The Navy x Demand Signal brings together the Department of the Navy’s (DON) senior innovation and acquisition leaders to engage directly with startups, investors, and industry. Through three invite-only gatherings, this series will feature curated, off-the-record conversations focused on the Navy and Marine Corps’ priority problem sets, emerging acquisition pathways, and how private capital and industry can partner more effectively. given the recent announcement of the DON Rapid Capabilities Office ( RCO).
UPCOMING EVENTS
NEW YORK CITY - JANUARY 22
EL SEGUNDO - FEBRUARY 20
AUSTIN - MARCH 26
WHY THIS SERIES EXISTS
America’s naval forces (U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps) are modernizing how they work with the private sector. The Navy x Demand Signal series brings startups, investors, and industry into direct, off-the-record conversation with the DON teams responsible for identifying, funding, and scaling next-generation capabilities.
This is designed as a working dialogue focused on real problems, real pathways to adoption, and real capital formation around maritime autonomy, robotics, AI-enabled systems, and the future of naval power.
Participants will engage directly with leadership from the Department of the Navy, including the DON Rapid Capabilities Office (NRCO) and Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs), including the newly launched PAE for Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS).
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Startups & Industry
Building autonomy, robotics, maritime, AI, sensing, energy, or defense-relevant platforms.
Seeking clear demand signals from the Navy and a better understanding of acquisition pathways.
Interested in scaling from pilots to programs of record.
Investors & Capital
Venture, growth equity, family office, and long-term capital aligned with national priorities.
Interested in companies serving defense, dual-use, and industrial markets.
Looking to build conviction around where Navy demand is heading next.
Attendance is curated to facilitate high signal, senior-level interaction and discussions.
Direct engagement with senior DON innovation and acquisition leaders.
No panels for panel’s sake — every session is designed for interaction.
Founder, industry, and investor-only audience, not vendors or general attendees.
Off-the-record environment to encourage candor and trust.
Built to create enduring relationships, not one-off meetings.
WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT
ATTENDANCE AND FORMAT
Invitation-only.
Limited capacity per event (~150).
No press / Chatham House Rules.
No sales pitches.
Participation expected from all attendees.
Attendance is limited.
Please request an invitation below. Approved guests will receive confirmation and event details.
CO-HOSTS & SPONSORS
