ENCOUNTERING INNOVATION - 2027 TECH SHOWCASE
From Innovation to Operational Impact
April 5-8, 2027 | Wichita, Kansas
Connecting business-ready technologies with defense capability needs, Combatant Command-informed Tech Scouts, and pathways to experimentation, collaboration, and transition.
Applications Open Now | First-Round Deadline: November 13, 2026
Our Innovators Are Moving Forward
Documented outcomes among Encountering Innovation participating companies
$141M+
Documented Awards & Contracts
EI2023 - 2026 Cohort
53
Award & Contract Records
EI2023 - 2026 Cohort
About These Outcomes: Figures reflect publicly documented awards and contracts associated with companies participating in Encountering Innovation. Reported EI2023–2026 cohort outcomes occurred after each company's earliest documented EI participation. These achievements belong to the innovators and do not establish that EI directly caused or secured the awards. Values may reflect different award and contract funding measures. Results are based on available public records and do not guarantee future outcomes.
Encountering Innovation is more than a technology showcase. We help innovators strengthen their understanding of defense capability needs, communicate their technologies effectively, and connect with knowledgeable Tech Scouts and ecosystem partners who can help identify potential pathways to experimentation, collaboration, investment, and commercialization.
Our objective is to support the innovator's success while respecting proprietary technologies, intellectual property, and business interests.
PREPARE
Strengthen your ability to communicate technology capabilities, operational relevance, and business readiness through focused training and presentation coaching.
PROTECT
Respect for proprietary technologies, intellectual property, and business interests throughout the EI engagement process.
CONNECT
Engage with Combatant Command-informed Tech Scouts and ecosystem partners to explore operational needs and potential collaboration.
ADVANCE
Explore opportunities for experimentation, technology development, strategic partnerships, investment, and potential government or commercial revenue.
Why Participate in Encountering Innovation?
Technologies We're Seeking in EI2027
EI2027 is prioritizing mature, business-ready technologies with the potential to address operational capability gaps identified by U.S. Combatant Commands, particularly U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). Our technology outreach is informed by current defense innovation priorities and engagement with Combatant Command-informed Tech Scouts.
AUTONOMOUS WARFARE
Unmanned and autonomous systems across air, ground, and maritime domains.
KILL WEB
Sensing, communications, cyber, targeting, and decision-support capabilities.
10x
Operational energy, manufacturing, logistics, resilience, and dramatically improved speed or affordability.
AI CROSSCUTTER
AI capabilities that strengthen decision-making and operational effectiveness across defense missions.
Not Sure Where Your Technology Fits?
These portfolio areas help guide EI2027 outreach and technology alignment, but they are not exclusive eligibility requirements. Technologies addressing other defense capability gaps, including cross-cutting and dual-use innovations, are encouraged to apply. Our Tech Scouts and EI team can help assess potential mission alignment during the review process.
Who Should Apply to EI2027?
EI2027 welcomes innovators, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and technology companies developing solutions with potential defense or dual-use applications.
Priority consideration is given to mature technologies, particularly those at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7–9, with demonstrated capabilities and a credible pathway toward testing, operational adoption, or commercialization.
Promising earlier-stage technologies are also encouraged to apply when they demonstrate meaningful operational relevance and a realistic development pathway.
Priority Focus: TRL 7-9 | Business-Ready Technologies
Demonstrated capabilities. Operational relevance. Readiness for next-step engagement.
EI2027 Application Process & Important Dates
Applications for the EI2027 Tech Showcase are now open.
Innovators are invited to submit information about their technology, operational relevance, development maturity, and business readiness. The EI team and Tech Scouts will review submissions to identify promising technologies for focused training, engagement, and potential participation in the April 2027 showcase.
First-round applications are due November 13, 2026.
EI2027 Important Dates
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November 13, 2026
First-Round Applications Due
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November 20, 2026
EI Team / Tech Scout Review
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December 12, 2026
Applicant Status Notifications
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January 19, 2027
Road to EI Training Begins
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March 15–31, 2027
Practice Pitches
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April 5–8, 2027
EI2027 Tech Showcase
Applications Open Now | First-Round Deadline: November 13, 2026