We invite you to an expert meeting on the topic of defence research and development with Gene Keselman, a high-level expert whose competence encompasses strategic innovation, defence industry analysis, technology transition, space operations, and nuclear operations. This discussion is intended for a group of professionals from academia, business, startups, and government who are actively engaged in defence research and development.

Gene R. Keselman is a Lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management, the Executive Director of MIT Mission Innovation Experimental (MIx) and Managing Director of MIT’s venture studio, Proto Ventures.  He is formerly the  Executive Director of the MIT Innovation Initiative.

Keselman has held leadership positions in a range of start-ups: he is the co-founder of ServDAO and formerly co-founder of Esports One and the Foundation for Innovation and Discovery (FINND), where he is now a board director.  He sits on the Reagan Institute’s National Security Industrial Base Advisory Board, supports numerous startups as a board advisor and has also been a space and defense industry consultant.

As a military officer in the Air Force Reserves, Colonel Keselman works as the senior Reservist and Director, Strategic Incubation & SSG Reserve Program for the Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s Strategic Studies Group (SSG).  He has formerly been the IMA to the Director of the DAF-MIT A.I. Accelerator and Chief, Technology Development in USD R&E amongst many other positions.  His career has spanned military fields including nuclear operations, space operations and acquisition and he has founded and run numerous operational and R&D programs in the Intelligence Community. He is published in Space journals, is Government CIO certified.

This meeting will provide a unique opportunity to exchange insights with a leader who possesses a deep and broad understanding of strategic and technological issues.

Meeting Details:

As attendance is limited, we kindly ask you to confirm your place by registering via the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/VmXNLPjpz2 The registration deadline is October 3rd, 2025.