Spring Symposium - Integrating Emerging Tech: Challenges and Solutions

It was a full house at the Spring Symposium on Tuesday, April 22, at the INSA Conference Center!

The day-long program spotlighted the integration of emerging technologies and featured dynamic keynotes, engaging ignite rounds, and thought-provoking panel discussions—along with ample time for networking and relationship connections.

View event photos!

Morning Keynote

The day kicked off with Taka Ariga, Former Chief AI Officer and CDO, OPM, discussing the challenges of integrating emerging technologies in government, the critical role of agile governance, and the importance of workforce training to ensure responsible AI adoption. Taka also emphasized the need to balance technical advancement with transparency, security, and democratic values in the face of global competition.

China Counterintelligence Challenges

Speakers:

Ignite Rounds: Opportunities in Emerging Technologies

Rachel Grunspan, DDI Futures, Directorate of Digital Innovation, CIA, shared how optimizing human-machine teaming can revolutionize intelligence operations by enabling organizations to out think and outstrategize adversaries in real time. 

Dr. William Corvey, Program Manager, Information Innovation Office, DARPA, discussed the power of prototypes in accelerating the transition of fundamental research into operational capabilities.

Yolanda Reid, Associate Partner, IBM, discussed the urgent need for quantum readiness, highlighting the growing security risks, the importance of proactive planning, and steps to take to ensure quantum becomes a strategic advantage.

Data to Defense: Harnessing AI for Strategic Advantage

Speakers:

• Michael McCabe, Chief Data and AI Officer, OUSD(I&S)
• Dr. Lisa Costa, Former CTO and Innovation Officer, U.S. Space Force, and Advisor Seekr, National Security Executive
• Jack Anderson, Principal Consultant, Unit 42, Palo Alto Networks
• Brian Drake, Vice Chair, INSA Tech & Innovation Council and Federal CTO, Accrete
• Teresa Smetzer, Chair, INSA Tech & Innovation Council and CEO, Smetzer Associates LLC (moderator)

The panel focused on accelerating AI adoption in national security by addressing key barriers such as outdated infrastructure, cultural resistance, data management challenges, and policy constraints. Panelists also spoke on the need for collaboration with industry and academia and leveraging AI for data security and decision-making at scale. 

Reimagining Technology Acquisition

Speakers:

• Evan Hickey, Senior Advisor to the CTO, CIA
• Lt Col Jeremy Leader, USAF, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Comptroller, Budget, and Appropriations Affairs
• William "Mac" McHenry, Senior Advisor to the Director and Intelligence Community Lead, DIU
• COL Candice Frost, USA (Ret.), Vice Chair, INSA Cyber Council
• LTG Scott Berrier, USA (Ret.), Former Director, DIA (moderator)

Panelists discussed modernizing acquisition processes to accelerate technology adoption and maintain the United States' competitive edge. Speakers emphasized the need for streamlined regulations, partnerships with innovative commercial companies, integrated cybersecurity, and a culture that supports speed, managed risk, and innovation. 

Closing Fireside Chat

Speakers:

• Dr. Rick Muller, Director, IARPA
• Dr. Megan Anderson, Executive VP, Capabilities, IQT (moderator)

Dr. Muller discussed how IARPA is driving cutting-edge research to tackle the IC's toughest challenges. The conversation covered innovations in AI safety, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. Dr. Muller noted, "Spy versus spy is becoming AI versus AI, and we need to stay ahead by investing aggressively and understanding what these tools can and can't do." He also spoke on the importance of partnerships across government, industry, and academia to accelerate tech transition and address emerging national security challenges.