Science, Technology, Innovation Forums

Grassroots economic and technology development, building trust, collaboration, teaming, fostering  Innovation, identifying economic opportunities for businesses and veterans in the state.
 
• Develop Onramps for proof of concept and early validation testing (prototype thru Industry Compliance: Design simulation, Digital Twins, Environmental, RDT&E, Hardware in the Loop, Man in the loop, Man out of the Loop etc.) 

• Continue developing relationships with US Armed Services Committee and its members, DoD S&T-RDT&E influencers & leaders, Identify opportunities for line-item Defense Budget Funding for and with our NC Collaborators. 

• Mentor and Energize NC companies to align and refine their mission and capabilities with Fuel Use in mind and team when helpful to submit and win. 

• Continue grassroots and economic development to accelerate success and revenue growth within the NC Defense Innovation Ecosystem. 

• Artificial Intelligence Roundtables
In 2024, Phil spun up a series of Artificial Intelligence in Defense Forums, held at each of the below Universities

NC State University
UNC Charlotte
UNC Wilmington
East Carolina,
NC A&T University
Fayetteville State Univ
Duke University
Wake Forest University


 NC Cluster Study Sectors (2020 March)
1. Autonomous Systems
2. Advanced Manufacturing
3. Data & Knowledge Management
4. Human Performance
5. Materials
6. Power

NC Emerging Clusters 2024 forward
7. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
8. Ocean, Coast Line, Maritime (Blue Economy)
9. Cybersecurity (all Cyber domains)
10. Energy
11. Batteries

Commercialization Forum

The Commercialization Forum is a strategic gathering focused on accelerating the market success of dual-use defense and commercial products and solutions. This forum brings together industry leaders, government stakeholders, investors, and innovators to explore pathways for integrating cutting-edge technologies into both defense and commercial markets. Attendees will gain insights into the regulatory landscape, investment opportunities, and best practices for product adaptation, ensuring that high-potential innovations meet the needs of both sectors. Through panels, workshops, and networking sessions, participants will discuss commercialization strategies, address unique challenges, and foster partnerships that bridge the gap between defense-grade technology and consumer-ready solutions, driving both national security and commercial growth.

Government Affairs Forum

Chair. David Hayden, Smith Anderson Law 

• Monitor State and Federal legislative agendas to identify legislation that is relevant to NC organizations and provide recommendations to the Board as to policy positions.
• Develop strategies to advise and educate DAF Leadership on relevant legislative issues.
• Develop strategies to educate and communicate with legislators, organizations and other relevant parties regarding DAF and our position on any particular legislative issue as directed by the Board.
• Identify statewide and national associations with similar interests and provide recommendations and advice to the Board concerning opportunities to align organizations to strengthen advocacy on key issues.
•Assist in reviewing issues related to DAF and provide advice and recommendations to the Board regarding same.

Manufacturing and Infrastructure Forum

Understanding Defense Alliance Foundation’s (DAF)capabilities as related to manufacturing in areas to include, but not limited to; Marketing, Capture Management, Contracts, Finance/Accounting, Staffing, Raw materials, Production, Labeling, Packaging and Logistics.

Identify opportunities for collaboration among our NC Defense Alliance Foundation Ecosystem.
Work with DAF to utilize members as outsourcing resources.

Women In Defense

Women In Defense (WID) engages, cultivates and supports the advancement and recognition of women in all aspects of national security. this empowerment form provides women a business environment for professional growth through strategic networking, education, and career development.

Women in Defense provides a dynamic, forward-thinking community for developing leadership skills, cultivating relationships, as well as mentoring, and education through a variety of national and regional events addressing some of the most pressing national defense issues.