Collaboration between industry, government and academia here in the U.S and around of the world will be a focus this year’s SXSW
Government and industry partnerships and collaboration are key to how the United States can prepare for emergent crises and the defense of democracy, today and tomorrow.
The Department of Defense (DoD) and our government partners will share how we are working to streamline processes, collaborate and rapidly deliver capabilities. Public-private partnerships are a critical element by developing a talent pipeline that could impact both the DoD and the tech sector.
Austin continues to be an important hub with a presence from nearly every DoD organization. In addition, Austin and SXSW provide unique opportunities and events to meet with start-ups, accelerators, the military, and universities. The co-investment of DoD, Texas, Austin, and tech sector companies is a unique way to demonstrate a new model for Federal, state and local partnerships.
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the only DoD organization that is focused on accelerating commercial technology, will participate in and attend a number of events from March 10-13, to highlight opportunities to work with the Department in the key areas of AI, autonomy, cyber/telecom energy, human systems and space. DIU lowers barriers to entry when it comes to working with the Department of Defense, helping to make the DoD a better, more sophisticated partner for small, nontraditional and first-time DoD vendors.
Interested in attending? Here's an at-a-glance view at DIU programming and links to select other Defense related programming where DIU members plan to attend. For questions, reach out to info@diu.mil.
Friday, March 10:
Panel: Defending Tomorrow: Accelerating Change in Government and Military*
Where: Capital Factory, VOLTRON, 701 Brazos St.
Leaders in military and government innovation join forces to explore the future of Defense. Engage with speakers from the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Army Futures Command, DARPA, Capability Prototype Office (formerly RTTO), the Office of Strategic Capital, and SBA as they share their priorities for 2023 and beyond.
When: 9:00 - 13:00
Participants:
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall (virtual)
Dr. Timothy Grayson, Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force for Mission-Centered Analysis and Operational Imperatives
William Bailey, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition Integration, SAF/AQ
Maj Gen Daniel Devoe, Director, Integration and Innovation, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy, Integration and Requirements, Headquarters, USAF
Bailey DeVries, Associate Administrator for Investment and Innovation, Small Business Administration
Col Aneel "Cramden" Alvares, Director, Defense Engagement Team, Defense Innovation Unit
Cheryl Ingstad, Managing Director, National Security Innovation Network
Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Energy, Installations and Environment/Chief Sustainability Officer)
Rob McHenry, Deputy Director, DARPA
Jon Lazar, Director, OSD Capability Prototypes
Young Bang, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology
*Capital Factory registration is not required for this event
Panel: DIU Fireside Chat
When: 11:40 - 12:00
Participants: Cheryl Ingstad, New NSIN Director; Aneel “Cramden” Alvarez, Director, Defense Engagement, Defense Innovation Unit
Location: Capital Factory, Voltron, First Floor
Register for Capital Factory Programming
Panel: From COVID to Cancer: Prediction & Prevention for Global Health
Where: Austin Community College, Rio Grande Campus, ACC Collaboratorium Building 3000 (1218 West Ave) Main Stage (3rd Floor)
When: 13:00 - 14:00
How can the Government accelerate adoption of healthcare technology? What role can government play in adoption and implementation of the best commercial solutions? This panel will feature stakeholders from both government and industry who can discuss both government’s role as well as how we can create public-private partnerships to build, test, and adopt solutions that implement the next generation of commercial solutions in government.
Moderator: Vishal Patel
Panelists:
Geoff Ling, CEO, OnDemand Pharmaceuticals
Renee Werzgyn, Director, Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health
Amanda Love, Joint Project Manager - Panacea, Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense
Register for SXSW @ ACC Programming
Panel: How Uncle Sam Helps Emerging Clean Energy
Where: Austin Community College, Rio Grande Campus, ACC Collaboratorium Building 3000 (1218 West Ave) Main Stage (3rd Floor)
When: 14:30 - 15:30
Like the rest of the world, the Department of Defense is entering into a profound period of change as they look to leverage breakthrough clean energy solutions to meet their bold climate goals. Each service will need to adapt their current technologies and harness new ones to help improve their energy efficiency, operational resiliency, and environmental sustainability. Come join us for a discussion on how the Department will play a unique role, not only as a future end user, but as a trusted industry partner that can assist with unique funding mechanisms and creative development arenas that will lead to the next generation of climate saving energy technologies as well as thousands of new American jobs.
Moderator: Mike Wu, Converge Strategies
Panelists:
Honorable Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations, Energy and Environment
Paul Farnan, Principal Deputy, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment
Andrew Higier, Acting Director Energy Portfolio, Defense Innovation Unit
Register for SXSW @ ACC Programming
Event: Digital Transformation as a Force Multiplier
Where: ACC Collaboratorium Building 3000 (1218 West Ave) Main Stage (3rd Floor)
When: 16:00 - 17:00
Digital transformation involves integrating digital technology into all areas of operations, which fundamentally changes how an organization operates and delivers value to customers. The military is undergoing a series of digital transformations that will dramatically change how it operates and delivers value to the nation and taxpayers. Whereas the private sector has become comfortable continually challenging the status quo, experimenting, and being comfortable with failure, the stakes are much higher in the military. Learn how industry and military leaders have leveraged digital transformation as a “force multiplier” to improve national security and the bottom line.
Participants:
Joshua Bregler, Senior Security Manager, McKinsey Digital
Dr. Craig Martell, DoD Chief Digital and AI Officer
Lt Gen Matthew Glavy, Deputy Commandant for Information, US Marine Corps
Will Grannis, VP and CTO, Google Cloud
Featuring special guest Meagan Metzger, CEO, Dcode
Register for SXSW @ ACC Programming
Saturday, March 11
Event: DIU Office Hours*
Where: Capital Factory, 8th floor, Captain Marvel, 701 Brazos St.
When: 9:00 - 13:30
Participants:
Andrea Castillon, DIU Army Advisor; Southern Regional Lead
Alex Goldberg, DIU Joint Technology Acquisition Innovation Officer
Jack Ryan, DIU energy portfolio
Chris Mokrane, DIU acquisitions lead
Attend one-on-one meetings with DIU staff during SXSW office hours. This is an opportunity to engage with the Department of Defense, learn about our Commercial Solutions Opening, our 6 focus areas and how to best get engaged with the broader DoD community.
*No appointments are needed for the office hours, but we ask that you please RSVP so we can be prepared for your visit and questions.
Event: Growth, Defense, Healthcare and Tech. Finding Value in a Changing World
Location: The Eleanor (307 W 5th St)
When: 9:00 - 14:30
Event: Innovating Collaboration between Higher Ed and DoD
Where: ACC Collaboratorium Building 3000 (1218 West Ave) Main Stage (3rd Floor)
When: 11:30 - 12:30
Event: Small Business Innovation tapping into DOD Strategic Capital
Where: Capital Factory, 8th floor, AAL, 701 Brazos St.
When: 13:30 - 14:30
Come hear why DoD innovation branches need game changing small business dual-use tech to elevate the US military and the US economy. Unique funding capabilities from various organizations and the exciting new partnership between the new Office of Strategic Capitol and the Small Business Administration have been assembled to ensure DoD can break down barriers. The panel is dedicated to working together to ensure DoD takes full advantage of groundbreaking tech small businesses have the unique ability to deliver.
Participants:
Rob McHenry, Deputy Director, DARPA
Dr. Jason Rathje, Director, Office of Strategic Capital
Ray Gobberg, Director, Commercial Engagement, DIU
Michele Schimpp, Deputy Associate Administrator, SBA
Meg Vrabel - COO, Capital Factory
Register for Capital Factory Programming
Sunday, March 12
Panel: Growth, Defense, Healthcare and Tech: Finding Value in a Changing World
Where: Omni Shoreham Hotel, 700 San Jacinto St.
When: 9:00 - 14:00
Event: Growth, Defense, Healthcare and Tech. Finding Value in a Changing World
Register for the Future of DoD Innovation Programming Sponsored by Valid Eval
Panel: Cracking the Code: Navigating the Defense Market as a Startup
The Department of Defense (DOD) has been actively seeking to engage more new industrial base partners, especially startups, but many tech companies still struggle to know where to start. Panelists including experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and government officials, will share their perspectives on the current state of the defense market, the key players and stakeholders, and the strategies and programs available for tech companies looking to break into the market. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges of working with the DOD and the strategies for successfully navigating this complex market.
Where: Capital Factory, Captain America, 701 Brazos St.
When: 12:30 - 13:45
Moderator:
Ben McMartin, Managing Partner, Public Spend Forum
Panelists:
Dave Rothzeid, Vice President, Shield Capital (DIU alumni)
Trish Martinelli, Executive Director, Defense Entrepreneurs Forum
Justin Fanelli, Technical Director, Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic
Erringer Helbling, Vice President, Altana Technologies (DIU alumni)
Chris Van Metre, President & CEO, Advanced Technology International
Register for Capital Factory Programming
Monday, March 13
Exhibition: Bots by the Bridge
Where: Center for Autonomous Robotics Demos & Displays 5000 Plaza on the Lake
When: 10:00 - 15:00
Bots by the Bridge will highlight tomorrow’s tech where academia, emerging tech startups and venture capital are all collaborating to secure a better tomorrow. Participants will get a first look at new robotic technology at the Center for Autonomous Robotics (CAR). This outdoor lawn event showcases land, sea, and air technology in a family friendly experience featuring live demos, entertainment, food and beverage throughout the day. There will be featured demonstrations by LIFT Aircraft, Hylio, Gel Blaster, eve Vehicles, Hendrick Motorsports and many others.
Participants: 28 different vendors and organizations, including:
Stealth Power and Air Company, Tactical Vehicle Hybridization
sUAS Static Display (Defense Innovation Unit)
Register for Bots on the Bridge programming
Have additional questions? Email us at info@diu.mil. We look forward to connecting with you in Austin.