​Welcome to DEFCOM by Station Alpha! This community gathers innovators, investors, officials, and community leaders working in the dual-use and defense space.

​Our goal is to create a public forum where attendees can exchange the news, ideas, resources available to the National Capital Region. Even though it's called DEFCOM, our primary focus is dual-use, so everyone is welcome to share their ideas and developments.

​​At this event, we will

• ​Connect with amazing people. We even have a special app for this. And, yes, just like everything these days, it's AI-powered.

• ​Share your immense experience and learn from others

• ​Discuss collaborations between different communities and organizations in the National Capital Region

• ​Share and learn what's happening in the region. If you are working on something awesome, be sure to tell everyone during the lightning pitches round.

• ​Did I mention having a good time? Yep, that too!

​​Agenda

• ​5:30-6:40 PM - networking

• ​6:40–7:10 PM - announcements, lightning pitches, presentations

• ​7:10–9:30 PM - more networking

​About the Sponsors

​This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, Silicon Valley Bank, a Division of First Citizens Bank, and Cyber Bytes Foundation.

​We're honored to partner with Riphean Group to strengthen the region's dual-use, defense, and cybersecurity community.

​About Station Alpha

​Station Alpha is a community builder and a global startup growth and market-entry organization dedicated to helping exceptional companies connect, scale, and succeed through the power of capital, community, and strategic relationships.

​Operating at the intersection of founders, investors, enterprises, and government, Station Alpha supports entrepreneurs by refining their narrative, strengthening their market positioning, facilitating investor and customer introductions, and providing hands-on guidance for U.S. market expansion.

​Through curated events, embassy partnerships, founder advisory services, and a trusted international network, Station Alpha has become a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth, helping innovative companies transform meaningful connections into lasting partnerships and sustainable business success while fostering a thriving global innovation ecosystem.

​About Silicon Valley Bank

​Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), now a division of First Citizens Bank, has spent more than 40 years serving the innovation economy by providing specialized banking, lending, treasury, and advisory services to startups, venture capital firms, private equity investors, and high-growth technology and life science companies.

​Founded in 1983, SVB became one of the world's most influential innovation-focused financial institutions, helping finance and support thousands of startups—from early-stage ventures to industry-leading global companies—while connecting entrepreneurs with investors, strategic partners, and industry expertise.

​Today, backed by the strength and stability of First Citizens Bank, SVB continues its mission of empowering innovators through deep sector knowledge, global relationships, and tailored financial solutions that help founders and investors build and scale transformative businesses.

​About Cyber Bytes Foundation

​The mission of the Cyber Bytes Foundation 501(c)(3) is to establish and sustain a unique cyber ecosystem to produce the education, innovation, and outreach programs responsive to our national security challenges.

​Through initiatives such as the Cyber Bytes Academy, the American Cyber League, STEM camps, certification programs, veteran transition services, and K-12 partnerships, the Foundation has created pathways that prepare students, professionals, and transitioning service members for high-demand technology careers. Its state-certified training programs, advanced cyber research and innovation labs, and collaborative partnerships with organizations including Virginia Tech and public-sector agencies position Cyber Bytes Foundation as a regional leader in cybersecurity education and emerging technology, empowering the next generation of cyber professionals while fostering innovation that benefits both the public and private sectors.

​About Riphean Group

​Riphean Group is a growth-focused investment and innovation firm dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and cultivating ventures that drive meaningful impact in their communities. Through strategic investments in venture capital and private equity, mentorship, and collaborative ecosystem initiatives, the organization works to accelerate emerging companies and support workforce development, education, and industry partnerships.

​With a mission centered on fostering innovation and strengthening entrepreneurial networks, Riphean Group brings both capital and operational expertise to help bold ideas scale into sustainable, high-impact outcomes—making them a valuable partner for events that aim to inspire founders, investors, and forward-thinking leaders.

​Parking and Transportation

• ​Stafford, VA is approximately

  • ​1 hour drive from Washington, DC

  • ​30min drive from Woodbridge

  • ​10min drive from Quantico

  • ​1:30h drive from Richmond

  • ​43h drive from San Francisco

• ​We can drive a few our guests from Wiehle-Reston or Franconia-Springfield metro and back, please contact the host via LinkedIn DM, if interested: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikhalchuk

• ​There is a big free parking lot next to the building.

​Dress Code

​Business Casual.

​Additional Terms & Conditions

​By joining this event, you agree to receive communications from SVB about this event. You also agree to receive communications about products, services and insights provided by SVB and our partners and affiliates based on your subscription preferences.

​I have read SVB's Privacy Policy and I agree to these Terms and Conditions.

​Previously on DEFCOM

​Here are a few photos from the previous event to give you an impression: