Josh Kowitt, Managing Partner at Emko Capital, moderated the opening panel at the inaugural ACG Columbus Aerospace & Defense Dealmaking & Investment Summit on September 22, 2026, at Vitria on the Square in Columbus, Ohio.
The panel, "Forging the Future: Defense Technology and the Capital Behind It," looked at how new defense technologies are funded and taken to market, and at the role private capital plays in building the defense industrial base. Josh was joined by:
- Ryan Blackburn, Ecosystem Engagement Lead, Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Ohio
- Joe Chinnici, CEO, ForgeNest
- Kim Gerhart, Chief Sales Officer, One IT
- Mary Kenney, Principal, Heartland Ventures
The one-day summit, hosted by the Association for Corporate Growth's Columbus chapter, brought together investors, prime contractors, mid-tier suppliers, emerging technology companies, government and military stakeholders, and advisors to discuss investment activity, M&A and the future of aerospace and defense in Ohio and beyond.
Aerospace and defense manufacturing is a core focus for Emko Capital. We thank ACG Columbus for organizing the event and for having us, and we thank our fellow panelists for a great discussion.
