INDIANA – Leaders in the defense development sector announced the second annual Midwest Defense Innovation Summit, scheduled for October 25-26, 2021 in Carmel, Indiana. The summit will bring together leaders from every sector of the economy, including industry, government, and academia to share cutting-edge ideas and innovative technologies with policymakers and defense leaders who are helping lead the nation’s defense strategy.
“The Midwest has long been a powerhouse of national security innovation,” said Stephen E. Kelly, president and CEO of IN3, the event’s presenting sponsor. “The Midwest Defense Innovation Summit is a great showcase for leaders to tap into and join the energetic growth of the region’s defense community.”
The previous summit featured such distinguished speakers as commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Chief of Naval Research, director of the Defense Innovation Unit, and director of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and attracted attendees from across the country and as far away as the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Invited speakers for the 2021 Midwest Defense Innovation Summit include Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, midwestern governors, members of Congress, U.S. military leaders, defense industry experts and entrepreneurs.
Defense research, development and innovation are top priorities in the Midwest, and the summit will seek to highlight leaders in the region, including the states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and others.
“The Midwest has a rich history of leading technological advancements of all kinds and finding innovative solutions, in particular, for our nation’s warfighters,” said Dr. Angie Lewis, technical director, NSWC Crane. “As the challenges and threats facing our military at home and abroad change, the Midwest wants to remain at the forefront of developing the technologies to meet those challenges.”
The summit will begin October 25 at the Renaissance Carmel Hotel and conclude on October 26 – with attendees also allowed to attend virtually. Summit sessions – including panel participants and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. To learn more about the summit and view the agenda, please visit www.midwestdefenseinnovation.com.
