Boundary Breakers: A Showcase of Critical Technology Innovations in National Security

Investment in emerging technology that protects and advances America’s critical edge is crucial for the safety, security, and competitiveness of our nation. Born out of a combination of lived experience and constant experimentation, these cutting-edge technologies are nurtured by a pipeline of innovation that includes policymakers who identify priorities, government agencies that provide important seed funding, universities that conduct groundbreaking research, and private sector companies and investors who galvanize adoption in the field. From R&D in the lab to deployment in the field, entrepreneurs and innovators will join us to share the lessons they’ve learned along the way. As part of DC Startup & Tech Week, we invite entrepreneurs, technologists, investors, policymakers, government stakeholders, service members, and curious community members to convene at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center for an evening of lightning talks from innovators, scientists, and entrepreneurs on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Attendees will meet and hear from boundary breakers across all disciplines who are developing next-generation technologies, while devising solutions to hard national security problems that will bolster our collective well-being, and push humanity further. All are welcome to attend. Agenda 6:00 Doors open 6:30 Program begins in theater 8:00 Event concludes 8:30 Doors close About Event Partners Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures aims to maximize the impact of Johns Hopkins University’s research excellence by facilitating the translation and commercialization of discoveries into accessible technologies, products and services that benefit society. Since 2014, JHTV has served as a front door for campus innovators and external partners alike, ensuring productive collaboration between Johns Hopkins, the government, and industry — a tripartite alliance that leverages the strengths of each sector to save lives. Emerging Technologies Initiative at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies is a university-wide effort to explore how transformative technologies — like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, semiconductors, and space systems — are reshaping global politics, economics, and security. The initiative serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, research, teaching, executive education, and public engagement on critical emerging technology issues. Squadra Ventures is a venture capital firm led by founder-operators that invests in early stage cyber and national security companies advancing the critical edge. By applying a growth-stage mindset at the seed stage and a commitment to building alongside entrepreneurs, Squadra empowers extraordinary teams to win and leave a lasting positive impact on the world. Technical.ly is a news organization with national reach and a community of 150k+ technologists and entrepreneurs invested in where they live. Join the weekly newsletter to keep up with all things innovation in DC and beyond at technical.ly/subscribe.