Accelerating the transition of federal innovation into national security capability.
Federal Program (Dec 1–2) | Industry Engagement Day (Dec 3)
Hosted in the Washington, D.C. region to convene the federal laboratories and agencies responsible for advancing national security innovation.
Innovation for Impact brings together leaders across the federal research and development ecosystem to strengthen how national security technologies move from federal laboratories to real-world mission impact.
This new forum convenes professionals working in technology transfer, research leadership, intellectual property, and innovation partnerships to address one central challenge:
How can the United States accelerate the transition of federal innovations into operational capabilities and commercial partnerships that strengthen national security?
The United States is in a global race to develop and deploy advanced technologies critical to national security—from artificial intelligence and advanced materials to energy systems, biotechnology, and space technologies.
Federal laboratories generate many of these innovations. But successfully transitioning them into operational capabilities and industry partnerships requires navigating complex legal frameworks, partnership structures, and technology transfer pathways.
Innovation for Impact was created to support the federal professionals responsible for that work. The forum provides a focused environment for sharing best practices, exploring emerging challenges, and strengthening collaboration across the federal innovation ecosystem.
The first two days of the forum are designed exclusively for federal participants and focus on:
Sessions will emphasize practical implementation and peer learning across the federal innovation community. The federal program will feature two primary learning tracks:
This track explores the legal and regulatory structures that enable collaboration between federal laboratories and external partners. Particularly relevant for attorneys, licensing specialists, policy professionals, and acquisition experts.
This track focuses on the operational implementation of technology transfer programs by Offices of Research and Technology Applications (ORTAs) and related innovation offices across federal laboratories. Designed for technology transfer professionals, innovation program managers, and ORTA leaders.
The third day of the forum expands the conversation to include partners from the Defense Industrial Base and other industry stakeholders. This day focuses on building connections between federal laboratories and companies seeking to collaborate on emerging technologies.
Highlights include:
Participants will have opportunities to explore federal intellectual property portfolios, learn about research capabilities across agencies, and discuss partnership opportunities such as Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs).
Innovation for Impact is designed for professionals working across the federal innovation ecosystem, including:
Industry participants will join the forum during Industry Engagement Day (December 3).
Innovation for Impact invites members of the federal technology transfer community to submit proposals to speak or moderate sessions at the forum.
This is an opportunity to share your work, insights, and success stories with colleagues across the federal innovation ecosystem.
Additional instructions will be provided to organizers of accepted proposals.
National Conference Center
Leesburg, Va.
Located in the Washington, D.C. region, the venue provides convenient access for federal laboratories and agencies across the national security community.
Additional event details, registration information, and submission instructions will be posted as they become available.