eMerge NATIONAL SECURITY

Forging National Security Through Dual-Use Innovation

Meet Our Partners

Department of Veterans Affairs logo
CDAO logo
US Souther Command logo
RECRUIT logo
US Airforce logo
Department of Defense Office of Strategic Capital logo
US Army logo
Department of Defense logo
Department of Defense logo
U.S. Coast Guard seal.

Where Technology, Defense, and Capital Align to Secure Our Future

eMerge NATIONAL SECURITY is a premier platform accelerating dual-use innovation by uniting government, industry, investors, and academia to fund, deploy, and scale mission-critical technologies. Hosted within eMerge Americas—Florida’s global tech hub—this year-round initiative connects key stakeholders through curated programming and culminates in a high-impact experience designed to solve real-world challenges and shape the future of defense, security, and innovation.

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Why eMerge NATIONAL SECURITY?

The global threat landscape is evolving—and our solutions must evolve with it. Emerging technologies like AI, autonomy, quantum computing, and cybersecurity are no longer future-facing concepts; they’re central to national defense today. In this high-stakes environment, collaboration between startups, government, and industry isn’t optional—it’s essential. With Florida now responsible for 60% of the world’s space launches, earning its title as the “Launch Capital of the World,” the region is uniquely positioned to lead. eMerge NATIONAL SECURITY bridges the gap between innovation and implementation, ensuring bold ideas translate into real-world impact.

LET’S BUILD WHAT’S NEXT IN DEFENSE

Explore the Year-Round Mission

Through curated, year-round content and community engagement, we’re helping National Security leaders build smarter systems, solve harder problems, and shape better futures.

Hosted with the DoD and Miami-Dade County, these live scenario-based demos feature cutting-edge, dual-use startups. Designed for government buyers and mission-driven investors, Demo Day connects innovation with real-world national security needs.

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Gold Coast Tech is the epicenter of Florida’s technology revolution, a high-growth ecosystem where startups, investors, and industry leaders come together to drive innovation. Anchored by Miami and West Palm Beach, the Gold Coast connects Florida’s deep economic strengths—including finance, healthcare, logistics, and dual-use & defense tech—with the latest advancements in AI, fintech, smart infrastructure, and digital transformation. 

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An invite-only, off-the-record dinner convening 100 top investors, policy leaders, and defense executives to foster trusted dialogue and strategic collaboration at the intersection of national security, capital, and emerging technology.

INVITE ONLY

A one-day sprint where coders, engineers, and entrepreneurs build dual-use tech prototypes in AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and aerospace. Teams collaborate, pitch solutions, and engage directly with industry experts and venture capital leaders.

INVITE ONLY

Held during Art Basel week, this invite-only summit gathers top founders, investors, and family offices for intimate conversations at the intersection of technology, capital, and culture—offering rare access to the leaders shaping the future of innovation.

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A high-impact pitch event featuring active duty and veteran-led startups competing for a non-dilutive grant and fast track into the eMerge Startup Showcase. It’s a launchpad for visibility, funding, and dual-market growth across commercial and government sectors.

COMING SOON

Hosted with the DoD and Miami-Dade County, these live scenario-based demos feature cutting-edge, dual-use startups. Designed for government buyers and mission-driven investors, Demo Day connects innovation with real-world national security needs.

COMING SOON

Spookstock is a high-impact, invitation-only concert series that brings together U.S. intelligence and special operations professionals, business leaders, philanthropists, and iconic musical acts. The event raises vital funds to support the families of fallen or wounded operatives through programs focused on education, wellness, and career transition.

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Experience three days of dynamic programming focused on the future of national security. From powerful Main Stage keynotes to 10 thought leadership panels covering topics like autonomous systems, venture funding, energy security, and the space frontier, the content is designed to inform and inspire. Explore the National Security Pavilion featuring partner nations, human performance innovations, and veteran-focused partners. Additional highlights include the Start-Up Showcase, a National Security Leadership Lunch, and hands-on workshops supporting veteran transitions and government contracting. 

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The Premier Global Tech Conference + Expo

20

k+

attendees

60

+

countries

250

+

Speakers

300+

Exhibitors

76%

Senior Executives

1,000+

Investors

2,500

+

Startups

$3B

Capital Raised

WHY ATTEND?

Join the World’s Boldest Thinkers

eMerge Americas is a strategic convener and catalyst for innovation, bringing together global enterprises, startups, investors, and government leaders to accelerate advancements in AI, National Security, Health, and Finance. Through year-round programming and our annual global tech conference + expo in Miami, eMerge Americas connects capital, talent, and ideas to drive impactful progress, strengthen industries, and bring transformative and emerging technologies to market.

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GOV/MILITARY VIP PASS

$799 + tax

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The government VIP pass includes all Standard Pass offerings, including access to the eMerge National Security experience, at a discounted rate to eligible individuals only.

All Standard Pass offerings plus…

Exclusive access to the private VIP Lounge

Food & beverage available all day in the VIP Lounge

Priority seating at the eMerge Main Stage

Access to keynote speakers and off-the-record conversations at the exclusive VIP Unplugged Stage

Priority area at Opening Block Party

VIP-only Closing Beach Party 

All government pass registrations are subject to final verification and approval by show management.

Gov/Military Standard pass

$119 + tax

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The government standard pass includes all standard pass offerings, including access to the eMerge National Security experience, at a discounted rate. Exclusively available to individuals from organizations that meet one of the following requirements:

Federal, State + Local Officials

Government Innovation Employees

Active Duty, Reserves, or Veterans

First Responders

All government pass registrations are subject to final verification and approval by show management.

Event speakers

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WORLD-CLASS THOUGHT LEADERS

Past Speakers (2026 Agenda Coming Soon!)

Taylor Johnston

Chief Operating Officer

USF Institute of Applied Engineering

Sean Drake

Founder + Managing Partner

Stony Lonesome Group

Rob Long

President + CEO

Space Florida

Sarah Cuellar

Deputy Director, Energy Portfolio

Defense Innovation Unit, U.S. Department of Defense

Leslie Babich

Director

SOFWERX

Lt. Gen. Edmond (Miles) Brown

Deputy Commanding General

Army Futures Command

Palmer Luckey

Founder

Anduril Industries + Oculus VR

Provost Elizabeth Béjar

Executive Vice President + Chief Operating Officer

Florida International University

Army Brigadier General Troy Denomy

Director of Integration

U.S. Army Futures Command

David Kim

Director, Army Solutions

Castelion

Brad Chedister

Founder + National Security Executive Leader

WIYC TECH

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart

U.S. Congress

Brig. Gen. Jason Hawk

Deputy Director, Operational Requirements

Air Force Futures

TOPICS + FOCUS AREAS

eMerging Tech Trends


Engage with industry experts and explore innovative ideas across six unique stages.

AGENDA COMING SOON

Content Themes

DUAL-USE TECHNOLOGY & CRITICAL MANUFACTURING

Explore next-generation fabrication, advanced manufacturing, and scalable production capabilities powering the future of national security hardware and infrastructure.


AUTONOMY, AI & HUMAN-MACHINE INTEGRATION

Discover cutting-edge advancements in autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and human-machine teaming reshaping defense operations across air, land, sea, and cyber domains.

INVESTMENT, CAPITAL & STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE

Learn how venture capital, private equity, and government funding are fueling dual-use innovation and creating economic and security advantages in an era of global competition.


NATIONAL ASSETS, SPACE & GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS

Gain insights into Florida’s growing national security footprint, the commercialization of space, and the power of allied partnerships in driving innovation and deterrence.

ENERGY, FOOD & CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY

See how dual-use technologies are transforming energy resilience, food security, and infrastructure protection to meet evolving global challenges.

VETERAN LEADERSHIP, WORKFORCE & TRANSITION

Celebrate and empower veteran talent through workshops, panels, and programs that unlock their potential as founders, technologists, and leaders in the innovation economy.

What You’ll Experience

Dual-Use Innovation

Supporting the development and deployment of technologies that serve both commercial and national security applications.

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Strategic Partnerships

Connecting defense-focused startups with mission-aligned investors, accelerators, and strategic partners.

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Veteran Leadership

Empowering military veterans as founders, innovators, and contributors to the innovation economy.

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Global Collaboration

Bringing together domestic and allied defense, tech, and academic institutions to solve shared challenges.

Why miami?

A Global Hub for Innovation

As the #1 city in the U.S. for tech job growth and migration, the #1 region in North America for investment, and boasting a $344 billion GRP alongside 6.2 million residents, Miami stands as the ideal hub for cutting-edge ventures. Renowned as the top city attracting Latin America business and the leading metro for a diverse foreign-born population, Miami sets the stage for unparalleled opportunities in the tech landscape.

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Ready to Join eMerge NATIONAL SECURITY?

This vertical is designed for anyone driving the future of National Security and critical technology. Founders building dual-use and mission-critical tech, federal and defense innovation leaders, prime contractors, and systems integrators will find unique opportunities to connect and collaborate. Venture capital firms and family offices looking to invest in high-impact innovation—along with academic researchers and R&D institutions advancing next-gen capabilities—will be right at home. Our annual event also welcomes military personnel, veterans, and transitioning talent eager to contribute their expertise to the evolving innovation ecosystem.

Be Part of a Bigger Movement in National Security

eMerge NATIONAL SECURITY is one of four high-impact verticals within the broader eMerge Americas ecosystem. You’ll gain access to diverse leaders across AI, Health, and Finance to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation and ensure real-world impact.

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Be the first to hear about speakers, research sessions, funding opportunities, and the mission-critical technologies shaping the future of defense, security, and innovation.

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eMerge Americas is the premier technology conference shaping the future of innovation. Attracting venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and technology innovators from across the world to our vibrant shores, eMerge offers a unique tech event in one of the world’s most diverse destinations.

(305) 407-8568

info@emergeamericas.com

©2024 eMerge Americas. All rights reserved.