DLA R&D Collider Day 2026

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) J68 Research and Development (R&D) will host its seventh annual Industry Collider Day with the theme "Collide to Create: Unlocking Opportunities Through Partnerships and Innovation." This event brings together experts from government, industry, and academia to explore pioneering solutions that improve the speed, precision, and impact of DLA's supply chains. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of DLA R&D priorities and discover opportunities to partner and share innovative expertise. The conference focuses on tackling tomorrow's logistics challenges, transforming DLA through innovation, and building a robust, responsive, and forward-looking industrial base. Key discussion areas include contested logistics, cyber threats, supply chain vulnerabilities, demand forecasting, asset visibility, advanced manufacturing, inventory management, digital interoperability, common data standards, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation. The event features engaging presentations, R&D exhibits, matchmaking connections, and interactive breakout sessions. Topics covered include R&D contracting options, experiences from SBIR contract awardees, and partnering efforts with small businesses by R&D experts from DLA, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Navy. Technology tracks highlight DLA's AI infrastructure, cloud-based solutions for data responsiveness, and cyber and data compliance requirements. Breakout sessions include small business-led demonstrations on R&D capability gaps, repair parts procurement, AI tools, and critical materials recovery. A knowledge lounge and matchmaker meetings facilitate further collaboration opportunities.