APPLICATION
Encountering Innovation 2027 Tech Showcase
April 5-8, 2027 | Wichita, Kansas
READ BEFORE APPLYING
Encountering Innovation (EI) connects innovators with government Technology Scouts, mission-focused organizations, and commercialization resources to help advance promising technologies toward operational applications. Beyond the annual Tech Showcase, EI maintains ongoing engagement with innovators, identifying and facilitating follow-on opportunities for government collaboration, technology demonstrations, experimentation, funding, contracting, and commercialization.
Who Should Apply
EI2027 welcomes innovators developing technologies with potential defense, government, or dual-use applications. Priority consideration is given to business-ready technologies at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7–9, although promising earlier-stage innovations may also be considered.
What to Prepare
Applicants should be ready to describe their technology, its maturity and demonstrated capabilities, potential operational applications, competitive advantages, intellectual property considerations, and plans for commercialization or government engagement.
Application Review and Selection
The EI team and participating Technology Scouts will review applications to assess technology maturity, mission relevance, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. Selected innovators will receive information about next steps, including Road to EI preparation and potential showcase participation.
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection to pitch, government engagement, funding, contracting, or commercialization support.
First-Round Application Deadline: November 13, 2026
APPLY
Once you submit the intake and application, you cannot log back in to edit. Please work with your assigned SBDC or APEX Advisor if you need to make changes. Use the application preview so that you are ready with the information you need. The 'Classification Guidance' gives insight into the DIU Area of Focus and Line of Effort and EI's classification for Operational Mission Environment (territory) and technology classifications.