConnect Summit, SBIR/STTR Innovation Summit, and Resilience Week: Coffee and Networking


1:00 PM
Prince George's Hall B-C 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference Agency Pavilion Opens (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

Visit with 25+ participaitng SBIR/STTR Federal Agencies and learn more about areas of interest for small businesses and universities.


1:30 PM
Wilson B 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: Funding and Resources to Support your Commercialization Journey: Technical and Business Assistance

The 2026 SBIR/STTR Reauthorization brought big changes to Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) resources. Join us for a conversation with SBIR/STTR program officials and TABA experts to better understand how you can leverage TABA funding to overcome business and technical challenges and further your commercialization journey.

Ben Schrag, SBIR/STTR Program Director and Policy Liaison, National Science Foundation
Alison Evans, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration

2:30 PM
Wilson B 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: No Slides Just Answers: DOW SBIR Component Ask Me Anything (AMA)

We are opening up the floor to give you direct access to the DoW SBIR/STTR program managers who shape our defense innovation landscape. If you've ever wanted to ask a component rep what makes a proposal truly stand out—or how to cut through the red tape—this is your chance. Come prepared to ask questions and get the feedback your business needs to partner with the warfighter.

Gina Sims, Director, DoW Office for Small Business Innovation, DOW
Brian Shipley, Director, SBIR/STTR Program, Navy
Zeke Topolosky, Army FUZE SBIR|STTR Program Manager, Army
Jennifer Thabet, Office Director Small Business Programs Office, DARPA
Candace Wright, SBIR/STTR Program Lead, MDA
SOCOM

3:30 PM
Wilson B 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: Navigating Paths to Commercialization

The government is invested in supporting the success of your SBIR/STTR-funded technology. From government contracting, to private investment, to commercial markets, there are numerous paths to commercialization. This panel will convene federal experts to provide insights into how their agencies can support your commercialization journey.


3:30 PM
Baltimore 3-4 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: DoW Technology Transition and Strategic Breakthrough

The landscape of defense innovation has officially shifted. With the launch of the Strategic Breakthrough program, DoW is co-investing up to $30 million in mature dual-use technologies. Join this panel of Component Participants to discuss their differences in participation in the program.

Gina Sims, Director, DoW Office for Small Business Innovation, DOW
Brian Shipley, Director, SBIR/STTR Program, Navy
Zeke Topolosky, Army FUZE SBIR|STTR Program Manager, Army
Jennifer Thabet, Office Director Small Business Programs Office, DARPA

4:00 PM
Prince George's Hall B-C 

Defense TechConnect Summit: Defense TechConnect Summit, MOSA, SBIR/STTR Pavillion, and Smart Cities Expo Hall Reception

Raise a glass and network with attendees and exhibitors from all co-located events! This is the final day of the Expo!


4:15 PM
Prince George's Hall B-C 

SBIR/STTR Pavilion Reception

Meet and greet with 25+ Agencies in the SBIR/STTR Pavilions. This is the last day of the Expo and Pavllion.

DOW - AFWERX/Air Force
DOW - Army
DOW - DARPA
DoW - DCSA
DOW - DHA
DOW - DLA
DOW - DTRA
DOW - MDA
DOW - Navy
DOW - SOCOM
DOW - SpaceWERX
DHS
DOC - NIST
DOC - NOAA
DOE
DOT
ED
EPA
HHS
HHS - NIH
NASA
NSF
USDA
USPTO
SBA

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026


7:30 AM
Woodrow Wilson Lobby 

Registration


8:00 AM
Woodrow Wilson Lobby and Baltimore Lobby 

Coffee and Networking


9:00 AM
Wilson B 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: Working with the Defense Primes

Gain insight into the role major primes play in acquisition programs and how R&D from other businesses transitions into those programs.

Craig Owens, Program Manager, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, Lockheed Martin
Harriet Opoku, Lead Enterprise Liaison Engineer Boeing Defense Space & Security, Boeing
Jonathan Hampton, Supplier Innovation Lead, Raytheon

10:00 AM
Wilson B 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: SBIR Program Updates and Ask Us Anything: SBA

Learn about the latest SBIR/STTR program updates and hear directly from the SBA. This interactive session is your opportunity to ask questions and get guidance from program experts.


11:00 AM
Wilson B 

SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference: Ask Us Anything: SBIR/STTR Agencies

Engage directly with SBIR/STTR agency representatives in this open Q&A session. Ask questions and gain insights into agency priorities, mission needs, and funding opportunities.

Scott Dockum, SBIR Program Manager, NIST






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