Accelerate Defense Modernization through Strategic Sourcing
Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliersDefense Strategies Institute will host the Advanced Energy Storage for Defense & Security Summit on May 27–28, 2026, in National Harbor, MD.
The Department of War is accelerating the transition to advanced energy storage solutions amid a rapidly expanding market projected to reach $83.4 billion by 2030. This shift is driving a move away from lithium-ion technologies toward safer, standardized solutions under the DoW Lithium Battery Strategy 2023–2030, aimed at ensuring long-term supply security.
In response, the inaugural summit will bring together key decision-makers and innovators from across the Department of War, federal government, commercial sector, and academia to explore how emerging technologies, such as customizable, intelligent battery cells and advanced management systems, are enabling the next generation of defense and security energy solutions.
Confirmed speakers include:
- COL Josh Wiles, USA, Requirement Director, Ft. Benning
- José Collazo-Castillo, Battery Supply Chain Senior Advisor, OUSW A&S
- Dr. KJ Cho, BEACONS Director and Professor, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, UT Dallas
- Dr. Marshall Schroeder, Lead, Electrolyte and Interface Science Team, DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory
- Venkat Srinivasan, Director, Argonne Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science
- Dr. Changwon Suh, Technology Manager, Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO), DoE
- Stanley Whittingham, Nobel Laureate and Distinguished Professor and Director of NECCES and Battery-NY, Binghamton University (SUNY)
- Maj. Gen. (R) Mike Fantini, USAF, Defense Consultant, Lyten
- COL (R) Brant Dayley, Vice President, Integrated Energy & Propulsion Systems, GM Defense
- Ikenna Nlebedim, Critical Materials Innovation Hub (CMI), U.S. Department of Energy
- Gabriel Veith, Ph.D., Distinguished Staff Scientist, Chemical Sciences Division, ORNL
- Dr. Gavriel Legynd, Ph.D., CEO, VisioneerIT
- Event Moderator: Samm Gillard, Co-Founder and Executive Director, BATT Coalition
Key topics of discussion include developing and fielding solutions for battery and energy storage technology integration across the DoW; utilizing advanced energy storage systems for tactical UAVs; mitigating supply chain challenges and sourcing critical materials more efficiently; understanding advanced battery architectures for next-generation tactical EVs; scalability, security, and resilience through AI and digital twins; and developing safer, faster-charging solid-state batteries for diverse applications.
Defense Strategies Institute is currently welcoming sponsors and exhibitors for the forum, and active U.S. military, government, and state personnel are eligible for complimentary attendance.
Those interested in participating in the Advanced Energy Storage for Defense & Security Summit can visit the official event website or contact the DSI team for further information.
