Navy, Fairfax City To Connect Businesses With Federal Tech At Reverse Pitch Event

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — The U.S. Navy and Fairfax City Economic Development will bring together businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers and government innovators Friday for a reverse pitch event highlighting technologies available for commercial licensing.

The Sensors & Autonomy Reverse Pitch Day is scheduled for Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax City. The free event is co-hosted by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division and Fairfax City Economic Development and is designed to connect the region's academic, government and business communities around emerging technologies in sensors and autonomous systems.

Unlike a traditional pitch competition, the event will feature Navy researchers presenting patented and patent-pending technologies that private companies may be able to license and commercialize. According to organizers, the program will focus on smart sensors, robotics, data analysis and autonomous systems.

The event builds on a Partnership Intermediary Agreement signed in July 2025 between Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock and Fairfax City Economic Development. Through the Capital Tech Bridge initiative, the partnership aims to expand technology transfer, strengthen regional economic development and support workforce development by connecting local businesses and educational institutions with federal research expertise.

Attendees will hear presentations from Navy technology transfer officials before inventors showcase several innovations with potential commercial applications. Featured technologies include smart sensor systems, ultrasonic monitoring for additive manufacturing, underwater vehicle simulation technology and an autonomous fueling system for unmanned surface vehicles.

The program also includes networking opportunities and a session explaining how companies can license federal intellectual property from the Navy. Officials said participants will be able to speak directly with Navy technical leaders, inventors and legal experts about commercialization opportunities.

Featured speakers include Dr. Joe Teter, director of technology transfer at NSWC Carderock; Dr. John Barkyoumb, director of external engagement; Jesus Hernandez, a patent intellectual property attorney; Major Jacob Godfrey, director of Capital Tech Bridge; and Colleen Kardasz, CEO and director of Fairfax City Economic Development.

The event is free, and registration is available through Eventbrite.

If You Go: Sensors & Autonomy Reverse Pitch Day

What: Sensors & Autonomy Reverse Pitch Day, co-hosted by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division and Fairfax City Economic Development

When: Friday, June 26, 2026

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• 8:30-9 a.m.: Registration and networking coffee
• 9-10 a.m.: Welcome and technology transfer overview
• 10-11 a.m.: Navy inventor technology pitches
• 11 a.m.-Noon: Networking lunch
• Noon-12:45 p.m.: "How to License From Us" briefing
• 12:45-1 p.m.: Closing remarks and next steps

Where: Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, Fairfax City

Cost: Free

Who Should Attend: Business owners, entrepreneurs, startups, manufacturers, researchers, academic institutions, investors and government partners interested in technology commercialization and federal innovation.

Featured Technologies:

• Smart sensor technologies
• Additive manufacturing quality monitoring
• Underwater vehicle simulation
• Autonomous fueling systems for unmanned surface vessels

Why Attend: Participants can meet Navy inventors and technology transfer experts, learn how to license federally developed intellectual property, and explore partnership opportunities with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division.

Registration: Advance registration is available through the event's Eventbrite page.