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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Blue Venture Forum
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251022T163000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251022T183000
DTSTAMP:20251022T201633Z
CREATED:20251015T211119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T201633Z
UID:7183-1761150600-1761157800@blueventureforum.org
SUMMARY:Defense Investment Forum Kickoff
DESCRIPTION:Innovate Newport\, 513 Broadway\, Newport\, RI \n\n\n\nJoin us for this special networking event to kickoff the Defense Investment Forum (DIF)\, brought to you by the Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC) and the Blue Venture Forum\, Inc.  In addition to networking with key industry stakeholders\, investors\, and resource providers\, it will also be an opportunity to learn more about the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce’s soft-landing spot initiative. \n\n\n\n4:30-5:15PM Registration & Networking \n\n\n\n5:15-5:20PM Welcome Remarks \n\n\n\n5:20-5:30PM Welcome from the Chamber\, and overview of the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce’s Soft-Landing Spot Initiative \n\n\n\n5:30-5:45PM Overview of Defense Tech Investing \n\n\n\n5:45-6:30PM Continued Networking \n\n\n\nThis event is free\, and brought to you by our sponsors\, but registration is required. \n\n\n\nThank you to the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce and Innovate Newport for making this event possible.    \n\n\n\nWe look forward to welcoming you for an evening of connection\, insight\, and collaboration as we launch the Defense Investment Forum ’25.
URL:https://blueventureforum.org/event/defense-investment-forum-kickoff/
LOCATION:Innovate Newport\, 513 Broadway\, Newport\, RI\, 02840\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://blueventureforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/BVF-Header.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251023T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251023T180000
DTSTAMP:20251023T124055Z
CREATED:20250605T130808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251023T124055Z
UID:6926-1761206400-1761242400@blueventureforum.org
SUMMARY:Defense Investment Forum\, The Future of Defense Innovation
DESCRIPTION:The Future of Defense Innovation \n\n\n\nUndersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC) and The Blue Venture Forum\, Inc. \n\n\n\nJoin DOD officials\, industry leaders\, startup founders\, and top-tier investors at the DefenseInvestment Summit 2025. This premier event will bring together the defense innovationecosystem to explore emerging technologies\, investment trends\, and opportunities that areshaping the future of global security. \n\n\n\nEVENT IS SOLD OUT. \n\n\n\nDIF Agenda-10-23-25 V3Download\n\n\n\nEVENT SPEAKERS \n\n\n\n\nDr. Kyle Woerner\, Chief Scientist\, Systems &Technology Research (STR)\n\n\n\nMatthew Kibble\, Founder and Managing Partner\,DYNE\n\n\n\nZach Beecher\,Partner\, Scout Ventures\n\n\n\nDr. Vic Ricci\, Chief Technology Officer\, Naval Undersea Warfare Center(NUWC) Headquarters\n\n\n\nMichael Connor\, Founder and President\, Thayer Mahan (Vice Admiral\, US Navy\, Commander of US Submarine Force\, Ret.)\n\n\n\nBen Van Buskirk\, VP\, AE Industrial and Member\, AE Ventures (Capt. US Navy\, Director of NavalX\, Ret.)\n\n\n\nDaryl Slocum\, President & CTO\, Poseidon’s Forge\n\n\n\nLee A. Silvestre\, Director\,NavalX North Atlantic Tech Hub\n\n\n\nMark Smithers\, CTO\, Founder\, Boston Engineering Corp.\n\n\n\nMichael Hauser\, VP & Managing Partner\, SAIC Ventures\n\n\n\nRylan Hamilton\, CEO & Co-Founder\, Blue Water Autonomy\n\n\n\nNelson Mills\, CEO & Founder\, VATN Systems\n\n\n\nNate Walton\, Principal\,Sachem Strategies\n\n\n\nMolly Magee\, CEO\, Undersea TechnologyInnovation Consortium (UTIC)\n\n\n\nDr. Tobias Stapleton\,Director\, Blue Venture Forum\n\n\n\nColin A. Corridan\, Government & Defense\, Bedrock Ocean Exploration\n\n\n\nMike Annunziata\,Founder and Managing Partner\, Also Capital\n\n\n\nEric Blatt\,Partner\,Scale LLP\n\n\n\nJon Chait\,Managing Partner\,IQT\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdditional Speakers: Gloria Berlanga\, Associate Vice President Business Development\, Defense Sector\, Rhode Island Commerce; Eric Blatt\, Partner\, Dual-Use and Defense Tech Practice Lead\, Scale LLP \n\n\n\nTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS \n\n\n\nFOUNDING SPONSOR \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEVENT SPONSORS
URL:https://blueventureforum.org/event/newport-defense-investment-forum/
LOCATION:Wyndham Newport Hotel\, 240 Aquidneck\, Middletown\, Rhode Island\, 02842\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260209T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260212T170000
DTSTAMP:20260207T153213Z
CREATED:20250425T135043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260207T153213Z
UID:6868-1770624000-1770915600@blueventureforum.org
SUMMARY:Blue Innovation Symposium 2026
DESCRIPTION:Wyndham Newport Hotel\, 240 Aquidneck Avenue\, Middletown\, RI \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvery year\, the Blue Innovation Symposium brings together over 400 participants for three days of education\, networking\, and matchmaking. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2026 FINAL AGENDA \n\n\n\nNew Bedford Ecosystem Tour\, organized by the New Bedford Ocean Cluster and OTC Matchmaking Meetings Register for the New Bedford Ecosystem Tour here. \n\n\n\nROOM BLOCK \n\n\n\nWe’re pleased to offer a special room block for Blue Innovation Symposium attendees at the Wyndham Newport. \n\n\n\nTo access the group rate\, you can: \n\n\n\n\nBook Online: Visit www.wyndhamnewportri.com and enter the group code 020926BLU to be directed to the exclusive Blue Innovation rate.\n\n\n\nCall Directly: Contact the hotel at 401-236-2020 and reference “Blue Innovation”\n\n\n\n\nRooms within the block are available through January 12th\, or until the block is filled. We encourage you to reserve early for the best availability. \n\n\n\nWe look forward to welcoming you to Newport!
URL:https://blueventureforum.org/event/blue-innovation-symposium-2026/
LOCATION:Wyndham Newport Hotel\, 240 Aquidneck\, Middletown\, Rhode Island\, 02842\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://blueventureforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Blue-Innovation-Symposium-Exports-Small-19.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260507T163000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260507T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T200710Z
CREATED:20260403T200705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T200710Z
UID:7921-1778171400-1778180400@blueventureforum.org
SUMMARY:Innovate Newport Industry Spotlight: BlueTech with Blue Venture Forum
DESCRIPTION:Join Innovate Newport\, the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce\, and the Blue Venture Forum for this special event.  For more information and to register\, click here.   \n\n\n\nThis event will include a pitch event for select blue technology companies.  If you are interested in delivering a pitch\, please send your name\, title\, company name\, website and a 2 paragraph description of your product or service to info@blueventureforum.org. \n\n\n\nApplicants must be: \n\n\n\n\nDeveloping a defense or dual-use technology with clear application(s) in the marine & oceanographic industry.\n\n\n\nBeyond the prototype stage.\n\n\n\nFocused on Actively raising an investment round.\n\n\n\n\nInvited investors include representatives from Angel and Venture Capital organizations.  Cash prizes will be awarded.  Please note that we will select 6 companies to pitch and companies that apply but are not selected may also be given the opportunity to exhibit during the event.  \n\n\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there!
URL:https://blueventureforum.org/event/innovate-newport-industry-spotlight-bluetech-with-blue-venture-forum/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261027T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261028T183000
DTSTAMP:20261027T152505Z
CREATED:20260616T172734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261027T152505Z
UID:7931-1793109600-1793212200@blueventureforum.org
SUMMARY:Defense Investment Forum
DESCRIPTION:Defense Investment Forum \n\n\n\nBlue Innovation Defense Forum Agenda 2026-FINALDownload\n\n\n\nEnsuring Maritime Supremacy Through Innovation \n\n\n\nAttendee and Exhibitor Registration is Closed \n\n\n\nOpening Event & Welcome Reception\, University of Rhode Island (URI)\, Bay Campus \n\n\n\n2:00PM-6:30PM\, October 27 \n\n\n\nThe URI Bay Campus is home to URI’s highly acclaimed Department of Ocean Engineering and the Graduate School of Oceanography providing multiple opportunities to partner with faculty and students.  The newly opened 32\,000-square foot Ocean Robotics Laboratory (ORL) is a shared facility designed to develop\, test and deploy next-generation maritime technologies while the recently renovated Pier provides access for in-water field testing and validation.  \n\n\n\nThe campus is also home to the Ocean Technology Center\, a 10\,000- square foot business incubator and entrepreneurship hub.  \n\n\n\nJoin us for a fireside chat\, take a tour and wrap up the afternoon with a networking reception all while exploring ways to collaborate with the University of Rhode Island’s research and innovation community—from research partnerships and technology licensing to access to specialized facilities. \n\n\n\n2:00 PM – 2:15 PM Networking \n\n\n\n2:15 PM – 2:30 PM Welcome Remarks \n\n\n\nPete Rumsey\, Executive Director\, URI Research Foundation \n\n\n\n2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Fireside Chat\, tech commercialization at URI. \n\n\n\n3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Tour of URI Marine Robotics Laboratory and the Ocean Technology Center \n\n\n\n4:30 PM – 6:30 PM Networking Reception \n\n\n\nDefense Investment Forum ’26\, Wyndham Newport Hotel\, Middletown\, RI (Room Block Information Here) \n\n\n\n8:00AM-6:30PM\, October 28\, 2026 \n\n\n\nThe Defense Investment Forum is dedicated to exploring geopolitical developments\, emerging technologies\, and capital trends shaping the future of maritime defense. Bringing together investors\, naval and maritime industry leaders\, government stakeholders\, founders\, and strategic partners\, the forum serves as a platform for high-level discussion on emerging opportunities across autonomous systems\, subsea technologies\, maritime cybersecurity\, dual-use innovation\, ocean surveillance\, resilient supply chains\, and next-generation defense infrastructure. \n\n\n\nThrough keynote presentations\, investor panels\, startup showcases\, and strategic networking sessions\, the forum examines how geopolitical shifts\, naval modernization\, and the evolving security landscape are driving investment and innovation throughout the maritime defense ecosystem. \n\n\n\nRegistration is limited to participants from AUKUS countries (Australia\, United Kingdom\, and the United States) and Canada. \n\n\n\nAgenda  \n\n\n\n8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Registration & Networking Breakfast  \n\n\n\n9:00 AM – 9:10 AM Welcome Remarks & Conference Overview  \n\n\n\nMolly Magee\, CEO\, Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC) \n\n\n\nToby Stapleton\, PhD\, Director\, Blue Venture Forum\, Inc. \n\n\n\n9:10 AM – 9:30 AM Opening Keynote \n\n\n\nUS Senator Jack Reed (RI)\, Ranking Member\, Senate Committee on Armed Services \n\n\n\n9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Speaker: The New Era of Maritime Competition \n\n\n\nThis keynote will explore how geopolitical rivalry\, contested sea lanes\, and rapid technological change are reshaping naval strategy and investment priorities. The session will examine the intersection of national security\, innovation\, and industrial capacity. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Gloria Berlanga\, Associate Vice President\, Business Development\, Defense Sector\, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation \n\n\n\n10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Panel Discussion: Below the Surface and Beyond the Norm: How Evolving Maritime Threats are Accelerating Ocean Tech Innovation \n\n\n\nPanel Description \n\n\n\nNational security challenges in the global commons are shifting faster than traditional naval procurement can handle. This panel explores the urgent geopolitical pressures that are forcing a new era of maritime defense. Panelists will discuss how these acute threats are driving rapid dual-use innovation and attendees will learn how military-industry partnerships are pivoting to deploy scalable\, attritable tech before adversarial capabilities outpace our situational awareness. \n\n\n\nModerator: Gloria Berlanga\, Associate Vice President\, Business Development\, Defense Sector\, Rhode Island Commerce \n\n\n\nPanelists: \n\n\n\nCommander David Brannighan\, Royal Navy\, British Defence Staff USA \n\n\n\nJames R. Holmes\, PhD\, Wylie Chair of Maritime Strategy\, US Naval War College \n\n\n\nVic Ricci\, Principal Director\, USW Innovation and Strategic Alliances\, Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Newport \n\n\n\nChris Weeks\, Director of Programs\, Saab\, Inc. \n\n\n\n10:45 AM – 11:15 AM Networking Break & Exhibit Hall Demos \n\n\n\n11:15 AM – 12:00 PM Panel Discussion: Rebuilding the Naval Industrial Base \n\n\n\nPanel Description \n\n\n\nNaval readiness increasingly depends on the resilience and scalability of the industrial base. This panel examines how our Navy can modernize maritime production capabilities while addressing workforce shortages\, supply chain vulnerabilities\, and aging infrastructure. \n\n\n\nModerator: Nate Walton\, Principal\, Sachem Strategies \n\n\n\nPanelists: \n\n\n\nDr. Aaron Birt\, CEO\, Solvus Global \n\n\n\nAndrew Bond\, Executive Director\, Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) \n\n\n\nJohn Griffin\, VP Defense Strategy and Growth\, Edison Chouset Offshore Companies \n\n\n\n12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Networking Lunch     \n\n\n\n1:00 PM – 1:45 PM Keynote \n\n\n\nUS Congressman Gabe Amo (RI)\, Vice Ranking Member\, House Committee on Foreign Affairs\, House Committee on Science\, Space\, and Technology\, House Committee on the Budget \n\n\n\n1:15 PM – 2:00 PM Panel Discussion: Dual-Use Innovation: Bridging Commercial and Defense \n\n\n\nPanel Description \n\n\n\nCommercial technology companies are increasingly shaping the future of defense capability. This conversation explores how startups can successfully transition from commercial markets into national security applications while navigating procurement complexity\, regulatory constraints\, and operational requirements. \n\n\n\nModerator: Abbey Fabian\, Strategic Technology Teaming and Transitions Lead\, Raytheon \n\n\n\nPanelists: \n\n\n\nDaniel Ateya\, Managing Director\, RTX Ventures \n\n\n\nLeslie-Ann McGee\, Chief Innovation Officer\, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) \n\n\n\nNick Rotker\, Chief BlueTech Strategist\, MITRE Corp \n\n\n\nPete Rumsey\, Associate Vice President\, Economic Development Innovation & Entrepreneurship \n\n\n\n2:00 PM – 2:40 PM Flashtalk Presentations \n\n\n\nSelected startups will present their breakthrough technologies addressing naval operations\, logistics\, ISR\, cyber defense\, and autonomous systems. \n\n\n\n2:40 PM – 3:00 PM Networking Break \n\n\n\n3:00 PM – 3:45 PM Panel Discussion: Where Defense Capital Is Moving \n\n\n\nPanel Description \n\n\n\nInvestors across venture capital\, private equity\, sovereign wealth\, and institutional finance are rapidly increasing exposure to defense and strategic technologies. This session provides a market-level view of where capital is flowing\, valuation trends\, and which sectors are attracting the strongest interest. \n\n\n\nModerator: Hope Hopkins\, Executive Director\, New England Venture Capital Association \n\n\n\nPanelists: \n\n\n\nKyle Asman\, Managing Partner\, Backswing Ventures \n\n\n\nRyan Musto\, Principal\, 8090 Ventures \n\n\n\nMax Conway\, Partner\, Dyne Ventures \n\n\n\n3:45 PM – 4:30 PM Winning the Innovation Race at Sea \n\n\n\nSession Description \n\n\n\nThis discussion will synthesize the day’s themes into a roadmap for maintaining maritime superiority through technology\, industrial strength\, and strategic capital deployment. \n\n\n\nIt will focus on accelerating defense adoption cycles\, strengthening allied innovation ecosystems\, and building resilient maritime capabilities for the next decade. \n\n\n\nModerator: Lee Silvestre\, Senior Principal\, Venture Frontiers \n\n\n\nPanelists: \n\n\n\nTrevor Kelly-Bissonnette\, Director\, International Cooperation at NAVSEA Warfare Centers (NSWC/NUWC) (Ret.) \n\n\n\nMichelle Estaphan Owen\, Ocean Engineer\, Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Newport \n\n\n\n4:30 PM – 5:15 PM The Importance of Innovation to the Fleet \n\n\n\nThe closing remarks will highlight the importance and power of innovation from the submarine fleet perspective and why it matters. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Captain Kevin Behm\, Commanding Officer\, Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport \n\n\n\n5:15 PM – 6:30 PM Cocktail Reception & Tech Mixer \n\n\n\nTo register as an exhibitor see below
URL:https://blueventureforum.org/event/defense-investment-forum/
LOCATION:Wyndham Newport Hotel\, 240 Aquidneck\, Middletown\, Rhode Island\, 02842\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20270308T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20270310T170000
DTSTAMP:20260911T111329Z
CREATED:20260911T111323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T111329Z
UID:7957-1804492800-1804698000@blueventureforum.org
SUMMARY:Blue Innovation Symposium
DESCRIPTION:Registration opening soon \n\n\n\n\n\nRegistration Opening Soon
URL:https://blueventureforum.org/event/blue-innovation-symposium/
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