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Build. Secure. Deploy. Scale.
Navigate the National Security Market for Autonomous Systems—With Confidence.
Autonomous systems are reshaping the future of defense, intelligence, and national security. From AI-enabled robotics to air, land, and sea platforms, the opportunity is immense—but the path to deployment, funding, and scale is anything but simple.
The Secure Autonomous Systems Initiative (SASI) is a two-day, immersive education and ecosystem program designed for founders and emerging technology leaders building autonomous and dual-use systems who want to break into national security markets responsibly and successfully. Hosted by the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT)—the nation’s leading cybersecurity and emerging technology think tank—SASI equips participants with actionable insight, strategic relationships, and direct exposure to aligned capital.
Why SASI Exists
Bringing autonomous systems from prototype to mission deployment requires more than technical excellence. Founders must understand: Government mission requirements Defense procurement and budgeting cycles Regulatory, policy, and export control environments Investor expectations unique to national security technologies SASI was created to close this gap. Our mission is to demystify the defense and national security marketplace for autonomous systems founders—while facilitating high-value connections to venture capital, strategic investors, and industry partners aligned with long-term, mission-driven innovation.
Who Should Attend
SASI is designed for:
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Founders & executives of autonomous, robotics, AI, and dual-use technology startups
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Emerging technology leaders seeking government and defense market entry
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Investors focused on national security, defense, and deep tech
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Strategic partners and integrators aligned with autonomous systems deployment
If you are building technology that intersects with defense, intelligence, or critical infrastructure, SASI is built for you.
What You Will Gain
✔ Market & Mission Insight
Understand how U.S. government agencies, DoD components, and defense integrators evaluate autonomous technologies—and what it takes to win.
✔ Policy, Procurement & Compliance Clarity
Navigate budgeting cycles, regulations, export controls, and legislative priorities with confidence.
✔ Strategic Relationships
Join a trusted peer group of founders, investors, and national security professionals sharing real-world lessons and pathways to growth.
✔ Access to Aligned Capital
Engage directly with VC, PE, and corporate investors who understand the unique risk, timelines, and upside of autonomous systems in national security markets.
Program Format
SASI is a high-touch, structured experience, featuring:
- Expert-led briefings on security and defense markets
- Practical workshops on tech-to-mission translation
- Curated founder showcases
- Structured investor-founder meetings
- Invitation-only dinners and discussions
This is not a conference. It’s an operational, relationship-driven initiative designed to accelerate real outcomes.
Final agenda will be based on the composition of participants to ensure it is of the utmost value.
Education Agenda & Topics
MAY 12 | MARKETS, MISSIONS, AND REALITY
How National Security and Dual-Use Markets Operate
- Opening Briefing: The Autonomous Systems Landscape in National Security
- USG - The World's Largest Marketplace: Who Buys & How
- Founder Lunch Roundtable: Lessons learned entering security and defense markets
- U.S. Government Budgeting Cycles & Product Development
- Rules, Regulations & Policy Environment: Legislative Priorities in Congress
- Procurement Without Myths: Programs of record, pilots, SBIRs, and non-traditional pathways
- Risk & Reality Session: Export controls, compliance basics, security requirements
- Dinner: Founders, investors, experts (relationship first, no pitching)
MAY 13 | TRANSLATION, CAPITAL, AND SCALE
From Technology to Investable, Mission-Aligned Companies
- Tech-to-Mission Translation Workshop: How buyers and investors interpret autonomy claims
- What “Secure” Really Means: Reliability, resilience, trust, and deployment constraints
- Investor Fireside Chat: Capital Stack for Secure Autonomy
- Founder & Investor Roundtable w/ short, focused presentations
- Go-to-Market Strategy for Autonomy: Dual-use sequencing, timelines, and customer credibility
- One-on-One Investor Meetings: Pre-matched, high-signal conversations
- What Happens After the Summit: Next steps, follow-on engagement, and continued SASI involvement
Program Investment
$12,500 per company (1 representative)
Includes:
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Hotel accommodations
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Meals and refreshments on both program days
Participation is limited to ensure meaningful engagement.
Strategic Partners
ICIT would like to thank our supporters for contributing to the success of this initiative.
