DEFx Events

What is a DEFx?

DEFx events bring the DEF entrepreneurial mindset to the national security community near you. Think about them like a local version of the Annual Conference.

These are YOUR events. You create, shape, test, and implement a DEFx with the knowledge and support of the greater DEF community. The theme, topics, speakers, location, format, and date are all yours to decide. These one- or two-day events bring DEF’s connections with entrepreneurs and innovators to new people in new ways.

Why host a DEFx?

DEFx events bring your community together to discuss the topics, ideas, and passions that most interest them. Event programming is constructed around a one- or two-day format that addresses community challenges through:

• Panel discussions with active duty service members, tech innovators, academics, and policymakers;
• Innovation competitions that bring startup-style problem solving to emerging national securing questions;
• Designing solutions through debates and Human-Centered Design activities;
• Hack-a-thons or anything else you can cook up!

Is a DEFx Right for Your Community?

DEFx events give your community/city/region the opportunity to partner with universities, military installations, tech startups, non-governmental organizations, and other partners to make a positive difference. Harness the collective power of passionate members from across your local area to bring together 50-100 people and translate ideas into solutions.