WIN Summit Series: KY

WIN Summit Series: KY

Overview

Join government, industry, and academic leaders in Louisville for the Warfighting Integration Network (WIN) Summit Series, supported by DAFT3 and the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kentucky. Designed to go beyond basic information sharing, this event provides dual-use and defense health innovators with actionable pathways into the Department of War marketplace.

Attendees can participate in targeted panel discussions, engage in direct Q&A with government decision-makers, and learn how to navigate funding opportunities and technology transfer.

Event Schedule

• 2:30 PM – Check-In & Informal Networking: Arrive, check in, and connect with peers before the main program begins.
• 3:15 PM – Concurrent Panel Discussions & Q&A:
  • Defense Health Panel (In-Person & Virtual): Moderated by Sean Frisbee (Vertx Partners), featuring stakeholders from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Defense Health Agency (DHA).
  • Defense Innovation Panel (In-Person Only): Moderated by Shanel Fultz (AFRL Small Business Office), featuring advisors from AFMC Small Business Programs, AFWERX, and KY Apex Accelerator.
• 5:00 PM – Networking Social (Sponsored by D!NG): Head over to The Last Refuge for casual networking, complimentary food, and an open bar to build direct connections with speakers, government stakeholders, and fellow innovators.

Featured Speakers & Stakeholders

• Sean Frisbee – President & Founder, Vertx Partners
• Scott Aughenbaugh – Director, DAF Technology Transfer & Transition (T3)
• Dr. Daniel Zelik – Deputy Director, AFRL Human Effectiveness Directorate
• Barry Datlof – Chief, Business Development & Commercialization, DHA Medical Technology Transfer Office
• Tony Perez – Strategic Advisor, Vertx Partners
• Shanel Fultz – Deputy Director, AFRL Small Business Office
• Ryan Evans – Outreach Coordinator, HQ AFMC Small Business Programs
• Greg Green – Senior Advisor, Vertx Partners
• James McCormack – Business & Technical Advisor, AFRL Small Business Office
• Carissa Grosh – Acquisition Planning Lead, AFWERX
• Nancy Brown – Executive Director, KY Apex Accelerator

What You'll Gain

• Direct Access: Face-to-face engagement with key Air Force and DHA leadership.
• Strategic Insights: Clear understanding of mission priorities, capability gaps, and funding mechanisms.
• Readiness Evaluation: Opportunity to connect with the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kentucky for structured evaluations of company readiness and transition pathways.

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