#USA #Miami #National Security #eMerge Americas #Emil Michael

Emil Michael to Headline eMerge Americas 2026

The eMerge Americas Conference has officially announced that Emil Michael, the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering at the Department of War, will be a prominent speaker at the 12th annual eMerge Americas Conference + Expo, taking place from April 22-24, 2026, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This year’s conference promises to be the most expansive yet, with over 20,000 expected attendees from more than 60 countries, underscoring the event's status as a key platform for innovation and collaboration in various fields.

A Crucial Discussion on AI and National Security

Emil Michael's keynote will address vital developments in national security, particularly focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence. Joining him will be Francis X. Suarez, the former mayor of Miami and current president of eMerge Americas, for a strategic dialogue regarding the Department of War's accelerated deployment of AI technologies. This conversation is set to cover critical aspects such as the Department’s AI Strategy and its impact on defense operations. They will discuss key partnerships with leading AI companies, as well as the role of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in providing funding mechanisms for the industry, and the newly identified six Critical Technology Areas that reflect the Department's investment priorities.

"Welcoming Under Secretary Emil Michael to eMerge Americas is both timely and significant," stated Melissa Medina, co-founder and CEO of eMerge Americas. She emphasized the growing importance of collaboration between government and industry as technologies like AI redefine approaches to national security. The conference aims to unite global leaders from defense, healthcare, finance, and entrepreneurship, fostering interdisciplinary dialogues that will drive transformative innovation.

Expanding the Conference Experience

Entering its 12th year, eMerge Americas 2026 has expanded into an additional hall at the Miami Beach Convention Center, featuring an extensive agenda that includes hands-on workshops on AI and quantum computing. This pre-conference day reflects a shift from experimentation to implementation in both government and business sectors. The three-day conference will host six dynamic stages covering themes such as AI and Deep Tech, National Security, HealthTech, FinTech, and much more. Networking areas, engaging exhibition spaces, live pitches from leading startups, and various networking events, including the renowned Opening Night Block Party on Lincoln Road, will enrich the attendee experience.

Moreover, eMerge Americas will also host its second National Security (NATSEC) Demo Day on April 21, 2026, at PortMiami. This event will showcase mission-ready, multi-domain technologies presented by previously vetted innovators to over 400 national security leaders, further reinforcing Florida's positioning as a hub for innovation in national security.

Notable Speakers and A Growing Agenda

Among other notable speakers at eMerge Americas 2026 are Tim Tebow, a well-known entrepreneur and six-time New York Times bestselling author; Jamie Siminoff, founder of Ring; Dr. Alex Oshmyansky, Co-Founder and CEO of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company; and COL. Nicole Malachowski (USA Ret.), the first female pilot of the Thunderbirds and a combat veteran.

With continuous updates to the agenda and speaker list available at emergeamericas.com, eMerge Americas urges individuals to register for attendance, offering various packages including VIP, Standard, and Titan. VIP pass holders will enjoy exclusive access to networking and private meetings with key speakers such as Tim Tebow. Discounts are also provided for government officials, military personnel, and first responders.

For media inquiries and content creators interested in attending, applications are open at the conference website. Photographic resources from previous years are also accessible for press purposes.

In conclusion, eMerge Americas stands as a strategic convener of innovation that bridges global enterprises, startups, investors, and government officials to advance fields including AI, finance, health, and national security. By fostering partnerships and sharing ideas through its annual conference and year-round programming, eMerge Americas continues to play a pivotal role in propelling impactful advances to market, cementing its reputation since 2014 as a leading global technology event.