Technology Innovation Demonstration (Tech ID) 2025: An Event of Innovation and Collaboration

This year’s annual Technology Innovation Demonstration (Tech ID) event, hosted by Accel Innovation Corporation (AIC), and Oak Grove Technologies (OGT), was a resounding success. Held on April 30th and May 1st, 2025, Tech ID brought industry leaders together with academia, government representatives, military stakeholders and trusted members of the venture capital community to showcase cutting-edge technologies and explore collaboration.

Panel and VC Day: Connecting Innovators and Investors

The event kicked off with a key leader panel: "Leveraging Civilian Innovation for Military Applications: Bridging the Gap between Defense and Commercial Sectors." The distinguished speakers included:

• Mr. Blair Shwedo, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) for North Carolina (West)

• LTC Anton Soltis, USASOC Force Modernization Center Military Deputy Director of Office of Autonomy (OAA)

• Mr. Mark Shook, JSOC J8X Science & Technology

• Moderated by COL (Ret.) Dean Hoffman, President of AIC and former JSOC J8

The panel offered valuable insights into the latest trends and challenges faced by the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) in advancing technological innovation, creating a platform for meaningful knowledge exchange.

Following the panel, five dual-use technology companies and one mission-driven nonprofit delivered investment pitches, each seeking funding and strategic partnerships to accelerate their growth and impact. The session fostered strategic partnerships and funding opportunities for dual-use technologies that address both mission-critical and commercial needs. 

Networking and No-Host Social Event

Tech ID also featured a social event at Brad Hailling American Whiskey Company-BHAWK’s, providing attendees with ample opportunities to network and build relationships. These informal gatherings allowed participants to connect with peers, share experiences, and discuss potential collaborations.

Demo Day: Bringing Ideas to Life

The event culminated with the highly anticipated Demo Day on May 1st, where exhibitors showcased their mature technologies tailored to meet current government requirements and real-world mission challenges. The dynamic forum served as a catalyst for engagement between innovators and key stakeholders within the defense sector, fostering meaningful dialogue around specific end user needs, development, and deployment of new technologies. Government representatives in attendance were able to see 18 different technology companies in one day, receive briefs, and test new tech shaping the future.

Tech ID 2025 stood as a testament to innovation, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of technological advancement. We look forward to seeing the impact of the partnerships and ideas that emerged from this year’s event.