This November, Utah will host one of the nation’s most important conversations about the future of American innovation and resilience.
Set for November 4–5 at the Salt Palace Convention Center, the Zero Gravity Summit will convene over 3,000 defense leaders, technologists, policymakers, and venture capitalists for a two-day event focused on the innovation shaping national security—from aerospace and advanced energy to dual-use space systems and AI-powered defense tools.
Organized by 47G Utah Aerospace & Defense (47G), the summit builds on the success of its 2024 debut, which was a sold-out event with 800 participants from top companies and agencies. This year, organizers expect more than triple that number, marking Utah’s emergence as a leading voice in next-generation defense and infrastructure discussions. The 2025 summit is presented in part by two homegrown Utah companies helping to shape the future of national security such as Torus, a leader in defense-focused hard tech and tactical energy systems, and Strider Technologies, a global pioneer in strategic intelligence and soft tech solutions.
A Four-Track Focus on National Resilience
The 2025 Zero Gravity Summit will spotlight four interconnected technology domains critical to preserving American leadership in an increasingly complex global environment: defense technology, the future of flight, the new space economy and energy production and grid security. Utah’s unique position as a hub for military innovation, a national testbed for emerging air mobility and a launchpad for dual-use space systems makes it an ideal host for these urgent conversations. Speakers like Wendy Williams, VP and GM for Launch & Missile Defense Systems at Northrop Grumman, will offer insights into how large-scale defense enterprises are accelerating next-gen capabilities from Utah to orbit.
Air mobility leaders and technologists will explore how Project Alta is positioning Utah as a national leader in advanced air mobility. With its cutting-edge infrastructure and pilot training programs, Utah is preparing to showcase next-generation air mobility technologies on the global stage, especially with the upcoming 2034 Winter Olympics. Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, will speak to how innovation and infrastructure come together to support this vision.
Defense technology leaders like Greg Levesque, CEO of Strider Technologies — the leading strategic intelligence company helping organizations secure and advance their innovation — will take the stage to discuss the latest defense advancements shaping the global landscape.
On the energy front, Utah’s investments in Governor Cox’s “Operation Gigawatt” and the development of small modular nuclear reactors are driving efforts to modernize the national grid and enhance long-term resilience. These initiatives are critical to addressing emerging threats and ensuring a reliable energy future amid growing demands from electric mobility and national security priorities. Nate Walkingshaw, founder and CEO of Torus, will speak at the summit about the role of renewable energy storage and management in this transformation..
Fueling America’s Security: Utah’s Growing Aerospace and Defense Economy
The Zero Gravity Summit serves as a reflection of Utah’s expanding role as a national leader in aerospace, defense, and security innovation. These sectors now account for nearly 20% of Utah’s GDP, supporting close to 500,000 jobs and generating $100 billion in annual economic output, according to the 47G Report. Over the past five years, aerospace and defense employment in the state has grown by 23.4%, nearly triple the national average, while wages have climbed by more than 30%—a clear signal of growing demand for Utah’s technical expertise and talent.
Strategic installations such as Hill Air Force Base, the Falcon Hill Aerospace Research Park, and the U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground provide the physical and operational infrastructure to support rapid innovation. At the same time, a robust educational pipeline—including Utah State University’s Space Dynamics Laboratory, UVU’s National Security Studies program and Weber State University’s MARS Center—is preparing a workforce equipped to lead in domains ranging from aerospace engineering to cyber defense. As national priorities shift toward resilience, speed and dual-use capabilities, Utah’s integrated ecosystem of industry, government and education is becoming a model for the country.
Building the Future Together
The Zero Gravity Summit arrives at a pivotal moment, as global competition accelerates and infrastructure challenges mount. With a unique mix of military, commercial and academic expertise, Utah is helping define how the U.S. can remain secure, competitive and future-ready.
For more information or to register, visit zerogravitysummit.com.