Dual Tech Summit 2026

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Introduction to the summit's mission and the strategic importance of veteran innovation in dual-use technologies.

Shawn Flynn

Keynote Address

​Sam Eckholm, Founder, SE Media – Sam Eckholm is the creator and host of Access Granted, a former U.S. Air Force officer and 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Based in San Francisco, his team built a new model for communication between the aerospace, defense, and military industries and the public. Sam's creative direction guides work that is cinematic, mission-accurate, and most importantly, human. ​Swayne Martin, Producer, SE Media – Swayne Martin is a Producer for Access Granted, the aerospace and defense documentary series hosted by Sam Eckholm. He leads the partnership work that brings the world's leading aerospace and defense brands into the series, proving the value of a next-generation communications strategy to organizations partnering with a creator-led team for the first time.

Sam Eckholm Swayne Martin

Sponsored Opening Remarks by Peter Dixon, Arkenstone Defense

​Join Peter Dixon, Founder & CEO of Arkenstone Defense, for opening remarks on building the infrastructure and operating systems that help modern technology companies navigate the national security ecosystem. Discover how mission-ready support, compliance, and execution frameworks are enabling the next generation of dual-use innovation.

Peter R Dixon

Panel 1: The Bridge: Where Startup Innovation Meets Government Reality

​Explores how startups can successfully bridge the gap between innovation and government adoption. Hear from leaders across AI, cybersecurity, defense, and venture capital on building partnerships, navigating public-sector challenges, and scaling dual-use technologies.

Melissa Oh Sean Singleton Andrew Blain

Panel 2 – Smart Cities: What Dual Tech Technologies are Critical Drivers for the Future

​Explore how dual-use technologies are shaping the future of smarter, more resilient cities. Industry leaders will discuss innovations in infrastructure, energy, planning, operations, and public services that are driving the next generation of urban development.

Allan Calder Robert Luster Diane Holman Richard Novak Jim Wong

Judges Fireside Chat: Defense's Fingerprint on Silicon Valley

​Defense has long been a catalyst for innovation in Silicon Valley. Join this fireside chat as industry leaders discuss the evolving role of defense technology, investment opportunities, and how emerging startups are shaping the future of national security and innovation.

Canice Wu KF Kristopher Floyd Jim Lockheed John Gibson

Pitch Showcase

​Listen to Dual Tech Startups and Veteran Entrepreneurs pitch their company to a diverse group of leaders and funders in Silicon Valley and beyond.

Canice Wu KF Kristopher Floyd Jim Lockheed John Gibson

Resources for Veteran Businesses

​Listen to Dual Tech Startups and Veteran Entrepreneurs pitch their company to a diverse group of leaders and funders in Silicon Valley and beyond.

Maurice Wilson Katherine Webster Peter Khooshabeh

Lunch Break

​Take a break, enjoy lunch, and connect with fellow founders, investors, innovators, and industry leaders. A great opportunity to continue conversations, build relationships, and expand your network.

Message from Venue Host: Supporting the Veteran Startup Community

​Hear from veteran and community leaders as they discuss the importance of supporting veteran entrepreneurs and strengthening the ecosystem that helps military-connected founders build and scale innovative companies.

Stephanos Zygman Hanley Chan

Afternoon Welcome by Co-Host: The Future of Tech

​Join Soniya Ahuja for an afternoon welcome as we kick off the next chapter of the summit with fresh insights, meaningful connections, and conversations shaping the future of dual-use innovation.

Soniya Ahuja

Afternoon Keynote interview with Ukraine Consul General

Join Shawn Flynn and the Ukraine Consul General for a special keynote interview exploring global innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, and the growing role of dual-use technologies in shaping the future.

Shawn Flynn

Dual Tech Spotlight: The Future of Space Launch

​Explore the future of space innovation with Jason Lee, as he shares insights into next-generation launch technologies and the growing role of commercial space ventures in the dual-use ecosystem.

Panel 3 – Dual Tech and Capital: The Early Days, Critical Funding Consideration

​Join industry leaders and investors for a conversation on the early-stage journey of dual-use technology companies. Explore the funding challenges, investment considerations, and strategies needed to build and scale innovative solutions shaping the future of technology and security.

Mark R. Ancipink Perry Partlow Madhavi Ranjan Ryan Baird

Founder Spotlight – Resilient by Design: Advancing Defense Readiness While Strengthening America’s Communities

​Explore how innovative technologies and resilient infrastructure can strengthen defense readiness while driving economic growth, operational efficiency, and long-term community impact.

Kevin Damoa

Panel 4 – Human Performance, Autonomous Systems & Robotics

​Explore the intersection of human capability, autonomous systems, and robotics with industry leaders driving the next wave of innovation. This discussion will highlight advancements in robotics, emerging technologies, and how intelligent systems are transforming real-world applications.

Sandy Therrien Alex Dantas Neha Groves Roderick Hirsch

Afternoon Fireside Chat: How Government and Industry Win in Cyberspace

​Explore how collaboration between government and industry is driving innovation, strengthening cyber defense capabilities, and creating shared advantages in an increasingly contested digital environment.

Melissa Oh ​Kenneth Miltenberger Maurice Wilson

Closing Presentation by RapidSOS: Technology in Service of Humanity

​Discover how technology can be harnessed to save lives, strengthen emergency response, and create meaningful impact at scale. This closing presentation explores the power of innovation when it is built in service of humanity.

Closing Remarks & Acknowledgements

​Closing remarks, followed by Best of Pitch Showcase winner announcements, presentation of the Seedance and ShareVault Awards, sponsor recognition, and final reflections to conclude the summit.

Wrap & Happy Hour

​Final networking session over drinks and light snacks to solidify connections.