Forums

Our Mission

DAF’s Science, Technology, and Innovation initiatives focus on:

Building Trust
Strengthening relationships and fostering collaboration within the innovation ecosystem.

Grassroots Economic Development
Supporting local economic growth through technology and innovation initiatives.

Pathways to Funding Research
Facilitating access to resources and funding for scientific and technological research.

Mentoring and Fostering Startups
roviding guidance and resources to support technology-focused startups.

Convening Forums and Symposiums
Organizing events to promote research and collaboration aimed at addressing challenging technological problems.

Dual-Use Commercialization Services
Bridging the gap between research and market applications for both commercial and defense sectors by:

Transitioning university research to viable products.
Securing and leveraging Government grants, SBIRs (Small Business Innovation Research), and STTRs (Small Business Technology Transfer).
Developing emerging technologies and demonstrating proof of concept.
Supporting the convergence of technologies for innovative solutions.
Utilizing simulation and advanced tools to refine and validate technologies.
Assisting in the transition to manufacturing to scale solutions effectively.

Through these initiatives, DAF fosters collaboration, innovation, and the advancement of dual-use technologies, creating impactful solutions for both commercial and defense applications.

Focus Areas

The Defense Alliance Foundation is committed to driving the growth of technology clusters, as outlined in the 2020 Defense Alliance of North Carolina Defense Asset Cluster Study. DAF also actively monitors and integrates emerging technology clusters, ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation to support the evolving needs of the defense and commercial sectors.

NC Defense Asset Inventory
& Cluster Study Sectors (2020)

Autonomous Systems
Advanced Manufacturing
Data & Knowledge Management
Human Performance
Materials
Power

Emerging Clusters (2024 and Beyond)

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
CHIPS for America
Ocean, Maritime & Space Science (Blue Economy)
Cybersecurity (Multiple Cyber Domains)
Renewable Energy
Next-Generation Batteries and Materials
Robotics
Wide Bandgap Semiconductors

DAF continues to build upon its legacy of innovation, forging pathways to success for North Carolina’s defense and dual-use technology sectors while addressing the critical challenges of today and tomorrow.

Select the tabs below to read about our Forums.

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.

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.

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 (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.