AI’s Role in Modern Defense
An Exclusive Panel & Networking Event with Ascend
Hosted by the Applied AI Association Seattle Chapter & Moss Adams
Join us for an exclusive evening at the nexus of artificial intelligence, venture creation, and the future of defense.
The Seattle Chapter of the Applied AI Association invites you to a special gathering uniting leaders from government, venture, and defense technology. Learn how AI is being deployed to strengthen national security, enhance readiness, and reshape the defense-industrial base.
Distinguished Panel
👋 Kirby Winfield – is the founding GP of Ascend, a pre-seed VC fund focused on enterprise AI. Prior to Ascend, Kirby's career as a tech founder included two IPOs and two venture backed exits.
👋 Dirck Schou – CEO, Taqtile an Augmented Reality work instruction and collaboration software provider creating tools of to improve processes and workflows and train the next generation of hands-on workers.
👋 Doug French – is a career Department of Defense leader with a U.S. Marine Corps background, now focused on the Energy portfolio. He brings deep expertise at the intersection of energy and AI—from battlefield edge applications to innovations in microgrids and battery tech.
👋 Omer Bar-Yohay – CEO of DataBlanket, an AI startup tackling wildfires with real-time intelligence. He’s also a seasoned voice on the messy realities of defense procurement and has sharp takes on how AI startups can tap into undervalued military data to get a foothold in the system.
👋 Moderated by: Boaz Ashkenazy – CEO, Augmented AI Labs. Host of The Shift AI Podcast, focused on the intersection of AI and work. Ex-Meta, Chapter President, Applied AI Association Seattle, Board of Regents, Seattle Chamber of Commerce.
Why Attend
See Inside the Venture Process behind AI-driven defense startups
Connect with Key Stakeholders from the defense innovation ecosystem
Explore Real-World AI Use Cases in logistics, intelligence, and battlefield operations
Expand Your Network with technologists, investors, veterans, and policymakers shaping the future of national security
About our collaborators
Ascend is an early-stage firm backing ambitious founders at the pre-seed and seed stage. Known for its hands-on approach, Ascend supports startups with capital, strategic guidance, and a strong network to help them scale.
Defense Innovation Institute - The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is a United States Department of Defense (DoD) organization established to bridge the gap between the military and the private sector, enabling the rapid adoption of emerging commercial technologies to address critical national security challenges.
Baker Tilly (Previously Moss Adams) is a leading accounting, consulting, and wealth management firm focused on serving middle-market businesses. With deep industry expertise and a forward-thinking approach, Moss Adams helps clients navigate complex financial challenges and seize growth opportunities.
The Applied AI Association (AAIA) Seattle Chapter bridges the gap between AI innovation and practical implementation, connecting business leaders, developers, and industry experts to make artificial intelligence accessible and beneficial for all Seattle organizations.
RSVP NOW Space is limited for this exclusive gathering of Seattle's innovation community
Huge thanks to our event sponsors Baker Tilly, Ascend, Talent Reach, Augmented AI Labs.