SD Defense Tech Gathering + Build Day

Coffee, bagels, curated connections, building defense tech alongside each other.
Join us Sept 26 for a focused, hands-on co-build session for founders building dual-use and defense tech solutions.
This isn’t a conference or panel. This is a roll-up-your-sleeves working day designed exclusively for early-stage defense innovators to refine their products, pressure-test their ideas, and connect with military end-users and industry peers who can accelerate adoption.

Whether you’re working on autonomy, AI, advanced sensors, robotics, cyber, or other mission-critical tech, you’ll have time, space, and access to work directly with others in the community who are building in this space.

There’s plenty of desks and conference rooms/call booths to work from and take meetings/calls from too thanks to Downtown Works Mission Valley for hosting us.

What You’ll Do

• Grab a coffee and network to start the day
• Introductions at 9:30am
• Show Your Work: Bring your prototype, product, or early build for live feedback.
• Iterate in Real-Time: Get input from peers, advisors, and defense end-users.
• Make the Right Matches: Connect with technical and operational partners who can help you move faster.

Who’s in the Room

• Defense & Dual-Use Tech Founders
• DoD and Industry End-Users
• Early-Stage Investors
• Technical Builders & Innovators

Event fee covers coffee + baggels.
If you’re actively building defense or dual-use tech and want to join this working session, request an invite.