As U.S. federal agencies accelerate the adoption of commercial technology to strengthen national security and enhance mission capabilities, the opportunities for technology companies have never been greater — or more complex to navigate.
This three-day executive program is a collaboration between the University of Washington Foster School of Business and the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition (PNDC) — bringing together UW’s business education expertise and PNDC’s deep networks across the defense technology sector to equip business professionals with the practical knowledge, frameworks, and relationships needed to successfully enter and scale within the defense technology market.
Designed for both emerging ventures and established companies, the program addresses the unique requirements of doing business with federal customers: from understanding acquisition pathways and regulatory compliance to mastering the art of positioning a technology solution to meet a specific mission need.
Who should attend
This program is designed for professionals responsible for strategy, growth, and execution in government-facing markets, including:
- Business development, capture, and strategic partnerships professionals
- Founders and executives of technology companies exploring defense market opportunities
- Program and product managers supporting government customers
- Corporate innovation and R&D leaders considering defense and dual-use applications
- Military veterans transitioning into private-sector roles in technology and national security
Industries: Technology, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, energy, healthcare, transportation, and logistics
What you will learn
- A working knowledge of how federal agencies identify, evaluate, and acquire technology solutions, including non-traditional contracting pathways
- Practical frameworks for sizing and pursuing defense market opportunities
- Insight into regulatory and cybersecurity compliance requirements (CMMC, ITAR, EAR) essential to doing business with federal customers
- Strategies for pitching technology solutions to mission-focused customers
- Direct exposure to experienced practitioners, defense technology CEOs, and government leaders through panels, case studies, and networking
Topics Covered
- The defense technology ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest
- Government contracting and acquisitions
- Regulatory compliance fundamentals
- Cybersecurity and CMMC certification pathways
- Design considerations for dual-use technology products
- Market research, sizing, and intelligence
- Pitching technology solutions to government customers
- Negotiations
- Accounting issues
- Team leadership and organizational resilience
- Storytelling for government and investor audiences
Faculty and Speakers
This program brings together experienced practitioners, government leaders, and UW faculty, including:
- Defense technology executives with direct experience building and scaling ventures in government markets
- University of Washington faculty in negotiation, accounting, and organizational leadership
- Representatives from federal agencies and mission-focused organizations
Registration and fees
October 27-29, 2026 | UW Seattle Campus | $3,600*
Limited enrollment
*For questions on GI Bill eligibility, please contact the Veterans Education Benefits office as individual benefits may vary.
Questions? Contact the Executive Education office at [email protected]
About the Partnership
This program is a collaboration between the University of Washington Foster School of Business and the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition (PNDC), an organization with deep networks across the defense technology sector, government agencies, and Pacific Northwest industry.