Innovation Showcase
The Technology and National Security Conference aims to strengthen collaboration, community, and communication within the U.S. national security business ecosystem by elevating the visibility of companies developing technologies that advance national security and enhancing their ability to support the sector through the Innovation Showcase, sponsored by Xfund. This year’s conference will be held on April 5, 2025, at Harvard Business School and will welcome 800+ executives, senior government officials, investors, and students.
How to apply:
Application: Complete the application form
Deadline: Submit by 1700 ET on 28 February 2025
Notification: Finalists will be notified by 3 March 2025
Showcase
The Innovation Showcase is a forum for up-and-coming defense tech startups (pre-seed through Series A | TRL 4+) to demonstrate their capabilities and cutting-edge technologies. If accepted into the Innovation Showcase, companies will participate in the Innovation Sandbox and Workshops, and five standout finalists will pitch their startups during the conference for a chance to win:
A $100K investment for the first-place winner
Additional non-dilutive grants for first, second, and third place
Companies selected for the showcase will receive two complimentary tickets to the conference.
Sandbox
Twenty finalists (including the five pitch finalists) will be provided a booth to present their companies and product demonstrations at Harvard Business School on April 5, 2025. This Innovation Sandbox will be open to all conference attendees and speakers.
Pitches
Five finalists, chosen by the Innovation Showcase Planning Committee based on their applications, will pitch (Shark Tank-style) in front of the entire conference and a panel of expert judges. One company will be crowned the Innovation Showcase winner, receiving a $100K investment. First, second, and third place will receive additional non-dilutive grants.
Workshops
An additional networking and educational element is available through optional workshops open to Innovation Showcase company attendees (two representatives per company). These workshops will offer companies the opportunity to meet relevant public and private sector stakeholders in a smaller, interactive setting.