Building Dual-Use Technology: Defense, GovTech, SpaceTech, and AI Governance
Building Dual Use Technology: Defense, GovTech, SpaceTech, and AI Governance
What does it take to build technology that serves both national security missions and public needs?
Join us for a closed, moderated panel exploring how founders and builders can move from research and prototypes to tested systems and trusted public adoption. The conversation will connect engineering, government needs, and AI governance across defense, GovTech, SpaceTech, and public resilience.
Speakers will discuss technical validation, customer discovery, testing, procurement, and human oversight. The central question: What should builders prove first: that a system works, that it meets an operational need, or that an institution can trust and govern it?
Event Details:
Location: RUBENSTEIN R-229 CONFERENCE ROOM - Harvard Kennedy School, 79 John F. Kennedy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 5:00 to 6:30 PM ET
Host: Harvard Kennedy School Entrepreneurship and Innovation Society
Meet the Speakers:
Dr. Robert H. Bishop | Texas A&M University
Dr. Bishop serves as Vice Chancellor for Engineering of The Texas A&M University System, Dean of Engineering at Texas A&M University, and Director of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station. A former NASA engineer, he brings experience in autonomous systems, defense, and space research. He will discuss the engineering leadership, testing infrastructure, and institutional partnerships needed to move research toward systems ready for operational use.
Yael Dekel Shafrir | Fulbright Scholar
Yael is currently a Fulbright Scholar exploring how artificial intelligence can be implemented safely and effectively in the judicial branch. Her work focuses on improving the efficiency of justice systems, delivering better public services, and strengthening public trust. She examines the institutional, legal, and governance safeguards needed for responsible AI adoption. A May 2026 graduate of Harvard Kennedy School’s Master in Public Administration program, Yael brings extensive experience in government policy, legislation, and institutional accountability. She will offer a public sector perspective on how builders can align emerging technologies with government needs while addressing legal obligations, human oversight, and public trust.
Moderator: Cesar Hernandez | Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School
Cesar will guide the conversation, connecting technical readiness, government needs, and responsible adoption.
What to Expect:
5:00 to 5:10 PM: Welcome, speaker introductions, and opening discussion
5:10 to 6:00 PM: Panel conversation on emerging opportunities, engineering and testing, public adoption, and AI governance
6:00 to 6:12 PM: A practical scenario examining an AI system supporting disaster logistics and a space or defense mission
6:12 to 6:25 PM: Audience questions
6:25 to 6:30 PM: Practical takeaways for builders and closing remarks