Tuesday, September 29, 2026; 12:00 PM - to - 8:00 PM PDT
THE BR-DGE, 777 S. Aviation Blvd., Ste 210, El Segundo, CA
Defense Curious: From Curious to Mission Critical
Defense Curious is built for founders and investors who are new to defense. This includes companies with compelling technology that have never navigated a government contract, as well as capital that has never deployed into the national security space. The event brings together this defense-curious community with senior government leaders for a full afternoon of candid conversation. Together, attendees will explore how commercial technology becomes mission-critical capability, how companies navigate the government acquisition process, and what specific space capability gaps the defense sector urgently needs industry to solve.
Agenda Highlights
Keynote address by Maj. Gen. Joseph Kunkel on the evolution of military space and Ms. Natalie Riedel on closing critical capability gaps
Interactive government panel and live Q&A
Panels on government acquisition pathways and dual-use tech
Segment on regional economic growth from defense contracts
Fireside chat with Maj. Gen. Kim Crider (ret) on transitioning from military to commercial innovation
Briefing on legal essentials including ITAR, FOCI, and IP rights
Pre-assigned investor and founder matchmaking
Extended networking reception with defense and industry leaders
Event Details
Date: September 29, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: THE BR-DGE, 777 South Aviation Boulevard, El Segundo, CA
Carpooling and ridesharing are encouraged. Onsite parking is available for $20 (credit or debit only no ApplePay).
Please Note: Government access tickets are strictly for verified government and military members. Registrations will only be approved if you use an official .mil email address. Requests submitted with personal or non .mil emails will be automatically declined.
For networking sponsorship opportunities with THE BR-DGE, please email marketing@dti.space
Thanks to THE BR-DGE for sharing the graphics and details with our LA Startup Events members and #startupfriends across Southern California.
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