SD Defense Tech Gathering + Build Day
Friday, September 26, 2025, 8:30 AM PDT – 5:00 PM PDT
Downtown Works - Coworking Office Space Mission Valley · 3517 Camino del Rio S Suite 215, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
Hosted by Neal Bloom
Coffee, bagels, curated connections, building defense tech alongside each other. Plan to work from the location all day so you don’t have to leave for calls, if needed. 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 [ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]Grab a coffee and network at 8:30 to start the day[/li][li indent=0 align=left]An overview of How To Do Business With The Government at 9am by Tom Perkowski[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Introductions at 10am[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Show Your Work: Bring your prototype, product, or early build for live feedback.[/li][li indent=0 align=left]SDSU ZIP Innovation Lab will lead an overview on rapid iteration and bring student interns to learn about your project and where to collaborate. [/li][li indent=0 align=left]Iterate in Real-Time: Get input from peers, advisors, and defense end-users.[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Make the Right Matches: Connect with technical and operational partners who can help you move faster.[/li][/ul][/ml] Who’s in the Room [ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]Defense & Dual-Use Tech Founders[/li][li indent=0 align=left]DoD and Industry End-Users[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Early-Stage Investors[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Technical Builders & Innovators[/li][/ul][/ml] 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.