Northrop Grumman Hosts Innovators From Around the Globe at WBT Innovation Marketplace

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) will host investors, licensees and technology commercialization professionals to present their ideas, technologies and solutions in life science, materials science, energy, information technology and security at the World's Best Technologies (WBT) Innovation Marketplace.

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The WBT event is presented by Northrop Grumman and will be held Oct. 22-23 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Jim Zortman, vice president and site manager of Unmanned Systems Center of Excellence for Northrop Grumman, will be the keynote speaker. Zortman joined Northrop Grumman in 2008 following a career in the U.S. Navy, where he attained the rank of vice admiral. He served as Commander, Naval Air Forces and CEO of the Naval Aviation Enterprise, where he led a combined team of more than 180,000 military, government, civilian and contractor personnel responsible for operations, readiness and full life cycle management of 3,800 aircraft and 12 aircraft carriers.

"Northrop Grumman employs thousands of innovators all over the globe who collaborate on constantly evolving, cutting-edge technology," said Zortman. "We are proud to sponsor the WBT Innovation Marketplace because it provides an ideal platform for innovators to discuss their vision and solutions for a better tomorrow."

Other Northrop Grumman speakers are Gabe Watson, vice president of geospatial intelligence, sensing & science, and Alfredo Ramirez, director and chief architect of high altitude, long endurance Systems.

Watson will speak on the "Hot Markets and Sizzling Sectors" panel. He joined the company in 1981 as a systems engineer and has been responsible for the development of advanced space systems. His geospatial intelligence, sensing & science organization is responsible for the development of advanced, innovative and affordable space sensor systems to meet the needs of the nation's intelligence, defense weather, earth sensing and space science communities.

Ramirez will speak on the "Changing Impact of the Academic/Industry Partnership" panel. A graduate of San Diego State University, he has focused on the development of unmanned systems since joining Northrop Grumman in 1985. He is also known for sketching the original design of the Global Hawk unmanned system. In addition to his Global Hawk work, Ramirez has helped to develop unmanned systems partnerships at universities across the country.

The WBT Innovation Marketplace is the world's premier showcase converging revolutionary new energy, life science, nanotech, material science and information technologies to seed limitless solutions for current market needs. Attendees will experience an unparalleled forum that is both deal-focused and unbiased with regard to geography, funding source or originating research institution. Additional information can be found by visiting www.wbtshowcase.com or following us on Twitter at @WBTMarketplace.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation