Miami, FL (February 19, 2026) — eMerge Americas today announced that Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering at the Department of War, will headline the 12th annual eMerge Americas Conference + Expo, taking place April 22–24, 2026, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Michael's keynote underscores the continued growth of eMerge Americas' national security programming, as the event brings together global leaders across defense, government, technology, investment, and entrepreneurship.
He will join Francis X. Suarez, former Mayor of Miami and President of eMerge Americas, for a featured conversation on how the Department of War is accelerating artificial intelligence from pilot programs to mission-critical deployment. The discussion will highlight partnerships with leading AI companies, funding efforts through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and Office of Strategic Capital (OSC), and the Department's six Critical Technology Areas shaping future investment priorities.
"Welcoming Under Secretary Emil Michael to eMerge Americas is both timely and consequential," said Melissa Medina, Co-Founder and CEO of eMerge Americas. "As emerging technologies reshape national security, this conversation reflects the importance of collaboration between government and industry. eMerge Americas 2026 will bring together leaders across sectors to drive meaningful innovation."
Now in its 12th year, eMerge Americas 2026 is set to be the largest yet, expanding into an additional hall and welcoming more than 20,000 attendees from over 60 countries.
New this year, the event will feature a dedicated pre-conference day of hands-on AI and quantum workshops. The three-day program will include six stages covering AI + Deep Tech, National Security, HealthTech, FinTech, and more, along with networking lounges, interactive exhibits, startup pitch competitions, and signature events like the Opening Night Block Party on Miami Beach's Lincoln Road.
eMerge will also host its second National Security (NATSEC) Demo Day on April 21, 2026, at PortMiami, where vetted innovators will showcase mission-ready technologies to more than 400 senior national security leaders.
Additional featured speakers include: Tim Tebow; Jamie Siminoff; Dr. Alex Oshmyansky, Co-Founder & CEO of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company; COL. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.); Ali Dasdan, CTO of Dropbox; Nicole Baer, CMO of Carta; Adam Fletcher, Chief Security Officer at Blackstone; Manish Goyal of IBM Consulting; and Mariana Atencio, journalist and founder of GoLike Media.
A full and updated speaker list and agenda are available at emergeamericas.com, with more announcements coming soon.
Registration is now open, with VIP, Standard, and other pass options available. VIP attendees will receive exclusive access to the VIP Lounge and select meet-and-greet opportunities with headline speakers. Discounted passes are available for government personnel, active-duty military, veterans, and first responders.
Media and content creators are invited to apply for credentials. For more information, visit emergeamericas.com or follow eMerge Americas on social media.
About eMerge Americas
eMerge Americas is a global tech conference and year-round platform that brings together startups, investors, enterprises, and government leaders to accelerate innovation across AI, finance, healthcare, and national security. Since 2014, the event has welcomed more than 20,000 attendees annually from over 50 countries and helped catalyze billions in venture investment.