Fed Supernova 2025 Kicks Off at Capital Factory: Uniting Defense Innovation in Austin
What happens when the brightest minds in defense, tech, and entrepreneurship collide in Austin’s innovation hub? The Fed Supernova 2025 conference, hosted at Capital Factory from August 19–21, is sparking breakthroughs by uniting startups, government leaders, and industry experts to accelerate dual-use technologies for the Department of Defense (DoD).
What Is Fed Supernova? A Defense Innovation Nexus
Fed Supernova, a three-day event at Capital Factory (701 Brazos St., Austin), is designed to bridge the “Valley of Death” between commercial tech and DoD programs. Hosted annually since 2021, it fosters collaboration among entrepreneurs, government officials, and industry leaders to develop dual-use solutions—technologies serving both civilian and military needs.
Who’s Attending Fed Supernova 2025?
The conference draws a diverse crowd, creating a unique ecosystem for innovation:
- Entrepreneurs and Startups: Founders pitching AI, robotics, and space tech solutions.
- Government Leaders: Representatives from AFWERX, SpaceWERX, DIU, DARPA, and USSOCOM, per AFWERX.
- Industry Experts: Leaders from corporations like Lockheed Martin and startups like Ocellott, per Ocellott.
- Investors: Venture firms seeking high-potential defense startups, per 10times.com.
- Academia: Researchers from universities exploring tech transfer opportunities.
Key figures include DIU Director Doug Beck, AFRL’s Dr. Mark Benedict, and Zeke Topolosky from the Army’s SBIR program, per DIU. With 300+ small businesses registered, the event is a hotspot for deal-making. Who’s shaping the future here?
Over 2,000 attendees, including 300+ startups, expected in 2025.
After Party Events for SupaNova 2025
After the high-energy panels and networking sessions at Fed Supernova 2025, attendees can unwind at vibrant after-party events that keep the collaboration flowing. The Startup Crawl on August 19 from 5–9 p.m. at Capital Factory’s downtown Austin venues, per fedsupernova.com, offers a festive mix of happy hours, live music, and tech demos, connecting startups with investors over local craft brews.
On August 20, the Round Rock Defense Happy Hour, hosted by the Round Rock Chamber from 5–7 p.m., provides a relaxed setting for mingling with defense leaders, per web.roundrockchamber.org.
Additional pop-up events at Austin hotspots like The Driskill Bar feature informal networking with DoD officials and entrepreneurs, fostering deals in a laid-back atmosphere. These after-hours gatherings, with 80% of attendees forming new partnerships, per Capital Factory, extend the conference’s impact.
Will you join the after-party to seal your next big connection?





