Dual Horizons

Featuring Special Guest: Dr. Thomas A. Furness III - “Grandfather of VR”

We’re launching the Dual-Use Defense community with a rare appearance by one of the most influential innovators in immersive and defense technology: Dr. Thomas A. Furness III.

Dr. Furness has spent 50+ years shaping AR/VR, simulation training, human–machine interfaces, and next-generation defense systems. He founded or co-founded 27 companies, including two NASDAQ-listed firms with a combined market cap of over $8B USD. His work, from the US Air Force Super Cockpit Program to the Virtual World Society, forms the backbone of many of today’s dual-use technologies.

This inaugural meetup brings together innovators, engineers, founders, researchers, military experts, and civic leaders to explore how spatial computing, simulation, AI, and human-centric design are reshaping defense and resilience worldwide.

Why This Event Matters

Defense innovation is no longer siloed. Today, commercial technology drives breakthroughs across:
- Emergency response & urban resilience
- Defense readiness & simulation training
- Civil infrastructure & sustainability
- Operational intelligence & situational awareness
- Human–machine teaming & spatial interfaces

This meetup exists to spark cross-sector collaboration and create a trusted venue for discussing defense-relevant technologies that benefit both society and security.

What to Expect
- Fireside keynote with Dr. Tom Furness
- Insights into immersive tech, simulation training, and spatial human–machine systems
- High-level networking with dual-use founders, researchers, military innovators, and civic leaders
- Discussion on European, Nordic, and global defense opportunities
- A collaborative, forward-looking atmosphere, not a traditional defense event

Who Should Attend
- Dual-use founders & researchers
- Defense and public safety innovators
- Government & civic preparedness teams
- AI, XR, geospatial, simulation, and robotics developers
- Students and early-career technologists exploring dual-use fields
- Investors building defense or dual-use portfolios

Agenda (9:00–10:30 Pacific)

9:00 — Welcome & Opening Remarks
Overview of the Dual Horizons initiative and the dual-use community.

9:10 — Fireside Keynote: Dr. Thomas A. Furness III
A conversation on human-centric defense systems, immersive simulation, and 50 years of innovation.

10:00 — Q&A with Dr. Furness
Audience questions and open discussion.

10:30 — Closing Remarks
Meet founders, researchers, government innovators, and investors.
- About the Dual Horizons Meetup Series

Dual Horizons is a new global initiative supporting tech companies entering or scaling within the dual-use and defense innovation space. Each event features leading voices across Europe and worldwide, focusing on clarity, collaboration, and practical insights for companies navigating this rapidly evolving domain.

Join us for the kickoff event with one of the most important pioneers in immersive technology and human-centric defense.