Date
March 4, 2027
Location
Indiana University Capital Campus
Training
Examine models for strengthening the path from research capability to mission adoption.
From Research Promise to Mission Impact
The defense innovation landscape is changing. Greater emphasis on commercial technology adoption, rapid acquisition, and faster transition to operational use is reshaping how universities, companies, and government organizations work together—and raising new questions about what it takes to move promising research into the hands of mission users.
Join UIDP and leaders from across the defense innovation ecosystem for a one-day convening focused on the partnerships, infrastructure, and institutional strategies needed to accelerate that transition.
Rather than concentrating on individual technologies, Beyond Basic will examine the larger innovation ecosystem: how organizations can connect research capabilities to mission needs, build stronger commercialization and transition pathways, create trusted environments for collaboration, and develop partnerships designed to endure beyond a single grant, contract, or project.
What to Expect
Discussions are also expected to draw connections to emerging Department of Defense critical technology priorities and the capabilities universities and companies can bring to those areas.
This convening is designed for senior leaders and practitioners working at the intersection of research, innovation, national security, commercialization, and technology transition, including university research and federal relations leaders; corporate R&D and government affairs executives; defense companies; government and laboratory representatives; technology transfer and economic development professionals; and organizations developing or advancing defense-relevant technologies.
Participants will have opportunities to connect with peers across sectors, exchange practical approaches, and examine models for strengthening the path from research capability to mission adoption.
Sessions are not recorded, and the meeting is conducted under Chatham House Rule.
What You’ll Explore
Through a mix of expert perspectives, case examples, facilitated discussions, and interactive sessions, the program is expected to address questions such as:
- Evolving defense acquisition priorities and their impact on university- and industry-connected innovation
- Building mission pull and transition planning into research strategies from the outset
- Translational infrastructure that connects discovery, prototyping, testing, validation, commercialization, and deployment
- The role of research security and trusted technology environments in successful collaboration
- Durable pathways from research to operational use across universities, companies, government organizations, and innovation intermediaries
Registration Details
Participation is intentionally limited to enable meaningful dialogue and hands-on engagement.
Registration is required and subject to approval.
When
March 4, 2027
8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. ET
Where
Indiana University Capital Campus
1619 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 20036