Global Domain Awareness
An Aerospace & National Security Summit exploring how America secures the high ground across all domains.
As great power competition intensifies, the ability to see, understand, and act across multiple domains—space, sea, air, land, and cyber—has become the cornerstone of effective deterrence. This summit brings together Space Force leadership, JPL's cutting-edge research division, Silicon Valley defense innovators, and the capital markets funding America's next arsenal to examine how technological superiority in domain awareness shapes the balance of power in the 21st century.
*What We'll Explore (subject to change)
🚀 Space as the Ultimate High Ground Lt. Colonel Tim Trimailo (Space Systems Command), Tom Cwik (JPL CTO), and Van Espahbodi (Generational Partners) explore how military leadership, breakthrough research, and private capital must coordinate to secure space dominance when adversaries are moving fast.
🤖 Autonomous Systems Reshaping Defense CEOs from Firestorm, SeaSats, and Picogrid, moderated by Skapa by Saab leadership, examine how autonomous capabilities—from aerial swarms to maritime drones to edge power systems—are redefining warfare and deterrence.
🔗 From Silicon Valley to Pentagon Mike McKay (cognitae), Jacqueline Tame (Global Playground), and Jesse Gipe (DIU) tackle the innovation pipeline from garage startup to deployed capability—what's working, what's broken, and how to accelerate without compromising security or innovation.
📡 Soft Power as Deterrence Emily Gold (OPFOR Media), Will Allen (Frontsight Media & Anzu Partners), and Waco Hoover (IMPCT Group) explore how America wields culture, narrative, and technological leadership as instruments of deterrence alongside hard power.
💰 Capital Models Debate Jake Windle (Harpoon Ventures), Jake Chapman (Marque Ventures), and Chris Lay (Leonid Capital Partners) debate which financial model—VC speed vs. banking scale vs. government coordination—can actually deliver the industrial capacity America needs.
Key Focus Areas
Space Superiority: Securing the ultimate domain when competitors are building constellations
Autonomous Integration: Dual-use systems transforming commercial and defense operations
Innovation Pipeline: Bridging Silicon Valley speed with Pentagon security requirements
Narrative Warfare: Culture and soft power as strategic weapons
Capital Allocation: Which financial models scale defense capabilities fastest
Who Should Attend
Defense Leadership: Space Force officers, DoD officials, combatant commanders
Aerospace Industry: Space startups, autonomous systems developers, defense primes
Technology Innovators: Dual-use companies, Silicon Valley defense entrants
Investment Community: Defense VCs, strategic capital, government financing experts
Policy & Strategy: National security strategists, congressional staff, think tank experts
Why This Matters Now China operates 1,000+ satellites. Russia tests anti-satellite weapons. Meanwhile, American innovation happens in silos—Space Force operates independently, Silicon Valley builds in isolation, Pentagon procurement moves at bureaucratic speed. September 16th brings together leaders who understand that America's competitive edge depends on connecting domains, not operating them separately.
Dress Code: Business casual attire is requested for all attendees.
Parking: Due to limited parking availability, we strongly recommend making arrangements in advance. Consider using rideshare services or carpooling with other attendees to ensure timely arrival.
Presenting Sponsors
Fenwick & West LLP
Leading technology law firm providing strategic counsel to innovative companies and investors shaping the future of deep tech.
HSBC Innovation Banking
Empowering the innovation economy with specialized banking solutions for technology companies, venture capital, and private equity firms driving breakthrough technologies.
Rockwell Automation
Global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, pioneering smart manufacturing solutions that power the future of industry.
City of El Segundo
Proud host city and champion of aerospace, defense, and deep tech innovation in the heart of Southern California's technology corridor.