Join us at the Frontiers of AI for Readiness Summit
September 4, 2025 on Caltech Campus in Pasadena, CA
Panel Session Sponsored by
CATALYST FOR ACTION
The Frontiers of AI for Readiness Summit is a premier gathering on the Caltech campus of visionaries across government, industry, and academia, driving AI innovation to the frontlines of defense. As a leading force, The FAR Summit is dedicated to accelerating the integration of AI at speed and scale, ensuring operational readiness for the challenges of tomorrow.
In the Department of Defense, Readiness refers to the ability of military forces to fight and meet the demands of assigned missions. This encompasses various areas of activity, including personnel training, equipment maintenance, supply availability, and overall unit preparedness to perform their designated functions effectively. In all of these domains, AI has the potential to dramatically improve efficiency and decision intelligence, thereby enhancing our country’s military readiness and thus ensuring deterrence and peace.
- Gain firsthand insights into cutting-edge AI innovations that are transforming military readiness—from enhancing training and logistics to accelerating decision-making across the defense landscape.
- Learn from leading voices across government, industry, and academia how AI is being operationalized at speed and scale to ensure resilience, mission success, and national security in an era of rapidly evolving threats.
FAR Summit isn’t just about conversation. It’s a catalyst for real-world action. It’s where ideas, innovation, and operational advantage converge.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN:
This is a limited capacity event. Upon completing your registration request, you will be notified on your acceptance.
Event Details
Date:
September 4th 2025
Location:
The Athenaeum, Caltech Campus, Pasadena, CA
Format:
A curated agenda of keynotes and panels featuring DoD leadership, Caltech AI faculty, VCs and defense tech innovators—all delivered in an intimate setting
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Additional speakers will be added on-going, so please check back or
subscribe below for updates.
Keith Block
fmr. Co-CEO of Salesforce
Founder & CEO of Smith Point Capital
Lt. Gen. Michael Lutton
Deputy/CC AFGSC
AFSTRAT-Air
USSTRATCOM
Leigh Madden
VP
Microsoft Nat'l Security Group
Microsoft Federal
Hon. Chris Stewart
fmr. U.S Rep/Defense & Intel Committees
USAF
Skyline Capitol Co-Founder
Fred Farina
Chief Innovation Officer
Caltech
Michael Amori
CEO & Co-Founder
Virtualitics
Gerald Goodfellow
Brig Gen USAF GSC (Ret.)
CEO Small Business
Consulting Corp (SBCC)
Collin Green
VADM, USN (Ret.)
fmr. Deputy Commander
U.S. Special Operations Command
Prof. Adam Wierman
Carl F Braun Professor
fmr. Executive Officer of Computing & Mathematical Science
AI Assisted Decision Making
Caltech
Prof. Yisong Yue
Professor of Computing & Mathematical Sciences
AI & Autonomous Systems
Caltech
Dr. Sagar Indurkhya
Chief Scientist
Virtualitics
Prof. S. Djorgovski
Caltech Professor
Co-Founder of Virtualitics
Pete Kim
Capt. USN (Ret.)
fmr. Director of Surface Group Analytics
Commander Taskforce Hopper
Greyhound Group
Dr. Ritwik Gupta
Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
Technical Director for Autonomy
Andrew Woolley
Director, Surface Analytics Group
CNSP (Commander, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet)
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
Morning Program
9:00 – 9:30 AM
Arrival & Welcome Coffee
9:30 – 9:45 AM
Opening Remarks: Why Readiness?
9:45 – 10:15 AM
DoD Keynote:
Forging the Future of Defense with AI
10:15 – 10:45 AM
Caltech Presentation:
Risk Management for AI-Assisted Decision Systems
10:45 – 11:15 AM
Caltech Presentation:
Scaling AI to Meet Mission Demand
11:15 – 11:30 AM
Morning Break
11:30 – 12:00 PM
Panel Discussion:
Real-World Innovation: AI on the Mission Edge
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Afternoon Program
1:00 – 1:30 PM
Afternoon Keynote: Why is Readiness a Top Government Priority?
1:30 – 2:00 PM
Fireside Chat:
Investing in National Advantage: Why VCs Are Betting on Defense Tech
2:00 – 2:15 PM
Afternoon Break
2:15 – 2:45 PM
DOD Panel:
Breaking Down AI Adoption Barriers in Government
3:00 – 3:30 PM
Industry Panel sponsored by SVDG:
Next-Gen Defense Partnerships to Accelerate AI – A Winning Formula
3:30 – 3:45 PM
Afternoon Break
3:45 – 4:00 PM
Final Thoughts:
Reflections & Next Steps
4:00 – 6:00 PM
Networking Happy Hour
WHY ATTEND THE FAR SUMMIT
AI is Here—Are We Ready?
AI is shaping decision intelligence; navigating what’s proven and what’s next is critical.
Trust & Transparency
Leaders need AI they can trust—transparent models that empower human decision-making.
Breaking Down Barriers for Mission Success
Collaboration across government, academia, industry, and investment is essential for mission success.
SUGGESTED TRAVEL & ACCOMODATIONS
Government employees are welcome to attend in their official capacity; no gifts or compensation will be provided.
Airports
- LAX: Approx. 29 miles from Pasadena
- Hollywood Burbank Airport: Approx. 17 miles from Pasadena
Hotels
Pasadena Hotel & Pool
928 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106
1.2 miles to Athenaeum
Hilton Pasadena
168 S Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
1.5 miles to Athenaeum
AC Hotel Pasadena
19 S Madison Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
1 mile to Athenaeum
Keep up with FAR Summit updates and news:
Hosted by
This reception will bring together government officials, academia and industry experts to foster dialogue and collaboration in support of advancing defense capabilities. The event provides an opportunity for attendees to share insights, build connections, and explore ways to support mission priorities and innovation.
