One of the most important AI events of the year, the SCSP AI+ Expo 2026 is scheduled for 2026, and will bring thousands of government, academic, defense and private sector leaders to Washington, DC.
The three-day event, hosted by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), will be held May 7–9, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and is expected to draw more than 20,000 participants with a keen interest in the future of AI, robotics, biotechnology, cybersecurity, energy systems, and national competitiveness.
What Is the SCSP AI+ Expo?
The AI+ Expo is designed as a large-scale technology and policy event where innovators, researchers, startups, enterprise companies, and government agencies showcase cutting-edge AI and emerging technologies.
According to SCSP, the event’s mission is to strengthen U.S. and allied competitiveness in critical technologies through collaboration between industry, government, and academia.
Attendees can expect:
- AI and robotics demonstrations
- Defense and cybersecurity technology showcases
- Panels with industry leaders and policymakers
- Startup exhibitions
- Career and networking opportunities
- Discussions on AI governance and national security
The expo also distinguishes itself by bringing together public-sector and private-sector innovation in a single collaborative environment.
Participating Big Tech Companies and Government Agencies
Several prominent organizations are anticipated to participate in the event, such as:
- Microsoft
- Meta
- AWS
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Department of Energy
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- National Labs
They will be demonstrating technologies and initiatives connected to AI infrastructure, machine learning, robotics, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.
AI, Robotics, Defense and National Security Take Center Stage
The intersection of AI and national security is one of the defining themes of the SCSP AI+ Expo 2026.
The event will feature discussions around:
- AI governance frameworks
- Defense applications of AI
- Autonomous robotics
- Drone technologies
- AI infrastructure and compute
- Cybersecurity
- Responsible AI deployment
Special programming such as “The Exchange” will focus on mission-critical technologies for defense leaders and policymakers.
Featured Speakers and Industry Leaders
The AI+ Expo agenda includes prominent figures from technology, government, academia, and finance.
Some announced speakers include:
- Noubar Afeyan (Moderna and Flagship Pioneering)
- Paul S. Atkins (SEC Chairman)
- Keith Strier (AMD)
- Nicholas Thompson (The Atlantic)
- Eric Xing (MBZUAI)
More speakers are expected to be announced leading up to the event.
Why the AI+ Expo Matters
Unlike traditional AI conferences, the SCSP AI+ Expo positions itself as a strategic event focused on the real-world deployment of AI and emerging technologies.
The conference emphasizes collaboration between:
- Government agencies
- Military and defense organizations
- Research institutions
- Enterprise technology companies
- Startups and innovators
The event arrives at a critical moment as nations worldwide compete for leadership in artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, advanced manufacturing, and AI governance.
Free Registration Available
SCSP has confirmed that attendance for the expo is free, making it accessible to students, professionals, researchers, policymakers, and technology enthusiasts.
Registration grants access to:
- Expo exhibits
- Tech demos
- Sessions and panels
- Networking opportunities
- AI career-focused events
You can register directly on the official website.
Final Thoughts
The SCSP AI+ Expo 2026 will be one of the biggest and most important AI events in the United States, bringing together leading technology companies, military and defense agencies, academia and policy leaders to showcase how artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the centerpiece of innovation and national strategy around the world.
As AI continues to disrupt industries across the globe, events such as the AI+ Expo provide a glimpse into the technologies, partnerships and policies that could shape the future of artificial intelligence innovation.
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