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Keynote

Beyond Shipyards: Scaling the Fleet Through Innovation

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM PT
Location: Hall C Stage
As the Navy tries to grow the fleet under increasing industrial strain, innovation and production beyond traditional shipyards is critical to sustaining maritime power. This session will explore how non-traditional defense companies are delivering agile, disruptive solutions and how prime contractors are partnering with innovative small companies to scale capability and close the fleet capacity gap.

Moderated by Mr. Michael Stewart, former Director of the Navy Disruptive Capabilities Office, the panel will examine advanced manufacturing, digital engineering, modular design, and new acquisition approaches that accelerate production while reducing costs and improving quality. Attendees will gain insights into the opportunities and challenges of leveraging innovation to expand the fleet, strengthen warfighting readiness, and maintain the Navy’s advantage in a contested maritime environment.