Deep Tech Deployment Summit
***UPDATE*** Registration & Arrival
Registration
Doors open at 1:00pm. Program begins promptly at 2:00pm. Please be prepared to show your Luma QR code or photo ID matching the name on your registration at check-in.
The event is sold out and seating is available to registered guests on a first come first serve basis. If you are no longer able to attend please update your RSVP so we can give your spot to someone on the waitlist.
Directions / Arrival
The conference center entrance faces Crystal Dr.
Metro: Arrive at Crystal City Station (Blue, Yellow), walk 1-block east on 18th ST S. Turn right on Crystal Dr. Continue south on Crystal Dr., cross 20th ST S. 2011 Crystal Dr. is on the left.
Uber: Rideshare dropoff is located at the office lobby entrance for 2011 Crystal Dr. Once inside the office lobby, the conference center lobby is through the double glass doors to the left.
Driving: Paid parking is available under the building. The entrance to the parking garage is located where 20th ST S ends at Crystal Dr. Take the garage elevators to the 2011 Crystal Dr. office lobby. The conference center lobby is through the double glass doors at the opposite end of the office lobby from the elevator bank.
The next generation of category-defining companies will be built by deploying breakthrough technologies into the world’s largest industries. Join Level Five VC and New Vista Capital for an afternoon of founder talks and panel discussions exploring the future of mobility, aerospace, artificial intelligence, robotics and industrial systems.
Attendees can expect:
Lightning talks from founders building at the frontier of deep tech
Panel discussions on commercialization and deployment at scale
Perspectives from investors, operators, and strategic partners
Networking with the broader DC Deep Tech Week community
Hosted as part of DC Deep Tech Week, this summit brings together the people building the future of the physical economy.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Rajesh Rai
Managing Partner, Level Five VC
Rajesh Rai is Managing Partner of Level Five VC and a venture investor and company builder with more than 20 years of experience across investing, operations and entrepreneurship. He previously served as a Partner at Montane Ventures, Venture Partner at VIPC, as CEO of the India Innovation Fund, and as a co-founder of New Markets Venture Partners. Across his career, Raj has invested in and helped scale technology companies from early stage through exit.
Sundi Natarajan
General Partner, Level Five VC
Sundi Natarajan is a General Partner at Level Five VC, technology entrepreneur and active deep tech investor. He co-founded Sparksoft Corporation, a federal technology company that has won more than $400 million in prime contracts supporting agencies including HHS, CMS, CDC and DHA. As an angel investor, he has backed companies including Uniphore, Geminus AI, Pixxel Space Technologies, and GreyOrange Robotics, and has served in senior leadership roles with TiE DC and TiE Global.
Marc Allen
CEO, Electra
Marc Allen is President and CEO of Electra.aero, where he is leading the development and commercialization of hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft designed to bring quiet, efficient air travel closer to where people live and work. A global C-suite leader with deep experience in aerospace, strategy, innovation, and corporate transformation, Marc has led major growth, restructuring, and technology initiatives across complex organizations.
Before joining Electra, Marc spent a distinguished career at Boeing, including service on the company’s Executive Council as Chief Strategy Officer. He also led Boeing International, Boeing Capital, Boeing China, and the company’s autonomous aviation and venture activities, including Wisk Aero and HorizonX. Earlier in his career, Marc worked in law, consulting, and entrepreneurship, and clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. He holds a degree from Princeton University and a JD from Yale Law School.
Major General Joseph D. Kunkel
Deputy Director, Defense Innovation Unit
Maj. Gen. Joseph D. Kunkel is DIU's Military Deputy. Previously, he was Director of Force Design, Integration, and Wargaming, Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Futures (AF/A5/7I), Headquarters United States Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. In this position, he led advanced efforts for future force design, data analysis, capability development integration, and disruptive technology. Air Force Futures focuses on developing Air Force strategy and concepts, conducting strategic assessments of the operating environment through wargames and workshops, manifesting an integrated future force design, and achieving timely and effective operational capabilities required for tomorrow’s Airmen to fight and win. Maj. Gen. Kunkel commissioned at the United States Air Force Academy in June of 1994. Following Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, he was assigned to the F-15E Strike Eagle. He transitioned to the F- 22 Raptor as part of Pacific Air Forces’ F-22 initial cadre where he served as the Commander of the 90th Fighter Squadron. He has commanded at the wing level twice including the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Red Tails. Maj. Gen. Kunkel is a command pilot with over 2,776 flying hours.
Mela Louise Norman
Partner, New Vista Capital
Mela Louise Norman is a Partner at New Vista Capital, investing in technologies for the national interest with a focus on aerospace, space and defense. She brings experience spanning venture investing, two tours at the Pentagon and Capitol Hill, giving her a rare perspective on the intersection of technology, capital and national security.
Frank Taylor
General Partner, Level Five VC
Frank Taylor is a General Partner at Level Five VC, investing in deep tech companies across aerospace, robotics, and energy. He previously spent 15 years as a founder and CEO, served as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Carnegie Mellon, and most recently led deep tech investing at Virginia Venture Partners.
Dr. Connor Glass
Founder & CEO, Phantom Neuro
Dr. Connor Glass is Founder and CEO of Phantom Neuro, a neurotechnology company building interfaces that connect the human nervous system with advanced machines. Phantom’s minimally invasive platform is being developed for applications spanning prosthetics, exoskeletons and robotics. The company is backed by Draper Associates, Blackrock Neurotech, and Ottobock as well as other leading venture capital and strategic investors.
Dr. Cori Lathan
Board Director, PTC | Technology Entrepreneur
Dr. Cori Lathan is an MIT-trained neuroscientist, engineer, inventor and technology entrepreneur. She co-founded and led biomedical technology company AnthroTronix for more than two decades and has developed technologies across robotics, human performance and digital health. She currently serves as an Independent Director of PTC and has also served on the board of robotic exoskeleton pioneer Ekso Bionics.
This event is part of Deep Tech Week. Create a free profile at deep-tech-week.com/register to help hosts approve your registration and build your schedule for the week.