Nov. 5, 2026
Where the Dual-Use Ecosystem Comes Together
The Dual-Use Symposium is one of the most efficient and high-impact networking events in the defense-commercial innovation space — designed by MassChallenge to maximize meaningful connection in a single day.
For Founders
Get direct access to government program managers and defense primes actively looking for emerging technology solutions. Pitch your company, attend office hours, and build the relationships that open doors.
For Government & Industry
Scout the most promising startups in defense-adjacent technology across counter-UAS, Bluetech, energy resilience, and bio defense. Engage with operators and ecosystem builders who are shaping the field.
For Ecosystem Builders
Expand your network across the dual-use landscape. The Offer & Ask session creates open space for the room to share resources, make connections, and surface collaboration opportunities.
What to Expect
Six session formats, one cohesive day. The Symposium moves fast and keeps you connected from first keynote to final office hour.
- Keynote address: An opening that sets the strategic context for defense-commercial innovation and the dual-use opportunity landscape.
- Flash talks: Rapid-fire insights from government and industry leaders. High signal, low noise — the fastest way to get current across the ecosystem.
- Startup pitches: Lightning pitches from top dual-use accelerator cohorts. See the most compelling companies in the space in a single session.
- Networking lunch: A hosted lunch to deepen morning connections. Dedicated time away from the program to have the conversations that matter.
- Breakout sessions: Small-group deep dives across four technology domains. Go deep on the areas most relevant to your work and priorities.
- Office hours: Coordinated 1:1 and small-group sessions with DoD, primes, legal, and financial partners. Direct access, no middlemen.
