“In today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape, incremental improvements are no longer sufficient. At KGS, we embrace prioritizing speed and adaptability.  We’re not just building technology; we’re delivering decisive advantages to the warfighter, ensuring they maintain the upper hand,” said Matthew Carle, Defense & Intel Line of Business President.

KGS is deeply involved in accelerating the delivery of disruptive technology to the DoD, specializing in areas crucial to modern warfare: Intelligence Automation, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Rapid Prototyping, C5ISR, Aircraft Survivability, and Mobile Communications.

Matthew Carle went on to say, “We recognize the need for agility and streamlined deployment processes to meet evolving government requirements. Our team draws upon a deep reservoir of past experience and honed skills to tackle our clients’ most difficult problems. Since 2013 KGS has supported the Army Research Laboratory with rapid response delivering critical capabilities to the warfighter to support their specialized mobile communications requirements.”

KGS expertise extends beyond the technology itself. We focus on the application of technology, ensuring it seamlessly integrates into existing workflows and empowers the warfighter. This human-centric approach maximizes the impact of our solutions on the battlefield. KGS has a proven track record of taking proof-of-concept prototypes through to rapid full-scale deployment. We excel at shortening the time to Full Operating Capability (FOC), enhancing the battlefield of the future through the commercialization of these technologies and delivering them directly into the hands of those who need them most.

KGS is not just a technology provider; we are a partner in innovation.  For one client alone, our intelligent automation solutions save them annually more than $30M and 687,000 work hours.  We are committed to increasing the DoD’s ability to acquire and implement disruptive technologies in rapid and novel ways to augment their critical mission. We understand the urgency of the current landscape and are dedicated to providing the solutions that will ensure our nation’s continued security. We look forward to discussing these critical issues and showcasing our capabilities at the SXSW Space and Defense Innovation Reception.

For more information about KGS and how we support disruptive technologies, please visit www.koniag-gs.com

About Koniag Government Services (KGS)

Koniag Government Services (KGS) is an Alaska Native Corporation comprised of multiple wholly owned subsidiary companies that deliver Enterprise Solutions, Professional Services, and Operations Management to Federal Government agencies. With an agile employee and corporate culture, KGS applies its proven technical, professional, and operational expertise to enable successful mission outcomes for Defense and Civilian agencies through forward-leaning, solution-oriented business partnerships and a commitment to exceptional service delivery.

So far, in addition to our own events, we’re tracking nearly 100 different panels and parties spread throughout 18 locations from March 4th to 12th. In addition to the list below, there are several private invite-only events happening over the week within the defense and space industry. Leaders who sign up for SDI may get additional invites.

Many events follow a rolling approval process, meaning space fills up as registrations come in, so don’t wait until the last minute to secure your spot. Early registration is your best chance to guarantee entry before events run out of space.

A sample of what’s available is below, but – due to spatial constraints – this is an abbreviated list. The full events calendar can be found on the Distinctive Edge website.

Distinctive Edge Partners Events

March 8th – 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

The Space and Defense Innovation Speaker Showcase

Location Provided to Confirmed Guests

SDI will be hosting an invite-only Speaker Showcase with curated audiences depending on the topic which brings together prominent voices from government, industry, and the aerospace and defense innovation ecosystem for a series of focused, high-level discussions. As part of the 2025 Space and Defense Innovation Showcase & Reception, thought leaders will address critical challenges shaping the future of defense and national security.

Apply to Attend HERE

March 8th – 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM

The Space and Defense Innovation Reception

Location Provided to Confirmed Guests

The invite-only reception brings innovators together for an exclusive event featuring forward-thinking leaders in the space and defense innovation sectors to facilitate expanding networks with ideal contacts. Due to high demand and limited venue capacity, invitations are limited to space and defense community leaders and executives.

Apply to Attend HERE

Tuesday, March 4th

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

G’Day Y’all Networking Happy Hour

Sky Lounge on Lady Bird at RiverSouth, 401 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704

Q-Branch and Invest and Trade Western Australia are excited to introduce Western Australia’s most promising dual-use technology to SXSW, Texas, and the Americas! This event is the capstone of the inaugural Global Growth Accelerator Program (G-Gap) sponsored by Invest and Trade Western Australia. This intensive 6-week program is designed to fast-track the top Western Australian startups, scaleups, and companies’ entry into the US commercial and government markets. The G-Gap program is the first of its kind and a critical milestone in the growth of AUKUS and the direct connection between Texas and Australia. This highly curated event is an exclusive preview for the Austin and Dual-Use ecosystems, as well as the welcome event for the delegation!

Register for this free event HERE

Thursday, March 6th

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Austin 4 America

Fair Market, 1100 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78702

Day 1 of Austin4America opens with a clear message: leaving defense out of the conversation in a world that’s always shifting is a juvenile mistake. This forum isn’t about feel-good platitudes; it’s where real conversations happen, the ones that dig deep into hard truths and tough decisions. Key players, bold thinkers, and change-makers come together to challenge norms, forge practical solutions, and confront what it truly takes to adapt and thrive in an unpredictable world.

Reserve your free ticket HERE

4:30 pm

SXSW Icebreaker (hosted by AUSA,NSIC,Red Thread X, and Round Rock Chamber)

Texas Association of Business Rooftop, 316 W 12th St

Join the AUSA TX Capital Area Chapter, the National Security Innovation Council (NSIC), RedThreadX, & Round Rock Chamber for a night of networking & collaboration. This in-person event is the perfect way to kick off and elevate your SXSW experience. Meet fellow attendees, industry professionals, and maybe even make some new friends. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect and mingle with National Security professionals in the Capital region.

Reserve your free ticket HERE

Friday, March 7th

Capital Factory House:

701 Brazos St

Friday, March 7th – Tuesday, March 11th

You can apply for a Backstage Pass application here.

FOR THE COMPLETE LIST OF EVENTS HAPPENING IN AUSTIN AROUND SXSW, VISIT THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR ON THE DISTINCTIVE EDGE WEBSITE.

This is a tectonic shift. Winning wars now requires seamless interoperability, localized production, and scalable, attritable systems that adapt to evolving mission needs in real-time.

The Entrenched Enemy

The enemy is inefficiency and obsolescence. Legacy systems are cumbersome and costly, bogged down by decades of bureaucratic inertia. Supply chain vulnerabilities delay critical deployments. Rotary-wing drones dominate the market but fall short in endurance, range, and adaptability. Meanwhile, centralized production fails to meet the demand for agile, on-the-ground manufacturing in contested environments.

The result? Warfighters are left without the tools they need to prevail in dynamic, high-stakes scenarios. The cost in lives and readiness is too high. The gap between what warfighters need and what they’re given has become an existential threat.

The First-of-Its-Kind Solution

Firestorm has reimagined defense technology for this new world. At its core are two revolutionary solutions: Tempest and xCell.

• Tempest, a modular fixed-wing UAS, offers unmatched endurance, payload capacity, and scalability. It is designed for One-Way Attack missions, precision ISR, and base defense. Unlike rotary-wing competitors, Tempest dominates in endurance and adaptability, making it the platform of choice for warfighters who need results now.

• xCell redefines the logistics game. This expeditionary additive manufacturing solution enables production at the edge—creating mission-critical systems like Tempest in under 48 hours. With xCell, supply chains are decentralized, resilience is enhanced, and operations are no longer limited by geography or time.

Together, Tempest and xCell embody Firestorm’s belief: Victory demands innovation that scales. These solutions don’t just keep up with the pace of modern conflict—they set it.

How Firestorm Sees the World Differently

Firestorm sees a battlefield where modularity, speed, and scalability determine success. Every mission, every warfighter, and every dollar spent deserves technology that adapts to the fight, not the other way around. With a relentless focus on affordability, interoperability, and additive manufacturing, Firestorm transforms the way militaries engage and win in a contested, unpredictable world.

• What We say: The future of defense is modular, local, and fast. We don’t just build drones; we redefine what’s possible in warfighter support.

• What We are building: A seamless ecosystem of software-defined platforms and hardware innovations designed to integrate with JADC2 and beyond.

• What We aim to do: Deliver solutions that win the war before the first shot is fired. Every product and decision are designed to empower warfighters with superior tools and capabilities, ready when and where they’re needed.

Firestorm isn’t just a company; it’s a call to action for a more agile, connected, and decisive military.

The Veteran Advantage

In today’s accelerating tech race, where adversaries rapidly advance their capabilities – especially in AI – veterans bring an unmatched edge to defense innovation. Their ability to assess battlefield needs and rapidly adapt solutions comes from hard-won experience. Veterans inherently grasp the critical balance between swift innovation and robust security—a skill honed through real-world operations where speed and safety are non-negotiable. This unique combination of tactical know-how and technological adaptability makes veterans invaluable leaders in transforming cutting-edge commercial technology into practical defense solutions.

VetsinTech’s Impact

As the DoD also grapples with critical workforce shortages in cybersecurity, VetsinTech has emerged as a vital force in building the talent pipeline. Through its partnership with Craig Newmark Philanthropies, VetsinTech has trained over 2,000 veterans in cybersecurity, directly addressing urgent national security needs. The Craig Newmark Cybersecurity Institute for Veterans delivers specialized training that equips veterans with industry standard certifications in Security+, AWS Cloud Practitioner, and Palo Alto Networks technologies. These programs provide training and create transformative career opportunities, as evidenced by graduates who now lead security operations at major defense contractors and technology companies.

Building on this cybersecurity success, VetsinTech last year launched ‘Vets in AI,’ partnering with technology leaders to address critical AI workforce needs. This vital initiative recognizes veterans’ proven ability to operate in high-stakes environments, making them uniquely qualified to lead in AI development and implementation. Through specialized training and industry partnerships, VetsinTech and its partners are ensuring veterans help maintain America’s competitive edge in this strategically vital technology.

Innovation and Collaboration

At SXSW 2025, Austin’s emergence as a key defense innovation hub takes center stage. Alongside SDI Events, VetsinTech will showcase how veterans are driving technological advancement while building critical talent pipelines for the defense sector. This gathering aligns perfectly with the Space & Defense Innovation Reception on March 8th, an exclusive gathering of forward-thinking leaders in defense innovation. This highly curated event offers a unique opportunity to connect with key players shaping the future of defense technology while highlighting veterans’ distinctive ability to adapt emerging technologies for national security applications. The event’s powerful convergence of veteran leadership, emerging technologies, and defense expertise creates a unique moment for transformation in our national security capabilities.

Future Vision

As technological threats evolve and global competitors accelerate their capabilities especially in AI and vital supply chain ecosystems, the future of defense innovation depends increasingly on harnessing the unique skills veterans bring to technological advancement. Join VetsinTech at the Space & Defense Innovation Reception during SXSW 2025 to discover how veterans are transforming defense capabilities and connect with an elite gathering of DoD leaders, government innovators, investors, and Fortune 500 executives shaping the next wave of defense technology. Together, we can strengthen national security by empowering those who have served to lead the next generation of defense innovation. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to be part of the conversation where military expertise meets technological advancement.

Amid this programming, on March 8, 2025, is the fourth annual, invite-only SDI Speaker Showcase & Reception. SDI brings together prominent voices from government, industry, and the broader aerospace and defense innovation ecosystem for curated conversations and networking. The event also includes the SDI Awards, which honor exceptional individuals driving the future of aerospace and defense and recognize leaders and innovators across government, industry, and academia who are setting new standards, breaking boundaries, and redefining what’s possible across the aerospace and defense sectors.

Why SDI Stands Apart:

• Innovation and True Collaboration: At larger events, it can be challenging to catch the right people to make a meaningful connection. This invite-only event curates the brightest and most influential minds that are driving the creativity, innovation, and future of the aerospace and defense industry for a day of thought provoking presentations and impactful conversations.
• Global Partnerships: Representatives from the U.S. and allied nations create opportunities for new and expanding relationships.
• SDI Awards: The event concludes with the announcement of the SDI Award winners.

Why Attend:

This highly-curated reception brings together forward-thinking DoD and Government innovation leaders, investors, industry trade groups, media, C-suite innovators, and Fortune 500 company executives. The event facilitates expanding networks with ideal contacts. If you want to be part of meaningful conversations with decision-makers in the aerospace industry, join us at SDI. For more details about how to get involved and register, visit SDIReception.com.