About this Event

Join us Thursday, August 17, 2023, for the Defense Entrepreneurial Symposium to learn more about programs for collaboration and business opportunities/acceleration with NSIN, the National Security Innovation Network, a program office within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

Our morning begins with presentations and our afternoon will focus on individual technology demonstrations. Throughout the event participants may interact with companies in the Expo section.

When and Where – August 17, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CDT Virtual
Who – Early-stage ventures, startups, investors, small businesses, and innovators interested in the defense market, along with DoD personnel (Mission Partners) interested in novel technologies and solutions for DoD challenges.
Reasons to Attend
Gain insight into the DoD’s strategic imperatives for the defense ecosystem.
Discover existing or novel solutions, promising research, and pathways for solving long-standing problems.
Learn about the opportunities to leverage NSIN’s programs and services.
Make meaningful and enduring professional connections and partnerships.
Schedule of Events*
Subject to Change. All times are in Central Daylight Time (CDT). Updates will be posted here.

9:00-10:00 a.m. Introduction and Overview

Introduction
Eric Coffie, Founder/President, Govcon Giants
NSIN Venture Portfolio Overview from Abigail Desjardins, Venture Portfolio Director, NSIN
Jodi Essex, Director, APEX Accelerator
Chuck Beck, Director, APEX Accelerator

10:00-11:35 a.m. Special Presentations and Testimonials

Kiley Phelps, Omaha Center Director, Small Business Development Center
Mike Bynum Director, Department of Defense (DOD) Program Team, FEDTECH
Scott Henderson, Managing Principal, Nmotion, part of the Gener8tor Network
Chris Ramsay, Associate Director, Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Washington University in St. Louis
Major Dori McClelland, Holistic Health and Fitness Regional Coordinator, Army National Guard
Corey Bergsrud, Engineer, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division
Mark “Shane” Hershman, Chief Innovation Officer, Department of the Air Force
Sam Gatley, Director of Operations, COMET Center (NJIT)

Emily Hemingway, Executive Director, TechSTL

11:35 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
Lunch Break

12:05-12:30 p.m. Investor and Venture Capital Presentations

Zach Beecher, Head of Strategic Partnerships, America’s Frontier Fund
Rebecca Gevalt, Managing Partner, Dcode Capital
Ben Williamson, Principal and General Council, Invest Nebraska

12:30-2:55 p.m. Company Presentations

Dwight Cox, Founding Member/Principal, Air Refueling Tanker Transport
Michal Nowicki, Director of Business Development, Peakmetrics
Jim Burke, Director of Business Development, Kinnami Software Corporation
Brian Streem, CEO, Vermeer
Shadi Mere, CEO, Bedestrian
Christine Moon, Co-Founder/President, Bluespace.ai
Kanwar Singh, Co-Founder, Skyline Nav AI, Inc.
Zach Oshinbanjo, Founder, Vetelligence
Ian Ramsdell, Founder/CEO, Kupros, Inc.
Jessi Korinek, President/CEO, Nave Analytics, Inc.
Kent Campbell, Co-Founder/COO, ThermOptical
Ilayda Samilgil, Co-Founder/CEO, Organic Robotics
Matt Barnard, Co-Founder/Senior Electrical Engineer, Upgrade Energy
Jerry Ladd, President, CIWRX

2:55-3:00 p.m.

Closing Comments

3:00 -4:00 p.m.

Company Exhibition Hall (Expo)
Product Demonstrations
Company-Specific Q&A Sessions