Inside Dual-Use Technology Lunch & Learn

Join The FORGE for a high-impact lunch and learn as we deconstruct the future of dual technology. Are you ready?

Dual-Use Tech: The New Era of Defense Innovation

The "traditional" way of doing business with the government has just changed. With the Department of War’s recent acquisition reforms, the barrier between commercial brilliance and national security has never been thinner. We’re bringing together the founders building the tech, the VCs funding the mission, and the government leaders rewriting the rulebook.

The Panel

• Jinendra Ranka | Associate. Dean for Research, SCIDS
• Dan Magy | Founder & CEO, Firestorm Labs
• Jake Windle | Partner, Harpoon VC
• Steve Kiser | General Partner, Veteran Ventures Capital
• Denese Cordaro | Professor, Warfighter Acquisition University

Why Attend?

• Bridge the Gap: Learn how to build products that serve both commercial markets and the warfighter.
• Decipher the Reform: Understand exactly how the DoW’s acquisition changes impact startups and researchers.
• Follow the Capital: Get the VC perspective on why the dual-use sector is the most resilient in today's economy.
• Network: Connect with the region’s top defense tech innovators, faculty, and industry leaders.

Who Should Join?

Whether you’re a researcher with a patentable breakthrough, a student looking to enter the defense-tech space, or an industry veteran pivoting to the new acquisition model, this conversation is for you.

The Details

Date: April 24, 2026

Time: 11:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Panel 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)

Location: UC San Diego Design & Innovation Building, Room 208

Lunch: Provided for all registered attendees.

Space is limited. Secure your seat at the front line of innovation.

Directions to the Design & Innovation Building

The event is located on the second floor (room 208) of the Design and Innovation Building (DIB). The entrances are located across from the Structural Materials and Engineering building or next to the UC San Diego Central Campus Station bus and trolley stop.

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MTS Trolley

The easiest way to get to the DIB is by taking the MTS trolley UC San Diego Blue Line and getting off at the UC San Diego Central Campus stop. The trolley stop is a short 1 minute walk to the DIB.

Parking

Public transportation is highly recommended as parking is limited on campus. If you plan to drive to campus, please give yourself plenty of time. You can download the ParkMobile app to pay for your space digitally once you find a spot.

• P510 - Pay and Display, Northside of the DIB *closest to the DIB*
• Gilman Parking Structure, Southwest side of the DIB