Event

Pulling Guard Industry Day

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Technology Office (TTO) is sponsoring an Industry Day to provide information to potential proposers on the objectives of the Pulling Guard program in advance of a planned Broad Agency Announcement (BAA).

The Industry Day will be held on March 18, 2025, at the Amentum Services Conference Center, 4121 Wilson Blvd, Suite 200, Arlington, Va.

2025 Medical, Biomedical & Biodefense: Support to the Warfighter Symposium

The Office of US Senator Thom Tillis, Office of US Senator Ted Budd, the North Carolina Military Business Center and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center will host the Medical, Biomedical & Biodefense: Support to the Warfighter Symposium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on June 4-5, 2025.

MCAS CHERRY POINT INDUSTRY DAY

This event is postponed from February 19th due to winter weather to April 22nd. 

Join the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and the North Carolina Military Business Center for an Industry Day covering business opportunities that exist at the installation and upcoming requirements.

Modern Day Marine 2025

Modern Day Marine is the largest military equipment, systems, services and technology exposition exclusively targeted to Marines and the Corps. The show floor hosts more than 300 exhibitors displaying the latest warfighting innovations and technology, presentations from influential Marines and DoD personnel, the OBJ1 Wargaming Convention, and more.

Modern Day Marine 2025

Modern Day Marine is the largest military equipment, systems, services and technology exposition exclusively targeted to Marines and the Corps. The show floor hosts more than 300 exhibitors displaying the latest warfighting innovations and technology, presentations from influential Marines and DoD personnel, the OBJ1 Wargaming Convention, and more.

Sea, Air, Space 2025

Where Innovation Meets the Maritime Domain. Maritime Power is about innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions that drive progress. Hosted by the Navy League of the United States, this premier exposition brings together military leaders, industry experts, and cutting-edge innovators to strengthen and secure the future of the sea services.

SOF Week 2025

Held in Tampa, Florida, SOF Week is an annual conference for the international SOF community to learn, connect, and honor its members. The event is jointly sponsored by USSOCOM and Global SOF. The 2024 edition attracted over 19,000 attendees.

Key Highlights:

  • Extensive Programming: Sessions include senior keynote speakers, professional development seminars, industry matchmaking, and non-profit interests.

Tech Connect SBIR/STTR Spring Innovation Conference

The Small Business Programs Office (SBPO) will be attending Tech Connect SBIR/STTR Spring Innovation Conference on June 9-10, 2025, in Austin, Texas.

Focused on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, the event highlights pathways for securing non-dilutive funding to fuel the development and commercialization of groundbreaking technologies.

Session Focus: Navigating Legislative Updates and Challenges for a Berry-Compliant Textile Industry 

For more information or to register as an attendee or exhibitor visit: https://fedtex.ncmbc.us/

Stay ahead of critical legislative developments impacting the textile industry with this essential session on the Berry Amendment and its implications. The Berry Amendment mandates that certain textiles used by the DoD must be produced in the United States, promoting a robust domestic industrial base.

2025 Navy Gold Coast Premier Procurement Expo

The NDIA Department of the Navy Gold Coast Event is the premier procurement expo in the country. Gold Coast provides a forum to educate, guide, and assist businesses, large and small, in support of the warfighter mission within The Department of the Navy and throughout the DoD.

Federal Technology Symposium Registration Open!

The fourth annual Federal Technology Symposium (FTS) is hosted by the Office of US Senator Thom Tillis, the Office of US Senator Ted Budd, Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC), the North Carolina Military Business Center, and the North Carolina Defense Technology Transition Office (DEFTECH).

Federal Technology Symposium

The fourth annual Federal Technology Symposium (FTS) is hosted by the Office of US Senator Thom Tillis, the Office of US Senator Ted Budd, Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC), the North Carolina Military Business Center, and the North Carolina Defense Technology Transition Office (DEFTECH).

Cancelled: Coffee Call 3/14 – Future of Food: Insights from AmeriQual

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Coffee Call on March 14 has been cancelled. 

Explore the latest trends and innovations in the food industry and see how AmeriQual Foods is at the forefront of these advancements, particularly in military tactical rations. Join us as Lana Lis, Senior Director of Government Sales, shares valuable perspectives on the future of the food industry.

Registration Open for 2025 Army Contracting Virtual Outreach for Industry

Small businesses and other interested industry partners are now able to register for the fifth-annual Mission and Installation Contracting Command Advance Planning Briefing for Industry virtual contracting forecast event scheduled for May 5-8, 2025.

Today, the virtual APBI event is the MICC’s single, command-wide effort that is available nationwide to everyone from small businesses to large industry representatives.

Coffee Call 2/14 – Navigating the Financial Landscape of Government Contracting

Join us for this week’s DEFTECH Coffee Call as we dive into the financial landscape of government contracting with Walter Bailey, Managing Director at Quaestor Capital Markets. This session will explore critical funding pathways and resources for small businesses, including:

  • Navigating the Valley of Death – overcoming funding gaps in government contracts
  • The importance of the SBIR/STTR program for early-stage innovation
  • Accessing funding opportunities through OSC and the Small Business Investment Company Critical Technology Initiative

With extensive experience in investment banking advisory, Walter has held leadership roles at Oberon Securities, Pickwick Capital Partners, European American Capital Group, and Academy Securities.

2025 North Carolina Defense Summit – Spouse Reslience

As North Carolina continues to lead in military innovation and community partnerships, the 2025 North Carolina Defense Summit (NCDS) offers a pivotal opportunity to focus on a topic at the forefront of many defense communities across the state—strengthening military spouse resilience.

4th Annual North Carolina Cybersecurity Symposium

Welcome to the 4th Annual North Carolina Cybersecurity Symposium!

Join us at the McKimmon Center for two days filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and hands-on workshops. Whether you’re a cybersecurity professional or just starting out in the field, this event is perfect for anyone looking to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity.

Coffee Call 1/31 – MBSE in Defense: Practical Applications and Overview

This session will explore the transformative role of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) across design, development, manufacturing, and operations, and provide an overview of DoDI 5000.97 requirements for defense contractors. Whether you’re new to MBSE or looking to deepen your understanding of defense policies, this engaging discussion will highlight practical applications, workforce development opportunities, and actionable insights to help your organization stay competitive in the defense innovation ecosystem.

Hybrid Coffee Call 1/17/2025 – Driving Global Growth Through Defense Innovation

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) strengthens national security by rapidly integrating cutting-edge commercial technologies into the military, fostering collaboration between the Department of Defense (DoD) and private sector innovators, and expanding the national security ecosystem. Discover how the DIU’s ​​projects across multiple domains in artificial intelligence, autonomy, cybersecurity, human systems, and space are transforming the future of defense.

DEFTECH Innovation and Technology (ITEC) Seminars (Flat Rock)

Join the North Carolina Defense Technology Transition (DEFTECH) Team for a “Federal Funds to Support Your New Innovation and Technology Development: Exploring Defense and Homeland Security Research and Development Funding Programs” sessions across the state.  

When: April 8, 2025 from 9:00-12:00 

Where: Blue Ridge Community College, Technology Education and Development Center (TEDC), Room 102
180 West Campus Drive, Flat Rock, NC 28731

Campus Map

Description:
Unlock access to the Department of Defense and Department (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) multi-billion dollar research and development (R&D) budget to power your company’s innovation.

DEFTECH Innovation and Technology (ITEC) Seminars (Conover)

Join the North Carolina Defense Technology Transition (DEFTECH) Team for a “Federal Funds to Support Your New Innovation and Technology Development: Exploring Defense and Homeland Security Research and Development Funding Programs” sessions across the state.  

When: April 8, 2025 from 1:00-4:00 

Where: Catawba Valley Community College, Manufacturing Solutions Center
301 Conover Station Southeast, Conover, NC 28613

Description:
Unlock access to the Department of Defense and Department (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) multi-billion dollar research and development (R&D) budget to power your company’s innovation.

DEFTECH Innovation and Technology (ITEC) Seminars (Greensboro)

Join the North Carolina Defense Technology Transition (DEFTECH) Team for a “Federal Funds to Support Your New Innovation and Technology Development: Exploring Defense and Homeland Security Research and Development Funding Programs” sessions across the state.  

When: March 5, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00

Where: Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship, Large Classroom 
1451 S Elm Eugene Street, Greensboro, NC 27406 

Description:
Unlock access to the Department of Defense and Department (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) multi-billion dollar research and development (R&D) budget to power your company’s innovation.

DEFTECH Innovation and Technology (ITEC) Seminars (Charlotte)

Join the North Carolina Defense Technology Transition (DEFTECH) Team for a “Federal Funds to Support Your New Innovation and Technology Development: Exploring Defense and Homeland Security Research and Development Funding Programs” sessions across the state.  

When: March 4, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00

Where: March 4, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00 
South Piedmont Community College, Tyson Family Center for Technology, Classroom 1407
3509 Old Charlotte Highway, Monroe, NC 28110

Description:
Unlock access to the Department of Defense and Department (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) multi-billion dollar research and development (R&D) budget to power your company’s innovation.

DEFTECH Innovation and Technology (ITEC) Seminars (New Bern)

Join the North Carolina Defense Technology Transition (DEFTECH) Team for a “Federal Funds to Support Your New Innovation and Technology Development: Exploring Defense and Homeland Security Research and Development Funding Programs” sessions across the state.  

When: February 18, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00

Where: Craven Community College,
AMC 102 Bosch Building
800 College Court, New Bern, NC 28562

Description:
Unlock access to the Department of Defense and Department (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) multi-billion dollar research and development (R&D) budget to power your company’s innovation.

DEFTECH Innovation and Technology (ITEC) Seminars (Fayetteville)

Join the North Carolina Defense Technology Transition (DEFTECH) Team for a “Federal Funds to Support Your New Innovation and Technology Development: Exploring Defense and Homeland Security Research and Development Funding Programs” sessions across the state.  

When: February 12, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00

Where: Fayetteville Technical Community College,  
General Classroom Building, Room 108 
2817 Fort Bragg Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303

Description:
Unlock access to the Department of Defense and Department (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) multi-billion dollar research and development (R&D) budget to power your company’s innovation.

DEFTECH Innovation and Technology (ITEC) Seminar (Pinehurst)

Join the North Carolina Defense Technology Transition (DEFTECH) Team for a “Federal Funds to Support Your New Innovation and Technology Development: Exploring Defense and Homeland Security Research and Development Funding Programs” sessions across the state.  

When: February 11, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00

Where: Sandhills Community College, Van Dussen Building in the Small Business Center 
3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 

Description:
Unlock access to the Department of Defense and Department (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) multi-billion dollar research and development (R&D) budget to power your company’s innovation.

Coffee Call – January 10, 2025 – Unlocking Innovation: Shaping the Future of Health and Safety with MTEC

Join us to learn about the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC). Learn how MTEC collaborates with the US Department of Defense to advance groundbreaking technologies that enhance health and safety. In this session, you will hear from Rick Satcher as he provides an overview of MTEC’s mission and activities, and share insights on upcoming opportunities and announcements.

Coffee Call – January 3, 2025 – A Year in Review and Strategic Direction for 2025

As we step into 2025, we invite you to join us for our Friday Coffee Call where we will reflect on our achievements over the past year and discuss our strategic direction for the year ahead. This session will provide you with valuable insights of DEFTECH, highlight key milestones, future event updates and outline our goals for 2025.

Coffee Call 12/13/2024: DEFTECH Christmas Special

DEFTECH Coffee Call Announcement Friday, December 13, 2024

We’re excited to host a hybrid DEFTECH Christmas Special Coffee Call, where you can participate in person or virtually! Featuring discussions on federal technology opportunities, insights from Department of Defense representatives on their biggest challenges for 2025, and an in-person networking session to foster collaboration and connections.

Unlocking Defense Funding for Researchers

On behalf of North Carolina Coalition for Defense Research (NC CDR) (an informal collaboration of university-based research entities coordinated by the North Carolina Military Business Center),  The Institute for Convergent Science and Innovate Carolina at UNC Chapel Hill will host a 90-minute hybrid seminar “Unlocking Defense Funding for Researchers” to explain why you may want to consider DoD funding for your research, the approach to funding and how it differs from National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institute of Health (NIH), and how you can connect with people at DoD.