#United States #Innovation #Fairfax City #Navy

Co-Hosting the Future: A Look into the Sensors & Autonomy Reverse Pitch Day

On June 26, 2026, the Naval Surface Warfare Center's Carderock Division, in partnership with Fairfax City Economic Development, is set to hold a pivotal reverse pitch day at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Virginia. This event aims to bridge the gap between academia, government, and industry, focusing on critical innovations in sensors and autonomy.

## Why This Event Matters
The collaboration, established under a Partnership Intermediary Agreement from July 2025, signals a strategic alignment between military and commercial interests. By leveraging the advanced naval engineering expertise of Carderock, this initiative will not only drive technological innovation but also substantially impact economic development in the region.

The reverse pitch day is designed to facilitate technology transfer, enhance workforce development, and promote local business growth, benefiting both the federal landscape and the Fairfax community. This will serve as a platform to showcase high-value federal intellectual property that is ripe for commercial licensing—an enticing prospect for businesses and innovators alike.

A Day of Innovation

Program Overview

The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring a series of presentations and networking opportunities. Here's a peek at the schedule:

• - 8:30 – 9:00 a.m.: Registration and Networking Coffee

Participants from industry, academia, and government will gather to build connections before the formal program begins.

• - 9:00 – 9:15 a.m.: Welcome Remarks

Led by Colleen Kardasz and MAJ Jacob Godfrey, this session will outline the strategic vision for technology transfer initiatives.

• - 9:15 – 10:00 a.m.: NSWCCD Technology Transfer Portfolio

Dr. John Barkyoumb and Dr. Joe Teter will present a comprehensive overview of available technologies and patents.

• - 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Technology Pitches

A fast-paced session featuring inventors presenting patented technologies with clear commercial applications, including:
- Magnon Excitation and Detection Systems by Arthur Nwokoye
- Quality Control Solutions in Manufacturing by Scott Ziv
- Simulation Models for Underwater Vehicles by Sasha Tsarev
- System for Autonomously Fueling Unmanned Vehicles by Nikko Miniello

• - 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.: Networking Lunch

This dedicated lunch will foster interactions for potential partnerships.

• - 12:00 – 12:45 p.m.: Licensing Briefing

Led by Patent IP Attorney Jesus Hernandez, this session will dive into licensing models and processes, supported by successful case studies.

• - 12:45 – 1:00 p.m.: Closing Remarks

MAJ Jacob Godfrey and Colleen Kardasz will provide next steps for attendees interested in establishing licensing agreements.

Notable Presenters and Influencers

The event will feature key figures from both the naval sector and the Fairfax Economic Development team, including:

• - Dr. Joe Teter: An expert in technology transfer, guiding regional strategies with over 500 partnership agreements under his belt.
• - Dr. John Barkyoumb: Focused on external engagement and technology transfer in the region.
• - Jesus Hernandez: Specializing in federal IP law, he’ll cover government-to-industry licensing frameworks.
• - Colleen Kardasz: Leading economic development initiatives in Fairfax, she is pivotal in merging local businesses with federal opportunities.

Register Now

For those looking to participate, opportunities for free registration are available through the Eventbrite page. This is an excellent chance for innovators and business leaders to engage directly with federal experts and discover lucrative pathways for commercialization.

Conclusion

The Sensors & Autonomy Reverse Pitch Day is not just an event; it’s a powerful initiative to inspire collaboration between the military and local businesses. By capitalizing on available technologies, this partnership aims to propel regional innovation and economic growth while meeting the needs of the Navy and integrating community strengths. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the future of naval technology and local economic development!