Industry Open House

Reza Ghodssi (confirmed)
Distinguished University Professor
Executive Director of Research and Innovation, A. James Clark School of Engineering MATRIX Lab
University of Maryland

John Bell (confirmed)
Chief Technology Officer for HII’s Mission Technologies Division
HII

Garry Schwartz (invited)
Chief Operating Officer for HII’s Mission Technologies Division
HII

Morning Session

Focus: Providing startups and small businesses with the resources, networks, and funding insights needed to scale

Morning Keynote: "The Asymmetric Advantage"

In an era of rapidly evolving threats and technological disruption, innovation can come from unexpected places. This keynote will explore how small businesses, emerging technologies, and autonomous systems are reshaping the defense landscape, creating asymmetric advantages that enable faster adaptation and greater operational effectiveness. Attendees will gain insight into why agility, creativity, and nontraditional partnerships are becoming critical factors in maintaining a competitive edge in future conflicts.

Fireside Chat: "From Idea to Impact"

Every successful innovation has a starting point - a challenge to solve, a conversation that sparked a partnership, and a path through uncertainty to achieve impact. In this fireside chat, a business leader will share the story of how collaboration with UMD helped transform an idea into a viable technology, highlighting the resources, funding opportunities, and expertise that made the journey possible. Through candid reflections on both successes and setbacks, attendees will gain a realistic and relatable view of how university partnerships can accelerate innovation and create new opportunities for growth.

Moderator

Matt Scassero (confirmed)
Former Director of Research, Innovation, and Outreach, A. James Clark School of Engineering MATRIX Lab
University of Maryland

Panelist

TBA

Morning Panel: "The University Advantage"

Innovation often begins with a conversation, but turning ideas into funded collaborations requires understanding the pathways available to engage with academia. This panel will provide a practical guide to partnering with the University of Maryland and the MATRIX Lab, covering funding opportunities, points of contact, and mechanisms for accessing research expertise and student talent. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to initiate partnerships, navigate available resources, and leverage university collaboration to accelerate innovation and growth.

Moderator

Jamison Watson (confirmed)
Assistant Director for Research Development, A. James Clark School of Engineering MATRIX Lab
University of Maryland

Panelists

Lora Brown (confirmed)
Executive Director, Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Programs
University of Maryland

Rob Cohen (confirmed)
Program Manager, Mtech Ventures
University of Maryland

Lee Greely (confirmed)
Senior Business Development Manager - Southern Maryland
Maryland Department of Commerce

Rick Tarr (confirmed)
Director, Technology Transfer Office
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)

Colin Wilkinson (confirmed)
SBIR/STTR Technical Lead
Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)

Afternoon Session

Focus: Exploring how large enterprises, defense primes, and government sponsors can invest in advanced research projects, align internal research & development, and successfully pursue major contract and funding opportunities

Afternoon Keynote: "Delivering at Scale"

As defense challenges grow in complexity and urgency, the ability to deliver capability at scale has become a defining measure of success. This keynote will examine the integration, acquisition, and transition priorities that shape how government sponsors and industry partners move emerging technologies from concept to operational impact. Attendees will gain insight into the strategies, partnerships, and organizational approaches needed to accelerate capability delivery while meeting the demands of today's acquisition environment.

Afternoon Panel: "Building the Dream Team"

Successful delivery of advanced capabilities depends on more than strong technical execution - it requires durable partnerships that align industry, academia, and government priorities. This panel will explore how prime contractors, research universities, and government stakeholders can build strategic, long-term collaborations that strengthen proposals, accelerate innovation, and develop the next generation of talent. Panelists will discuss teaming models, workforce development, co-investment strategies, and institutional frameworks that reduce barriers to collaboration and create lasting value across the defense ecosystem.

Moderator

Jamison Watson (confirmed)
Assistant Director for Research Development, A. James Clark School of Engineering MATRIX Lab
University of Maryland

Panelists

Jim Bolin (confirmed)
Vice President, Operations
KBR

Nicole Goldman (confirmed)
Vice President, Talent Acquisition & HR Service Center for HII’s Mission Technologies Division
HII

Tamika Hodnett (invited)
Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, A. James Clark School of Engineering
University of Maryland

Anthony Malatesta (confirmed)
Director of Engineering Education and Research Partnerships
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)

John Sawyer (confirmed)
Director of Strategic Research Initiatives
University of Maryland

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