Startups Find Common Ground for Defense Collaboration

CAMBRIDGE, MA—Civil-military collaboration has led to some of the most significant technology innovations of the modern world, including the internet, GPS and autonomous vehicles. Following in this tradition, a range of stakeholders led by some of the nation’s leading research, development and national security organizations will focus on a business approach to bringing commercial startup innovations to the defense market at an event called Defense Innovation for the Warfighter.

Cosponsored by Sembler, the event, on Oct. 19, 2017, can help startups learn about how to work with prime contractors and government agencies on defense technology. Sembler is a Draper initiative focused on building partnerships with technology startups.

“Solutions to the most critical national security challenges facing the U.S. today will come from a combination of traditional and non-traditional sources. The creativity, dedication and passion of entrepreneurs and inventors creating next-generation technology is key to finding those breakthrough solutions,” said Nathan Wiedenman, Director of the Sembler office at Draper. “Defense Innovation for the Warfighter will help fast-track the formation of new, next-generation ventures and highlight the importance of startups as a pillar of 21st century defense innovation.”

Hosted by Venture Café and the NDIA New England Chapter from 4 to 8 p.m., the event is designed to bring the defense community together to discuss all of the different avenues and opportunities for accelerating technology development for the warfighter. Featuring panel discussions, information tables and a networking mixer, the event will be attended by startup companies, defense industry professionals, government officials and other interested sectors.

From 4 to 6 p.m. two 45-minute panel discussions will be held. The first will be about defense prime contractors advancing Department of Defense (DoD) innovation. The second will explore DoD innovation organizations accessing and developing new technologies for the warfighter; Wiedenman will serve as moderator. Although the event is free and open to the public, due to space limitations for the afternoon panel sessions, those wishing to attend the panels are asked to RSVP.

From 6 to 8 p.m. the event will be a networking mixer that includes breakout sessions, information tables and complimentary beverages and light food. Sembler and NDIA New England will have information tables, as will Army SBIR from the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, Battelle Mission Defense Systems & Support, BAE Systems, General Dynamics Mission Systems and The MITRE Corp.

The event will be held at the Venture Café in the Cambridge Innovation Center in Kendall Square at One Broadway, 5th floor, Cambridge. For a detailed event agenda, see the event’s website registration page. For questions, contact Alan Campbell of Sembler at (617) 258-1000 or NDIA New England Board members Nadja Adilovic or Michelle Pelersi at (703) 522-1820.