From autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to  cybersecurity, VR, and space 3.0, startups are making leaps and bounds, creating technology that is often valuable in both civilian and defense contexts. Unfortunately,  many of these companies are weary of pursuing business with the federal government because of traditionally inflexible terms and conditions and long drawn out processes.  Clearly, the government must adapt its way of doing business to harness the strategic advantage inherent in the innovation ecosystems across the country. Through Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx) - a unit focused on accelerating commercial innovation into the hands of our men and women in uniform — the Department of Defense (DoD) is working to make doing business with DoD fast, flexible, and collaborative.  This panel will host those who have served on the front-lines as well as tech industry insiders to discuss the DIUx model and how startups can meaningfully contribute to our national defense.