A Conversation with Alex Gallo on Developing the National Talent and Innovation Pipeline
In the realm of defense innovation, few programs have achieved the same level of success and transformative power as Hacking for Defense (H4D). Pioneered by individuals such as Alex Gallo, Executive Director of the Common Mission Project, H4D is bridging the gap between defense needs and innovative solutions. It facilitates the collision of the world of defense problems with the world of innovative problem solvers. The objective: to foster a pipeline of evidence-based solutions for the defense sector.
In the realm of defense innovation, few programs have achieved the same level of success and transformative power as Hacking for Defense (H4D). Pioneered by individuals such as Alex Gallo, Executive Director of the Common Mission Project, H4D is bridging the gap between defense needs and innovative solutions. It facilitates the collision of the world of defense problems with the world of innovative problem solvers. The objective: to foster a pipeline of evidence-based solutions for the defense sector.
Hacking for Defense: A Disruptive Approach to Defense Innovation
H4D is not your typical defense initiative. The approach is far from conventional, and it borrows its principles from the fast-paced, agile, and innovative startup culture. Instead of relying on traditional defense research processes that can often be time-consuming and disconnected from the end users, H4D places a high emphasis on solving real-world defense problems in real-time. It employs the Lean Startup Method, an entrepreneurship model that encourages rapid prototyping, iterative learning, and customer feedback loops.
Gallo stresses that the H4D methodology is, at its core, evidence-based. This means that solutions proposed by participating teams are deeply rooted in real needs and validated through a thorough discovery process. This gives decision-makers increased confidence when applying their authority and resources to these solutions. It is this type of evidence-based problem-solving approach that is sorely needed in our defense sector today.
From National Strategy to Local Empowerment
The impact of H4D reaches far beyond national defense strategy. It is also an effective tool for local empowerment. In a world where many local communities feel like they're waiting for solutions to arrive, H4D can offer them the tools to take initiative and solve problems at the grassroots level. By infusing entrepreneurial thinking into local environments, it promotes agency, self-reliance, and a more robust economy.
Gallo emphasizes that the H4D approach is beneficial for local communities and essential for national defense. It encourages active participation from citizens, stimulating a connection between society and national security challenges. Such involvement not only contributes to a more vibrant civil society but also fortifies our national security capabilities, creating a robust defense strategy that originates from the ground up.
The Role of Hacking for Defense in Cybersecurity
Within the realm of national security, cybersecurity stands as a critical concern. The landscape of threats is evolving rapidly, and the need for innovative approaches in this domain is more critical than ever. Gallo's work with the National Security Institute at George Mason University sees him tackling this head-on, seeking out disruptive problem-solving techniques to preempt the threats we face.
The principles of H4D apply just as significantly to cybersecurity. It's about problem-solving, about sourcing early pain points and needs from the end users, and about validating problems and solutions through evidence. Ultimately, cybersecurity is a facet of national security that can greatly benefit from the type of entrepreneurial thinking that H4D promotes.
The Red Queen Problem and the Way Forward
The Red Queen problem, as mentioned by Gallo and often discussed in the realm of strategic innovation, illustrates the predicament we currently face. The analogy stems from "Through the Looking-Glass," where the Red Queen tells Alice that it takes all the running she can do to stay in the same place. Our defense sector may feel similar, continuously running to keep up with the rapidly evolving landscape of threats and challenges.
In the face of these challenges, programs like Hacking for Defense represent a potential way forward. They offer a mechanism to not only keep up with the pace of change but also get ahead of it. By actively engaging all levels of society - from local communities to universities to the defense industry - we can drive forward a more resilient, dynamic, and innovative defense ecosystem.
Hacking for Defense is a prime example of how transformative problem-solving methodologies can bring about disruptive innovation in our defense sector. It embodies an agile, solution-oriented approach that caters to the needs of today's fast-paced security landscape.
Education, Engagement, and Innovation
A key component of H4D's success is the emphasis on education. The program actively engages with universities, exposing students to the complexities and realities of national defense issues. By bringing them closer to the problems, H4D cultivates a generation of innovative thinkers who can actively contribute to national security solutions.
Simultaneously, H4D encourages engagement between various sectors - defense, academia, industry, and civil society. By fostering a space for conversation, exchange, and collaboration, it allows for the cross-pollination of ideas and the development of solutions that might not have been conceivable in traditional siloed environments. This intersectoral engagement fosters an ecosystem of innovation, driving the development of dynamic, cutting-edge solutions to defense challenges.
Addressing Global Competition in Defense Innovation
A notable insight from Gallo's conversation revolves around the global landscape of defense innovation. He discusses how countries like China are heavily investing in innovation, often exceeding the United States' total venture capital investment. The scale and intensity of such investment underscore the strategic importance of innovation and the need for our defense sector to stay ahead.
The H4D approach can serve as a strong countermeasure to this global competition. By harnessing the potential of our local communities, educational institutions, and industries, we can generate a robust pipeline of innovative solutions that not only address our defense needs but also elevate our position in the global defense landscape.
The Future of Defense Innovation
Looking ahead, it is evident that the principles embodied by Hacking for Defense will continue to shape our defense sector. From enabling evidence-based solutions to fostering local empowerment and intersectoral collaboration, H4D paves the way for a more agile, resilient, and innovative defense ecosystem.
Programs like Hacking for Defense remind us that national security is not an exclusive domain for defense professionals alone. It is a collective responsibility that calls for the active participation of all stakeholders, from local communities to academia to industry. The future of defense innovation lies in this synergistic collaboration, where each part contributes to a stronger, more secure whole.
As the landscape of threats continues to evolve, so too must our approach to defense. Embracing the principles of agility, evidence-based decision making, and cross-sector collaboration, as embodied by Hacking for Defense, will be critical in navigating this dynamic environment. Ultimately, the strength of our defense lies in the power of our collective innovation.
Interested in the entire episode with Alex Gallo? Listen as host Callye Keen interviews him on episode 007 of The Startup Defense podcast. Available on all podcast platforms.
About Alex Gallo
Alex Gallo is the Executive Director of the Common Mission Project (CMP) and a Senior Advisor with BMNT. He also serves as a Visiting Fellow with the National Security Institute at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia School of Law and Fellow with the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. Additionally, Alex is an adjunct Assistant Professor in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University.
Prior to this role with CMP, Alex served as a Professional Staff Member with the House Armed Services Committee. His portfolio included U.S. policy in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions. Alex wrote authorities, conducted oversight, and advised the Chairman of the committee within his portfolio area of responsibility for five National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs).
From 2008-2012, Alex served as an instructor in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point and the Deputy Director of the Combating Terrorism Center.
Alex began his career as a U.S. Army officer. His operational deployments included a peacekeeping deployment in Kosovo and a combat tour in Iraq.
Alex has also served as a non-resident Senior Associate with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington DC. His work has been featured in The Hill, Foreign Affairs, The Economist, Modern War Institute, and CTC Sentinel.
Alex earned a B.S. from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. Currently, Alex is a PhD candidate at Leiden University’s School of Governance and Global Affairs at The Hague, Netherlands.
Alex Gallo - Executive Director of the Common Mission Project (CMP)
How the MTConnect Standards Organization Is Making Manufacturing Smarter
Manufacturing is the backbone of every industry, including the tech industry. Understanding the manufacturing landscape is essential to building systems that function efficiently. The opportunities for startups in the manufacturing sector are limitless.
Manufacturing is an industry that has been undergoing a great deal of transformation in recent years. From automation to data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT), manufacturers are leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and stay competitive in the global marketplace. At the heart of this transformation is the MT Connect Standards Organization, a non-profit consortium dedicated to developing and promoting open standards for manufacturing technology.
In a recent episode of The Startup Defense podcast, Tim Shinbara, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology, spoke with host Callye Keen about the work of the MTConnect Standards Organization, the challenges facing the manufacturing industry, and the exciting possibilities for the future.
Interoperability Is Key
One of the biggest challenges facing the manufacturing industry today is interoperability. With so many different types of machinery, software, and systems in use, it can be difficult to get them all working together seamlessly. The MTConnect Standards Organization aims to address this challenge by developing open, royalty-free standards that allow different pieces of equipment to communicate with one another.
Tim Shinbara notes, "There's hardly any technologies in the manufacturing space that I think work alone, machine tools have to have a control. There's just all these things that people don't really know until they dig a little deeper. And that's part of AMT's job is to really better inform. Not just about your ecosystem in the market, but man, who's that next partner you didn't know about that you need?"
Data is King
Data is playing an increasingly important role in manufacturing. By collecting and analyzing data from various sources throughout the manufacturing process, companies can identify inefficiencies, make better decisions, and ultimately improve their bottom line. However, collecting and analyzing data is not always easy. There are a number of challenges that need to be overcome, including data quality, security, and interoperability.
According to Tim Shinbara, "Because data has such a play to advance the state of our manufacturing space, and because the interoperability of that is gonna be so important for cybersecurity and for the providence of knowing about the data, mtconnect.org and our approach to doing this is about the only way we can keep up with that demand."
Partnerships Are Key
As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve, partnerships are becoming increasingly important. By partnering with other companies, manufacturers can leverage each other's strengths, share resources, and achieve greater success. Tim Shinbara notes, "Partnerships through the public-private area. Not just manufacturing USA Institutes, but seeing partnerships by tech companies. These accelerators, these incubators, these folks know people and they're starting to see that in our hard tech world, if you will, in the manufacturing space."
Standards Drive Innovation
Standards are critical to driving innovation in the manufacturing industry. Without standards, companies may develop proprietary solutions that are incompatible with those of their competitors. By developing open, royalty-free standards, the MT Connect Standards Organization is driving innovation and helping to ensure that everyone in the industry has access to the same technology.
As Tim Shinbara notes, "If you are an end-user or a producer of the manufacturing technology, controls, software, equipment, anything, and you've got use cases, I wish data could do this for me and harmonize with that. Go to mtconnect.org, join our standards committee. It's free. The standard when we publish it is free. If you don't speak up about where your pain points are, other people will."
Investing in the Future
Investing in the future of manufacturing is critical to staying competitive in the global marketplace. By embracing new technologies, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing data security, companies can position themselves for success in the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing.
Fostering Partnerships
One of the key themes of the conversation was the importance of partnerships in manufacturing. As Callye Keen, the host of The Startup Defense, noted, building a little consortium of who we're working with makes perfect sense. In other words, companies should seek out partnerships that enable them to access new technologies, expand their reach, and gain a competitive edge. This is especially important in the context of hard tech startups that may be struggling to find funding or navigate complex supply chains. By partnering with other companies and stakeholders in the manufacturing ecosystem, startups can gain the support and resources they need to succeed.
Integrating New Technologies
Another major theme was the importance of integrating new technologies into manufacturing processes. Ryan Kelly, the GM of the San Francisco Tech Lab, emphasized the value of integrating technologies from the mechatronic, robotic, advanced materials, metrology, and optics spaces. He noted that many of these startups are just learning about manufacturing, and that it is important to better inform them about the larger supply chain ecosystem. By integrating new technologies and fostering partnerships, companies can gain a better understanding of the larger manufacturing landscape and position themselves for success.
Data Security
Finally, the conversation touched on the importance of data security in manufacturing. Tim Shinbara, the CTO of the Association for Manufacturing Technology, emphasized the need for data interoperability and cybersecurity. He noted that data has a significant role to play in advancing the state of manufacturing and that the interoperability of data will be critical for cybersecurity and data provenance. Companies must prioritize data security and work to ensure that their systems are secure and protected against potential cyber threats.
Conclusion
Manufacturing is a critical component of the global economy, and investing in its future is essential for staying competitive. By embracing new technologies, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing data security, companies can position themselves for success in this dynamic and ever-changing landscape. The conversation on The Startup Defense highlighted the importance of these three themes and provided valuable insights for companies looking to succeed in the manufacturing space. As the industry continues to evolve, it is clear that those companies that are able to adapt and innovate will be the ones that come out ahead.
Interested in the entire episode with Tim Shinbara? Listen as host Callye Keen interviews him on episode 002 of The Startup Defense podcast. Available on all podcast platforms.
About Tim Shinbara
As the Chief Technology Officer for the Association for Manufacturing Technology, Tim follows trends in the technology space and works with the Economic Advisory Commission in an effort to get small businesses into the manufacturing space and out into the market.
Shinbara is a board officer and senior executive for the MTConnect Institute growing global adoption, interfacing with companion SDOs, collaborating with international governments and partners regarding the MTConnect Standard.
Tim is also a Co-founder of SkyRFID, LLC, a small business improving security and awareness of visibility and reporting for logistics and asset management.
Tim Shinbara - CTO, The Association for Manufacturing Technology
Commercializing Technology for the Emerging Space Economy with Kelli Kedis Ogborn
The dynamic and fast-evolving space industry presents boundless opportunities for innovation, technological advancements, and the potential to shape humanity's future in unprecedented ways. In a fascinating conversation between Callye Keen, host of The Startup Defense, and Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Vice President of Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation, provide a glimpse into the burgeoning space ecosystem, including the sector's challenges and opportunities, the pivotal role of the government, and why the space industry is a worthwhile pursuit for innovators and technologists.
The dynamic and fast-evolving space industry presents boundless opportunities for innovation, technological advancements, and the potential to shape humanity's future in unprecedented ways. In a fascinating conversation between Callye Keen, host of The Startup Defense, and Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Vice President of Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation, provide a glimpse into the burgeoning space ecosystem, including the sector's challenges and opportunities, the pivotal role of the government, and why the space industry is a worthwhile pursuit for innovators and technologists.
Exploring the Space Ecosystem: A New Frontier of Innovation
Space exploration has always captivated the human imagination. Today, it presents a tangible reality with countless opportunities for innovation. The space industry is "shifting eras," evolving from the Apollo era's nationalistic, vertical integration approach to the collaborative and competitive Artemis era. This change allows a much wider audience to engage with the space ecosystem.
Understanding the current state of the art allows innovators to recognize the art of the possible. The future of space exploration relies heavily on technological advancement, creative thought, and the relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries. For entrepreneurs and innovators, this presents an exciting playground to explore, innovate, and make significant contributions.
The Critical Intersection of Public and Private Sectors in Space
The intricate relationship between the government and the private sector in the space industry is a critical aspect of space innovation. While some young companies may aspire to operate exclusively in the commercial sector, the government remains a key player, functioning as a regulator, a validator, and a strategic compass.
The government acts as a connector in this industry, bridging the gap between technology and its potential applications. Ogborn elaborates on the government's role as the strategic guide, setting the course for the industry's direction. For example, NASA's Artemis launch signaled a renewed interest in lunar exploration, indicating where priorities, investment, and technological development would likely gravitate.
Redefining the Landscape of the Space Industry
The conversation paints an exciting picture of the space industry's future. It highlights the emergence of agile companies that are fundamentally altering the landscape of the space industry. These companies are changing how the government conducts business, how they interact with each other, and how large corporations view their subcontractors.
Ogborn predicts that the major players in the space industry may look vastly different in as little as eight years. This assertion illustrates the pace at which the industry is evolving and the opportunities available for new entrants to make a significant impact.
The Lasting Impact of Pursuing Opportunities in Space
The conversation concludes with an inspiring call to action for those considering venturing into the space industry. Keen and Ogborn encourage innovators and technologists to seize the opportunity to contribute to an industry that has the potential to advance human civilization significantly.
Working on challenging problems in the space industry could result in a lifetime of gratitude and fulfillment. He emphasizes that those who contribute to pushing human civilization forward will likely look back at their careers with pride and satisfaction.
Ogborn echoes this sentiment, highlighting the tremendous opportunity to shape the future in an evolving ecosystem. As the space industry collectively builds the future, every stakeholder has the potential to make a significant impact.
The duo imparts this inspiring message, emphasizing the potential to leave a profound legacy in space. Working in the space industry is not just about the technological advances of the moment, but also about contributing to a narrative that will echo in human history. As Keen passionately conveys, those who have been part of momentous projects like the SR-71 at Skunkworks, or NASA during its golden eras, carry those experiences as badges of honor throughout their lives. Similarly, those who choose to venture into the space industry today have the opportunity to write their own legends.
Conclusion
The space industry presents compelling opportunities. The discussion not only highlights the dynamic nature of the space ecosystem but also emphasizes the value and lasting impact of contributing to this exciting frontier. Be sure to listen to the full podcast episode to delve deeper into these insightful perspectives on the future of space exploration and the myriad
The insights shared by Keen and Ogborn provide a comprehensive view of the current landscape and future prospects of the industry. Listen to the full episode to delve deeper into these perspectives and gain an understanding of the immense possibilities the space industry presents. The future of space is being written now, and you could be a part of crafting this extraordinary narrative.
Interested in the entire episode with Kelli Kedis Ogborn? Listen as host Callye Keen interviews her on episode 006 of The Startup Defense podcast. Available on all podcast platforms.
About Kelli Kedis Ogborn
Kelli Kedis Ogborn has extensive experience in R&D and cutting-edge technology applications for both civil and commercial sectors. She is an often-published author and speaker on the market applications of innovation and has worked extensively as an authoritative voice within the emerging space economy – qualifying and quantifying the economic drivers and technology trends driving the industry forward and shaping its investment potential and growth.
As Vice President of Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation she spearheads Space Commerce Institute, an initiative designed to deliver informed insight and actionable programming to help companies and individuals find their market share and grow within the evolving space economy.
Kelli Ogborn - Space Foundation
Funding Startups with Innovation Challenges with Jade Garrett
The world is facing numerous environmental challenges that require innovative solutions. Hard tech startups that are working on finding ways to tackle these problems need funding and support to take their ideas from conception to reality. However, acquiring funding for hard tech startups can be challenging, especially when government grants require strict deliverables that can limit their ability to explore new ideas. Innovation challenges, such as the American-Made Challenges, and accelerator programs provide a bridge between these startups and the early funding they need to speed up the path to these innovative solutions.
The world is facing numerous environmental challenges that require innovative solutions. Hard tech startups that are working on finding ways to tackle these problems need funding and support to take their ideas from conception to reality. However, acquiring funding for hard tech startups can be challenging, especially when government grants require strict deliverables that can limit their ability to explore new ideas. Innovation challenges, such as the American-Made Challenges, and accelerator programs provide a bridge between these startups and the early funding they need to speed up the path to these innovative solutions.
The American-Made Challenges are designed to help hard tech startups explore new technology ideas without being limited by strict grant deliverables or having to answer questions that they don’t yet have answers to. We will discuss the American-Made Challenges and discuss how startups can access funding and support through these challenges, as well as dive into Embryia, an accelerator program that was developed through the Department of Energy Innovation Challenge for accelerator programs, to highlight how this program is helping hard tech startups.
Non-Dilutive Funding for Launching Startups
The American-Made Challenges were established by the Department of Energy (DoE) to issue funding awards for innovation challenges rather than typical grants which generally fund people or companies to execute on a piece of research or business plan.
Unlike traditional grant programs, the American-Made Challenges are designed to help startups explore new ideas and concepts without the strict limitations that grants typically place on the funding. Startups are inherently an exploration endeavor, not an exploitation endeavor. The funding awards provided by the American-Made Challenges therefore makes it easier for startups to adapt their approach as they learn more about their technology and explore new solutions and be flexible with their plan and ideas.
The Benefits of American-Made Challenges for Startups
One of the key benefits of the American Made challenges is the availability of support for startups. The American-Made Network of supporters includes members of both the public and private sector, who provide mentoring, tools, resources, and support to accelerate these startups’ ideas into real-world solutions. The program has several “Power Connectors” and “Connectors” in place to offer assistance to startups.
Power Connectors offer broad help that is specific to the challenge being launched, while Connectors provide individualized support to help startups reframe their approach and reach their goals. These Connectors include professionals from national laboratories, accelerators, incubators, universities, facilities, and industry who support competitors through the development and launch process. They recruit entrepreneurs to participate in the American-Made Challenges and provide the support, resources, and necessary connections participants need to succeed in the competition. Power Connectors are a select group of organizations contracted to help with specific tasks for specific prizes. Such support is crucial for startups that are still in the early stages of development, as it can help them overcome some of the common hurdles that come with bringing a new technology idea to life.
Embryia Cleantech Accelerator Studio
The American-Made Challenges produced Embryia as an accelerator program. The project was initiated by Jade Garrett, a funded female founder who is passionate about renewable energy. Embryia was developed to provide specific support to early-stage hard tech startups through a community of experts.
Embryia aims to provide an immersive experience for startups by offering them access to a dedicated team of experts who can help them navigate the challenges of developing a new technology idea, regardless of where they are in implementing the idea or innovation. By providing hands-on assistance, Embryia offers startups support that is tailored to their specific needs. This approach is unique and separates Embryia from other accelerator programs that take a more generalized approach.
One of the key benefits of Embryia is that it offers startups access to a network of industry experts who can help them secure funding as well as provide services such as connecting startups with funding opportunities, coaching startups through a program to develop their business model and pitch, assist startups with specific needs using a community of experts, preparing startups for applying to challenges and grants, and piloting technology with corporate and community partners.
Conclusion
Hard tech startups face numerous challenges when it comes to securing funding and support for their ideas and innovations. The American-Made Challenges offer an alternative to traditional grant programs, by providing startups with the freedom to explore new ideas and concepts without any of the constrictions placed on them through traditional grant funding. Embryia, an accelerator that was developed through the American-Made Challenges, provides startups with individualized support tailored to their specific needs. As the world continues to face environmental challenges, accelerators and innovative challenges for funding, like the American-Made Challenges and Embryia, are critical to supporting the development of innovative solutions that can make a difference.
Interested in the entire episode with Jade Garret? Listen as host Callye Keen interviews her on episode 005 of The Startup Defense podcast. Available on all podcast platforms.
About Jade Garrett
Positive Deviancy, LLC was founded in 2021 by Jade Garrett. She is one of the most experienced Connectors in the American-Made Network and has over 4 years of experience with the American-Made Challenge Prize Programs. Jade has supported over 50 different teams which have cumulatively won more than $1.85M in Innovation Funding from the DOE while she was their Connector.
She loves being directly engaged with innovators since her work history for the past decade has been primarily with startups in the energy, hardware, and robotics space. She is one of the 2% of female founders who have raised VC investment.
The American-Made Network, https://network.americanmadechallenges.org/
A Conversation with Pete Newell on Innovation in National Security
National security has always been a top priority for governments worldwide, and innovation has played a critical role in enhancing it. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for private sector innovation to support government initiatives. In this context, public-private partnerships and dual-use technologies have emerged as powerful tools for national security innovation. In a recent interview with Callye Keen, Pete Newell, Founder and CEO of BMNT, discussed his insights on innovation in national security and the importance of public-private partnerships and dual-use technologies.
National security has always been a top priority for governments worldwide, and innovation has played a critical role in enhancing it. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for private sector innovation to support government initiatives. In this context, public-private partnerships and dual-use technologies have emerged as powerful tools for national security innovation. In a recent interview with Callye Keen, Pete Newell, Founder and CEO of BMNT, discussed his insights on innovation in national security and the importance of public-private partnerships and dual-use technologies.
Dual-use Technologies: An Emerging Trend in National Security
Dual-use technologies, or those with both military and civilian applications, have emerged as a significant trend in national security innovation. According to Newell, dual-use technologies can help bridge the gap between the private sector and the government, enabling the development of solutions that meet the needs of both. Moreover, dual-use technologies can help leverage the expertise of the private sector to address complex national security challenges.
Dual-use technologies include drones, encryption, and GPS. Drones can be used for delivery services, photography, and agriculture, as well as for military purposes, such as surveillance and strikes. Encryption can be used in civilian applications, such as online banking and communication, as well as in military applications to protect classified information. GPS is a navigation system that was originally developed by the US military for military purposes, such as guiding missiles and aircraft. However, it is now widely used in civilian applications, such as navigation systems for cars and smartphones.
Newell highlighted that the Department of Defense (DoD) has made significant strides in promoting the use of dual-use technologies in national security. Through initiatives like the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the DoD has been able to tap into the innovation potential of the private sector. The DoD has started partnering with venture capital firms to invest in companies developing dual-use technologies.
The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in National Security Innovation
Public-private partnerships, contractual arrangements between a government or a public sector entity and a private sector company, have also emerged as a crucial tool for national security innovation. These so-called “PPP’s” include things such as toll roads, sanitation companies, and healthcare. In each of these examples, a private company invests in and operates the entity in partnership with the local, state, or federal government.
According to Newell, public-private partnerships can help in developing solutions that are not only effective but also cost-efficient. Moreover, public-private partnerships can help in accelerating the development of solutions, which is critical in addressing fast-evolving national security challenges.
Newell highlighted that public-private partnerships require a clear understanding of the problem statement and a shared vision of the solution. Additionally, public-private partnerships require an understanding of the incentives of each party involved. Newell also emphasized the need for these partnerships to be structured in a way that benefits both parties and is sustainable in the long run.
Innovation Ecosystems: Nurturing the Next Generation of National Security Innovators
Innovation ecosystems have emerged as a critical component of national security innovation. According to Newell, innovation ecosystems bring together stakeholders from different sectors, including academia, industry, and government, to collaborate on innovation initiatives. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, innovation ecosystems can help develop solutions that are effective, efficient, and sustainable.
Newell highlighted that innovation ecosystems require a culture of collaboration and experimentation. Moreover, leadership that can create an environment of trust and openness, where stakeholders feel free to share ideas and work together is also required. Innovation ecosystems require resources and infrastructure to support innovation activities, including funding, incubation spaces, and mentorship programs.
Investing in Human Capital: Building a Skilled Workforce for National Security Innovation
Investing in human capital has emerged as a critical factor in national security innovation. According to Newell, building a skilled workforce is essential in developing and implementing innovative solutions. Moreover, investing in human capital is critical in creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the government.
Newell highlighted that investing in human capital requires a long-term approach. This includes developing training programs that focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, providing opportunities for experiential learning, and creating career paths that reward innovation and risk-taking. Additionally, investing in human capital requires a shift in the mindset of government employees, from risk aversion to a culture of experimentation and innovation.
Innovation has emerged as a critical tool for enhancing national security, and public-private partnerships and dual-use technologies have become increasingly important in this context. Innovation ecosystems and investing in human capital have also played an important role in developing technologies for national defense. The Startup Defense, a podcast that explores how startups can contribute to national defense, recently hosted Pete Newell, the CEO of BMNT, a consultancy that specializes in innovation, problem-solving, and technology integration.
Conclusion
The conversation with Pete Newell on The Startup Defense highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships, dual-use technologies, investing in human capital, and innovation ecosystems for national defense. Startups can play a critical role in developing technologies for national defense, but they must focus on building a strong team, being part of an innovation ecosystem, and developing a dual-use investment thesis.
Interested in the entire episode with Pete Newell? Listen as host Callye Keen interviews him on episode 003 of The Startup Defense podcast. Available on all podcast platforms.
About Peter Newell
Pete Newell is a nationally recognized innovation expert whose work is transforming how the government and other large organizations compete and drive growth. He is the CEO of BMNT, an internationally recognized innovation consultancy and early-stage tech accelerator that helps solve some of the hardest real-world problems in national security, state and local governments, and beyond.
In addition, Pete is Co-Founder and Board Director of The Common Mission Project, the 501c3 nonprofit responsible for creating an international network of mission-driven entrepreneurs, including through programs like H4D®.
Prior to joining BMNT, Pete served as the Director of the US Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF). Reporting directly to the senior leadership of the Army, he was charged with rapidly finding, integrating, and employing solutions to emerging problems faced by Soldiers on the battlefield. From 2010 to 2013 Pete led the REF in the investment of over $1.4B in efforts designed to counter the effects of improvised explosive devices, reduce small units exposure to suicide bombers and rocket attacks and to reduce their reliance on long resupply chains.
Peter Newell - CEO of BMNT
Machine Vision and Sensor Systems Changing Public Safety
Personal tragedies and experiences can frequently be the catalyst for innovation. Such was the case with Chad Green, President and founder of Lantern, LLC, who was working for the Department of Defense in 2013 when the tragic Newtown school shooting occurred. Chad set out to develop a gun detection algorithm with the goal of creating technology to detect and prevent such incidents.
Backflips and Machine Vision Share One Critical Link
Personal tragedies and experiences can frequently be the catalyst for innovation. Such was the case with Chad Green, President and founder of Lantern, LLC, who was working for the Department of Defense in 2013 when the tragic Newtown school shooting occurred. Chad set out to develop a gun detection algorithm with the goal of creating technology to detect and prevent such incidents. Fast forward to today, and that technology saves lives. His work with Iowa State University on a system to protect roadside workers from traffic incursions highlights the importance of innovation in improving the world. Innovation often requires a lot of trial and error, and sometimes failing is the only way to succeed.
Neural Networks and Handgun Detection
In 2013, during the Newtown, Connecticut, school shooting tragedy, Chad had a direct connection with the incident as his cousin's daughter was among those who lost her life. At that time, Chad was working for the Department of Defense and developing algorithms to detect rocket-propelled grenades in order to make sure they didn't hit armored vehicles.
Chad started thinking: If we can come up with algorithms that can detect these things so fast that we can be proactive and actively protect our military from these situations, how can we help stop these things that are happening right here to our kids in elementary schools?
Chad came up with the idea of detecting handguns in 2013, but he didn't get a chance to implement it until he started Lantern in 2017.
Chad and his team eventually made a YouTube video demonstrating the technology, and it's received over 2 million views. All those views stirred up the idea that maybe there's something proactive that can be done to protect our children. Eventually, Omnilert acquired the intellectual property for the gun detector (because they saw the video) and hired Chad as the director of AI.
Chad’s been working with Omnilert for over three years, and the product is out in the field. They have detected real events, and saved lives.
Improving Highway Worker Safety
New innovations and technologies have led to a lot of safety improvements on the roads, like safer cars, better ways to manage traffic, and better roads and bridges. Despite all those advancements, passenger vehicles are by far the most dangerous transportation option. As an example, the passenger vehicle death rate is 1,623 times higher than that of scheduled airlines.
New technologies make roads and vehicles safer in the field of highway safety. Airbags, seatbelts, and stability control are all safety features that came about because of innovative ideas. In the same way, new ways to manage traffic in construction zones can help cut down on the number of accidents on our roads.
Chad Green has spent the past three years working with Iowa State University on a system to protect roadside workers from traffic incursions. With 3,000 pedestrian deaths per year, it’s clear that innovation is needed. These roadside workers need more than a hardhat, an orange vest, and a traffic cone to protect them from a distracted driver moving at 80 mph.
Innovation, Failure and the Lessons We Learn
So much of innovation involves trying, failing, trying again, and repeating until you crack the code. Innovation, by design, is new and has never been done before, so we should expect failures along the way.
And we should embrace those failures. On a recent afternoon, Chad worked with his son to help him learn to do a backflip. His son had been trying for more than a year to finish just one, but he had failed every time. But on this particular evening, Chad and his son took a different approach. Chad encouraged his son to remove everything from his head—everything he thought he knew about doing backflips and just go for it.
His son cleared his head, took a deep breath, and went for it. And to his amazement, he did it. The trick was not overthinking it. Relax, take a deep breath, and push forward. And that’s how it works with innovation. Clear your brain of what exists and try something new. You might create the next handgun detection software or save the lives of highway workers across the country.
Innovation does not exist without failure and trying again.
Interested in the entire episode with Chad Green? Listen as host Callye Keen interviews him on episode 001 of The Startup Defense podcast. Available on all podcast platforms.
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About Chad Green
As President and Founder of Lantern, LLC, Chad Green has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to lifesaving technology.
Chad founded Lantern in December of 2017. Lantern develops lifesaving and life-supporting technologies spanning medical devices, industrial safety, and advanced AI analytics. As President, Chad has grown Lantern from a basement startup to a successful R&D firm with several new patents and products being developed each year, both internally funded as well as on contract.
Prior to founding Lantern, Chad served as Vice President of Engineering for a defense technology company in Northern Virginia. He developed extremely high-speed optical sensors and electronics for Active Protection Systems (APS) to save soldier lives on the battlefield. He also patented, developed, and deployed an industrial safety system for detecting life-threatening hazards in highway or construction work zones. Chad also worked for Northrop Grumman on mission computers and navigation systems using advanced laser and micro-mechanical inertial systems. Chad has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Physics from the University of Utah.