The first Texas Defense Research Symposium on Autonomous Systems is a two-day symposium that brings together UT researchers, industry and Department of Defense (DOD) representatives to discuss strategic AI and autonomy needs and develop next-generation solutions. Hosted by Defense Research Advancement and the Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors, this event is founded on feedback and topics generated from critical national security topics that can help direct fundamental research in autonomous systems.