Mission Match: Defense Innovation Forum

October 28, 2025 | 1:00 PM CT | Huntsville, AL 

The future of national security relies on innovation, and the Mission Match: Defense Innovation Forum is where that happens.

How It Works

This isn’t your typical pitch competition. We’ve created a direct path for startups to connect with Defense and Industry partners.

1. Defense and Industry Partners share their unclassified technology needs and capability gaps.
2. Startups apply to pitch solutions that directly address those specific needs.
3. A panel of investors and advisors evaluates the potential for dual-use, scalability, and investment opportunities.

This event is not about abstract ideas. It’s about connecting critical priorities with breakthrough technologies to:

• Accelerate discovery of dual-use innovations.
• Identify new vendors and agile solution providers.
• Create real opportunities for pilots, partnerships, and adoption.

Why You Should Apply

This is where your innovation can make a real impact. By applying, you get:

• Direct Alignment: Pitch solutions that match validated defense priorities.
• Access to Decision-Makers: Engage directly with defense sponsors, investors, and industry leaders.
• Clear Pathways to Adoption: Position your company for pilots, partnerships, and large-scale growth.
• National Visibility: Join a select group of companies that are shaping the future of national security.

Tech focus areas of interest:

• Cybersecurity [ROI | Risk Quantification | Actuarial Modeling]
• Logistics Intelligence [In-Transit Visibility | Real-Time Tracking | Edge Compute]
• Computer Vision [Object Classification | Automated Data Retrieval]
• AI/ML for Decision Superiority [Predictive Analytics | Mission Autonomy]
• Advanced Manufacturing [Additive Manufacturing | Secure Supply Chains]
• Space Systems [Satellite Resilience | Domain Awareness | Secure Communications]
• Energy Resilience [Grid Security | Operational Energy | Tactical Independence]
• Quantum Technologies [Secure Comms | Advanced Sensing | Encryption]
• Uncrewed Systems & Robotics [Autonomy | Human-Machine Teaming | Multi-Domain Ops]

Last year, more than 80 startups applied, with 15 finalists selected to pitch. This year, we’re partnering with the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber and Parallax Advanced Research to make it even bigger.

Don’t miss your chance to turn your technology into mission-ready impact.

Application deadline: October 10th

Selected companies will receive invitations by October 15th.

Questions?: Contact [email protected]

Register Here