TiE Tampa|Defense & Capital|Building Future of National Security Innovation

From advanced manufacturing and AI to cybersecurity, autonomy, logistics, and resilient infrastructure — the next generation of defense innovation is being built through collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, operators, and government partners.

Tampa Bay sits at the center of this transformation.

Home to U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Tampa Bay has become one of the nation’s most important hubs for mission-driven innovation, dual-use technology, and defense entrepreneurship. Through organizations like SOFWERX and SOF Ventures, the region is accelerating how emerging technologies move from startup concepts to real-world deployment.

This TiE Tampa Bay gathering brings together founders, investors, defense leaders, operators, and ecosystem builders to explore where capital, innovation, and national security intersect.

Why Tampa Bay?

• Headquarters of USSOCOM — the epicenter of special operations strategy and modernization
• SOFWERX — a nationally recognized innovation platform connecting non-traditional innovators with defense challenges
• Growing presence of dual-use venture funds, defense-focused investors, and national security capital networks
• Rapidly expanding sectors in AI, cyber, autonomy, maritime tech, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and resilient infrastructure
• Access to military leadership, test environments, universities, and commercialization pathways
• A collaborative regional ecosystem built around entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic growth

Why Now?

Global instability, supply-chain shifts, cybersecurity threats, and the rapid acceleration of AI have fundamentally changed the defense and investment landscape. Capital is increasingly flowing toward technologies that can serve both commercial and national security markets.

Founders today have unprecedented opportunities to build companies that are both high-growth and mission-critical. Investors are actively seeking scalable technologies with defense applications. Government organizations are engaging earlier with startups than ever before.

Tampa Bay is uniquely positioned to lead this next era of innovation.

What to Expect

• Conversations with defense innovation leaders, investors, founders, and operators
• Insights into navigating dual-use and defense markets
• Discussion around capital formation, procurement pathways, and emerging opportunities
• Networking with entrepreneurs, technologists, family offices, and strategic partners
• Exploration of how Florida is becoming a national hub for defense innovation and venture growth

Who Should Attend

• Founders and startups
• Investors and family offices
• Defense and dual-use technology companies
• Cybersecurity, AI, autonomy, aerospace, and manufacturing leaders
• Students and emerging innovators
• Corporate innovation and strategic partnership teams
• Anyone interested in the future of innovation, resilience, and national security