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October 21, 2025

Ridgecrest, CA

ADVANCING RAPID DEFENSE INNOVATION SYMPOSIUM

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Join us as we focus on strengthening America’s leadership in defense innovation. This gathering brings together visionaries, technologists, and industry leaders committed to turning bold ideas into practical solutions. Together, we will explore the next frontier of military readiness—advancing innovation through faster, smarter pathways that keep our nation secure and our warfighters equipped to win.

About the Event

A Premier Forum Advancing America’s Defense Innovation

Join military leaders, researchers, developers, and government partners in shaping the future of U.S. defense technology—with a strong emphasis on collaboration with NAWCWD China Lake to ensure America leads the world in innovation, production, and military readiness.

  • Structured Dialogue – Guided discussions that move beyond presentations into solution-focused exchanges driving U.S. technological advantage.
  • Broad Participation – From the Department of War to startups, prime contractors, and top researchers — working together to keep America ahead of its rivals.
  • Technology Showcases – Real-world R&D meetups and showcases proving how American ingenuity delivers mission-ready capability.
  • Securing the Supply Chain – Strengthening U.S. production, protecting intellectual property, and reducing reliance on foreign technology.
  • Pathways to Deployment – Ensuring American innovations move from lab to field faster, equipping our warfighters first.
  • America’s Innovation Ecosystem – Building partnerships that grow American jobs, expand U.S. manufacturing, and sustain technological superiority at home and abroad.
Defense Contractors / Non-Traditional Tech Companies / Academia / Drone Technology / Startups / Emerging Technologists /
Artificial Intelligence / Mission-Ready Systems / Strategic Research Partnerships / Development Capital / AI - Cybersecurity - Zero Trust / Bridging the "Valley of Death" Gap /
Why Attend

What You’ll Gain

At its core, ARDIS strengthens America’s defense innovation ecosystem—linking NAWCWD with prime contractors, emerging startups, and leading research partners. Through carefully curated presentations and strategic discussions, the symposium delivers clear insight into critical R& D priorities while uniting public and private efforts to ensure U.S. forces remain the best equipped and most ready in the world.

Cutting-Edge Knowledge

Engage with tech leaders shaping tomorrow’s technology.

Interactive Environment

Participate in essential conversations on supporting the Warfighter.

Industry Networking

Meet leading developers and researchers to collaborate and innovate.

Knowledge Sharing

Explore how promising startups and research labs fuel partnerships.

Boost Collaborations

Access essential government support agencies supporting innovation.

IP and Research

Participate in critical discussions on IP policy protections.

“Artificial intelligence and autonomy play a vital role in information warfare by enabling decision advantage and enhancing the ability of human-machine teaming. The Department of the Navy seeks AI-driven solutions for real-time data analysis and automated decision-making to enhance operational effectiveness,”

Justin Fanelli, Department of the Navy Acting Chief Technology Officer
  • Reserve Your Spot

    Standard

    $245

    October 21, 2025 - 8:00 AM
    Buy Ticket
    Event Location

    Location & Venue

    Join us at the Kerr McGee Community Center in Ridgecrest, CA. Continental Breakfast, coffee stations and hosted lunch will be provided to all attendees.

    Address

    100 California Avenue, Ridgecrest, CA 93555

    Phone

    Call: +1 760-375-8202

    Email

    contact@DefenseInnovationUSA.com

    Everything You Need to Know

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the ARDIS 2025?
    At its heart, ARDIS bridges the innovation ecosystem—connecting NAWCWD with prime contractors, startups, and academic partners. Through tightly curated presentations and panel discussions, the symposium offers deep insight into research and development trajectories while aligning public and private efforts for operational readiness.
    When and where will the event be held?
    The Advancing Rapid Defense Innovation Symposium (ARDIS) will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at the Kerr McGee Community Center in Ridgecrest, California.
    How can I register for the event?
    You can register for the ARDIS 2025 event through our Eventbrite portal.
    Who should attend this event?
    Ideal Attendees Include: 🔹 Government & Military Leaders Decision-makers from defense agencies, acquisition offices, and innovation directorates seeking to engage with the latest in secure, mission-ready technologies. 🔹 Defense Contractors & Industry Innovators Executives, engineers, and program leads from prime contractors, mid-tier suppliers, and startups working on cutting-edge systems, autonomy, cybersecurity, and more. 🔹 Academia & Research Institutions Professors, researchers, and lab directors contributing to foundational science, dual-use technologies, and next-gen defense applications. 🔹 Venture & Capital Investment Leaders Investors focused on national security, dual-use startups, or companies positioned to accelerate tech transition and scalability. 🔹 Public-Private Partnership Advocates Stakeholders in federal innovation pipelines, SBIR/STTR programs, and initiatives like DIU, NavalX, NSIN, and TechGrid are interested in fast-tracking solutions to operational use.
    Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
    Tickets are non-transferable. If you are unable to attend, please contact our support team for assistance.
    Will there be virtual participation?
    Because this is a hand-on, full participation event, only in-person attendees are invited.
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