APEX, in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Technology Council (PTC), will host the Robotics & AI Defense Tech Exchange on the afternoon of November 4th, 2025, preceding Robotics & AI Discovery Day on November 5th. This curated event between government and industry is designed to go beyond information sharing and create meaningful engagement, relationship-building, and actionable pathways.
Innovators in robotics, AI, and autonomy will have the chance to hear from and connect with Air Force stakeholders through a panel discussion, 1:1 networking, and an informal social to help spark collaborations that can accelerate technology transition and address Department of the Air Force mission needs.
Event Format
There will be an interactive panel discussion featuring Air Force stakeholders (available via livestream and in person), followed by in-person 1:1 speed networking sessions and a no-host social reception.
Panel + Q&A
Speakers include:
Scott Augenbaugh (DAFT3)
Bill O’Mara (AFRL/RI)
Shanel Fultz (AFRL/SB)
Luke Schultz (AFMC/SB) - tentative
Col. Scott Rushe (171st Pennsylvania Air National Guard)
Brian Kennedy (PTC)
Final panel lineup subject to change. The panel will be livestreamed for remote participants.
1:1 Speed Networking
Meet directly with government stakeholders to:
Get questions answered in real time
Explore pathways for partnership
Identify next steps for demos, pilots, or proposal development
No Host Social: 5:00-7:00
Keep the conversation going at an informal, no-host social gathering immediately after the sessions at Federal Galley. This is a chance to deepen relationships with government stakeholders and ecosystem partners.
Why Attend
The Robotics & AI Defense Tech Exchange provides a structured environment to build relationships between federal stakeholders and regional innovators. It represents a timely opportunity for companies to better understand Air Force needs, showcase emerging technologies, and participate in meaningful discussions that can lead to future collaboration.
Location: Pittsburgh Technology Council, Nova Place
Nova Place, 100 S Commons #172, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
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