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Mark your calendar for the third-annual Space and Defense Innovation (SDI) Showcase and VIP Reception on March 9, 2024, in Austin, TX. SDI Events brings innovators together for an exclusive event featuring forward-thinking leaders in the space and defense sectors to facilitate expanding networks with ideal contacts. This year, we are expanding the VIP Reception to include a technology demo competition aimed at bringing the most leading-edge technologies together with the innovation community throughout the federal sector. Demo categories include: 🔸 Integrated Sensing and Cyber 🔸 Space Technology 🔸 Human-Machine Interfaces 🔸 Biotechnology 🔸 AI and Autonomy 🔸 Renewable Energy Generation and Storage 🔸 Quantum Science 🔸 Wildcard category We additionally will have category winners based on company size and best-in-show. This is not a start-up pitch competition. It is a demo awards competition that will result in 2 finalists facing off in front of a live audience of acquisition and innovation leaders, industry media, investors, and other leaders–to be crowned in front of a live audience. Applications are now open! If you’re interested in applying or getting involved, take a look at our website for more details: https://lnkd.in/gJbkwAMt. #SDI2024 #Space #Defense #Innovation #FedTech This event is made possible thanks to our past and current sponsors! Second Front Systems, Ward & Berry, PLLC, IBM, Optiv, Bell Flight, Modern Intelligence, Cherry Bekaert, Infleqtion, Valid Evaluation, Inc., ASCEND, Round Rock Chamber, Recurrent Ventures, Ultra Intelligence & Communications, Space Advisory Group, Worldwide Risk Management LLC., Siemens, Volcon | ePowersports, Bazze, RGP, Savimbo, DCI Next, Space Force Cadet Corps, AF CyberWorx, Armaments Research Company, Space Cowboy ADR, 3GIMBALS, Aerospace Industries Association, Defense & Aerospace Report, Payload, RealClearPolitics, Aerospace Defense Review, Ganesh Padmanabhan, Defense Entrepreneurs Forum, America's Future Series, BigBear.ai, Astroscale, Cesium, Halcyon, Concentric, Veriphix (please see the comments for more).

#Innovation is a top priority for the DOD. Experts from Space Systems Command the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and NavalX shared how their organizations are evolving during a #NewHorizons2024 panel discussion March 11. Panelists discussed how the "show me model" is helping them work more effectively with industry to transition emerging advanced technology capabilities. “We're looking for demonstrative performance," said Lt. Col. Max Reele, Defense Engagement and Architect Replicator for DIU. "Conceptual can be fantastic, and I'm not saying that it's not, except for when we're trying to transition things as quickly as we are. We want something that industry has already invested their own energy into to make sure this is operationally relevant." Other topics of discussion included top technologies each organization is focused on, what a "useful" #partnership with industry looks like, and how DOD innovation-focused organizations are starting to #collaborate with each other. The panel was followed by a defense industrial base innovation pitch session, which was moderated by MassRobotics. New Horizons, hosted by AFCEA Lexington-Concord, continues through March 13. Mike McGinley Michelle Idle Graham "Gray" Chynoweth

#TransformingOrganizations General Chance Saltzman gave the clearest and most understandable explanation to date on the #SpaceForce mission and vision. #asc23 This was a masterclass in delivering a keynote speech at a professional conference. - He started with the threat - He explained the mission in a clear, methodical way - He transitioned to a call to action, with an explanation for each of his priorities - He celebrated the #Guardians, telling compelling stories about individuals that demonstrated the behaviors he wants to encourage throughout the force. What he didn't do: - Make a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT, like a new program, or organization, or uniform, or song. It's just not necessary at these conferences. - Beat around the bush about what the Space Force does. He wasn't afraid to discuss fighting if deterrence fails. A+ ... Semper Supra. The Space Force is now in a position to lead #DoD in developing people, adopting a flat and agile organization, and implementing new concepts for warfighting. Mike Trumpfheller DeAnna Burt Phil Garrant Steve Whitney

🌌🛰 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗨𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!🌍🤝 The U.S. Space Force is taking a groundbreaking step to fortify global supply chain resilience. Teaming up with key international partners and industry moguls, they're gearing up to discuss supply chain strategies for the future. Dive into this captivating piece to discover: - How collaboration might be the key to supply chain resilience. - The first-of-its-kind international industry day. - The pressing need for improved visibility and security in the space tech supply chain, especially post-COVID. 🔗 Dive deep into the universe of strategic collaborations: #SpaceForce #SupplyChain #GlobalCollaboration #SpaceTech

How can we work better together? How do we turn innovation into capability at speed? Trust, openness and honesty critical to achieve UK space goals. All key messages of AVM Paul Godfrey in his opening remarks. Looking forward to the day ahead at #DefenceSpace23

🚀 Spaceport of the Future: Lessons from #LOA2024 🌌 As the facilitator for the Spaceport of the Future Logistics Challenge, I witnessed firsthand the power of collaboration and listening to past mistakes to shape a better future. The discussions were spirited, passionate and inquisitive, but and most of all, they HAPPENED. This event was the brainchild of Jondavid DuVall to provide the psychological safe space (and physical space) to discuss gripes, issues and failures with perspectives from every individual involved across all ranks, experience levels, and backgrounds. Our discussions were amplified by the diverse voices in the room and leadership like Brad Leonard simply LISTENING. 👂 We employed the DOTMLFP framework, but the truth is, any framework that encourages open dialogue and comprehensive analysis could have served our purpose. The essence of our success at #LOA2024 was in capitalizing on the opportunity to bring these voices together, to listen, and to carefully examine what hasn't worked in order to pave the way for what will. But what stood out to me the most was the palpable commitment of the DoD to its newest branch, the Space Force. This event was a testament to the power of sharing lessons from the Air Force and truly giving airmen a voice. 📣 Best of all, by piggy-backing on the existing colocation of individuals at #LOA2024, this was *nearly* free and was a foundational step for the future of Space Systems Command specifically Space Launch Delta 45 and Space Launch Delta 30. The path to a successful Spaceport of the Future is built on these conversations. Let's keep listening and learning and moving forward together. #SpaceForce #Innovation #Collaboration #DOTMLFP #LOA2024 #USAF #USSF #LessonsLearned #sempersupra

🚀 Lessons from the 2024 Space Tech Expo: Defense Operations and Commercialization in the New Space Era 🚀 Last week I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Space Tech Expo in Long Beach, CA, on behalf of Point B, where I spent two days gaining insights on what’s coming for the space industry. Over the next several days, I’ll be sharing some of the topics discussed and their impact to the industry. Here's a summary of key takeaways from the first day’s keynote by the US Space Force: 1. Strategic Integration of Commercial and Defense Sectors: Motivated by global competitors, the integration of commercial technologies into defense is accelerating. The synergy between commercial innovation and defense operations is a crucial strategic advantage for the US. 2. Booming Commercial Space Industry: With a significant investment in growth across the commercial space sector, there is opportunity for additional partnership with defense sectors. The US Space Force’s Front Door connects defense needs with commercial capabilities, simplifying engagement for businesses. 3. Streamlining Commercial Integration: Efforts are underway to simplify how commercial entities interact with defense through a centralized Front Door website. Initiatives like Ignite and other accelerator programs are educating businesses on how to effectively submit their capabilities to the government. 4. SpaceWERX and Small Businesses: Initiatives like SpaceWERX are fostering innovation by supporting small businesses and startups. New contracts and capital funds are being directed towards commercial satellite communications (SATCOM) and other critical technologies. The integration of commercial innovations into defense strategies is not just beneficial but essential for maintaining strategic advantages on the global stage. Exciting times are ahead for the aerospace industry! Stay tuned for more insights from the Space Tech Expo in upcoming posts. 🚀🌌#SpaceTechExpo #Aerospace #Defense #Innovation #SpaceForce #CommercialSpace #IndustryIntegration #GlobalCollaboration #Technology #Satcom #SpaceWERX

The United States is going through a major modernization effort, ensuring America can succeed and thrive in this new digital arena, providing an exceptional opportunity for companies to build market share while making a positive impact. In an effort to showcase new and interesting commercial technologies to the federal community, the SDI team is hosting a technology demo competition. The SDI Showcase and Ignite Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the most groundbreaking technologies and solutions throughout the space and defense sectors. The online portion of the competition will take place on Valid Eval’s secure online evaluation platform. Companies will compete based on company size and sector, resulting in two finalists from each category being selected. Finalists will face off in a live demo competition, with the winners being crowned during the Space and Defense Innovation VIP Party, held on March 9, 2024, in Austin, TX, during SXSW. The competition focuses on six of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense's OUSD(R&E) critical technology categories: Integrated Sensing and Cyber Space Technology Human-Machine Interfaces AI and Autonomy Renewable Energy Generation and Storage Quantum Science Wildcard category There is no cost to apply, and there are some great benefits, including prize packages, awards, and recognition in front of industry leaders. With that said, the real benefit is the ability for companies to get meaningful feedback from an audience of acquisitions and innovation leaders throughout the federal government. Applicants will also be shared with federal programs that are looking for technology, opening new opportunities for growth and commercialization after the competition. The demo event will be part of the SDI Showcase and VIP Reception on March 9, 2024, during SXSW. In its third year, we are expanding the invite-only VIP Reception to include a demo competition.   Applications are open through Dec 15th! Apply to demo here: https://lnkd.in/eDtrnTii. You can find more details in the press release about the competition here: https://bit.ly/3FRQiKk  If you'd like to learn more about the event and how you can participate, we encourage you to visit the SDI website: https://lnkd.in/eB5_jyNU Please share with prospective companies/organizations that this may be of interest to.

Well-capitalized commercial space enterprises and large sources of committed funding from government agencies continue to transform the space sector, creating a wider range of opportunities for significant and sustainable revenue generation.  In this article, our Aerospace, Defense & Government Services Group—recently back from the Satellite 2024 conference, where they met with a number of industry participants across the space ecosystem—shares key insights on the near-term trends M&A investors should be watching.  https://lnkd.in/e--gnCAS Chris Rogers, Christopher Smith, Elliot C., Eric Logue, Jenson Dunn 

Commercially funded satellite investment, government R&D funding for space technology, and expanding ground infrastructure are among key themes accelerating the development of tangible opportunities for M&A buyers in the space sector. The latest article from our Aerospace, Defense & Government Services Group shares near-term trends M&A investors should be watching.