Please note that the schedule and panel lineup are subject to change. Kindly refer to this space for the most up-to-date information.
Dr. Sanjay Rai
Maryland is investing in education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship to build a talent pipeline for the innovation economy. In this special address, former Maryland Secretary of Higher Education will discuss how the state is preparing students, professionals, and founders with the skills needed to drive startup growth and economic competitiveness.
Moderator:
Dr. Satyam Priyadarshy, Former Technology Fellow, Halliburton
Panelists
Sudhee Maddur, Vice President, MERP System
Chantal Kai-Lewis, Director of Supplier Diversity for the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS), Office of State Procurement
While federal contracting dominates the conversation in Washington, DC, area, state, county, and municipal governments collectively spend hundreds of billions annually on IT modernization, healthcare systems, transportation, cybersecurity, education tech, and infrastructure.
The panel discuss opportunities in Maryland and states across the country, which are relatively easier entry points than federal and have faster procurement cycles.
Moderator
Rohit Tripathi, VU Capital
Panelists
Anil Sharma, CEO, 22nd Century Technologies
Dan Lagana, CEO, BuildMo
A growing share of government contracts is awarded to small businesses, creating significant opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators. This panel will explore how companies can enter the GovCon ecosystem, build strategic partnerships, navigate procurement processes, and position themselves for long-term growth in the federal marketplace.
Atif Chaudhry
Maryland Secretary of General Services Atif Chaudhry will deliver the keynote address, sharing his perspective on the state's economic priorities, procurement initiatives, and opportunities for businesses seeking to work with government agencies. He will discuss how innovation, entrepreneurship, and public-private partnerships can help drive growth and strengthen Maryland's position as a leader in government contracting.
Moderator:
Rohit Tripathi, VC Capital
Panelist:
Salil Sankaran, President, Ampcus
Dolly Oberoi, CEO, C2 Technologies
Artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and emerging digital technologies are transforming how government agencies operate, deliver services, and fulfill their missions. This panel will explore the evolving GovTech landscape, examining how federal agencies and industry partners are leveraging AI, data, automation, and cybersecurity innovations to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and address the challenges of the future.
Rajan Natarajan
Moderator
Soumya Padmanabhan, Vice President of Technical Delivery, MERP Systems
Join Dr. Rajan Natarajan, CEO of Global Alliant, for a fireside chat on his entrepreneurial journey in the government contracting industry. Drawing on his experience as both a business leader and former deputy secretary of state, he will share insights on building a successful GovCon company, navigating public-sector opportunities, and leading with purpose.
Moderator
Michael Hoffmeyer, Managing Director, Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship
University of Maryland
Panelists
Sandesh Sharda, founder Miracle Systems
Deepak Hathiramani, Founding Partner & Executive Chairman at SteeleHarbour Capital Partners
Sanjay Puri, Founder and Executive Chairman, AutoNebula
Government contracting has become one of the most active sectors for mergers, acquisitions, and private equity investment. This panel will examine what makes GovCon companies attractive acquisition targets, the role of organic growth versus contract consolidation in driving value, and the differences between private equity roll-ups and strategic acquisitions. Panelists will also discuss exit timing, valuation trends and EBITDA multiples, and the key lessons founders and executives should consider when preparing their companies for a successful transaction.