On March 10, 2026, MassRobotics hosted the Innovative Startup Technology Pitches at the 50th annual AFCEA Lexington-Concord New Horizons Symposium, one of the region’s most influential defense-focused events.

For five decades, the New Horizons Symposium has brought together leaders from across the Department of Defense, including representatives from Hanscom Air Force Base, Natick Soldier Systems Center (Army Futures Command), AFRL, Space Command, and more. With over 700 attendees this year, the event continues to serve as a critical platform for connecting government, industry, and emerging technology.

Showcasing Startup Innovation for Defense

For the past half dozen years, MassRobotics has curated a group of startups to deliver short pitches highlighting cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of defense. From artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to advanced robotics and drone systems, each company demonstrates how innovation is accelerating next-generation defense capabilities.

Participating startups included:

  • Black-I Robotics: Logistics thru Warehouse Robot Workers and UGVs
  • Brecourt Solutions: GPS-denied indoor drones with AI-assisted flight modes serving as a remote force multiplier for threat detection and resolution.  
  • Endox: Physical AI powered robotics for metal corrosion repair
  • Enigma: Deliverance from Above: Unrestricted Aerial Logistics
  • IFM: Tactical Garments for Healthcare and Situational Awareness
  • Maglev Aero: Revolutionary MagLev-Electric Propulsion Platform for Aircraft
  • Rhoman Aerospace: Any drone, any mission, no-GPS, no-problem 

These short, high-impact presentations gave the audience, composed largely of defense contractors, military personnel, and business development leaders, a unique opportunity to engage with emerging technologies and better understand the startup ecosystem.

The Trailblazer Award: Voted by the Audience

A highlight of the session was the AFCEA LexCon Trailblazer Innovator Award, which put the power of selection directly in the hands of the audience. Attendees voted for the startup they believed demonstrated the most impactful and promising technology.

The winning company receives a $5,000 prize

Congratulations to Endox, who earned top honors as the audience-selected trailblazer for their standout innovation and compelling pitch for 2026.

From Pitch Stage to Real Conversations

Following the pitch session, attendees connected directly with the startups during a networking reception. Each company hosted a dedicated high-top table, where they showcased their technology, answered questions, and explored potential collaborations.

MassRobotics supported this engagement by providing detailed company profiles, logos, and points of contact in attendee materials, ensuring meaningful and lasting connections beyond the event.

Ian Randall, CEO Maglev Aero, and Rod Randall, Board member, sharing information on their technolgy

A Celebration of 50 Years and the Future Ahead

The 50th anniversary of the New Horizons Symposium was also marked by a memorable opening moment, featuring an aerial LED drone display by MassRobotics resident startup Canvair setting the tone for a day focused on innovation and forward-thinking technology.

As the defense landscape continues to evolve, events like New Horizons play a vital role in bridging the gap between established institutions and emerging startups. MassRobotics is proud to continue supporting this connection, helping startups not only showcase their technologies but also accelerate adoption, commercialization, and real-world impact.

We look forward to building on this momentum and bringing even more groundbreaking innovation to the defense ecosystem in the years ahead.

AFCEA Lexington Concord President, Deb Zides, Dr. Cady Coleman (Col USAF Ret), Former NASA astronaut, scientist, author, Joyce Sidopoulos (AFCEA LexCon VP Education) , Barbara Hiltz (chapter member)