4 Pillars of Defense Innovation: Non-FAR Acquisition, Small Business, Academia, and Venture Capital

Advancing innovation in defense requires a holistic approach that leverages the strengths of diverse stakeholders. This panel will dive into the "4 Pillars of Defense Innovation"—Non-FAR acquisition pathways, small business contributions, academic research, and venture capital investment—that are reshaping how national security challenges are addressed. Experts will discuss how innovative acquisition strategies enable speed and flexibility, the unique value small businesses bring to the defense sector, academia’s role in pioneering breakthrough technologies, and venture capital’s impact on scaling dual-use solutions. Explore how these pillars work together to build a dynamic ecosystem driving the future of defense innovation. Whether you’re a policymaker, entrepreneur, or investor, this session offers valuable insights into collaborative strategies that are transforming the national security landscape.