The IQT Podcast

What if the future of maritime power wasn't about bigger ships, but smarter software? In this episode of IQT Explains, Managing Partner Jon Chait is joined by Paul Lwin, CEO of HavocAI and decorated Naval Flight Officer, to explore how collaborative autonomous systems are transforming military and commercial operations across land, air, and sea. From Ukraine to the Strait of Hormuz, Jon and Paul b...

Private capital is flowing into defense and national security startups, but will government systems keep pace? In this episode, A.J Bertone is joined by Bobby Franklin , President and CEO of NVCA, to discuss how nuanced policy issues can affect capital formation, why acquisition reform is critical for defense-focused entrepreneurs, and why the next few years may be especially important for turning...

What if military infrastructure could be built faster, smarter, and better, using robotics instead of legacy construction methods? Sameer Punyani is joined by Bella Jones of ICON and Peter Park from IQT to explore how large-scale robotic 3D printing is transforming military infrastructure. From modernizing barracks to building durable structures in remote and contested environments, ICON is redefi...

Imagine a supply chain built not on smokestacks and solvents, but on cells. A shortage flares, and instead of waiting months for shipments to clear ports, a ten‑day microbial run delivers critical ingredients at home. The same biological tools that ferment beer pull rare earth elements from complex feedstocks—cleanly, quickly, and at cost. That shift is already underway. Host Michelle Rozo sits do...

A smartphone lights up in your hand. Inside it, rare earth elements and critical minerals quietly power the technology we rely on every day, from defense systems to medical devices. As global supply chains tighten, prices fluctuate, processing concentrates in single regions, and both national security and daily life feel the strain. In this episode of IQT Explains, host Jon Chait, Managing Partner...

Welcome to the IQT Podcast. In this continuation, host Clayton Williams, Managing Director of IQT’s London office, continues the conversation with Lorenz Meier, Co-founder and CEO of Auterion, and Rob Rainhart, Auterion’s Chief Operating Officer. Building on part one, the conversation examines the significant role of drones in modern warfare and defense technology. Highlighting impressive figures—...

Welcome back to The IQT Podcast. In this episode, Clayton Williams of IQT's London office speaks with Lorenz Meier, co-founder and CEO of Auterion, and Rob Rainhart, Auterion’s Chief Operating Officer. They explore the remarkable evolution of autonomous systems and drone technology — an area that’s rapidly reshaping the future of defense. Lorenz and Rob share the story of how Auterion grew from an...

Welcome to the IQT Podcast. In this episode of "IQT Explains," we explore asymmetric deterrence — a strategic approach in modern defense that emphasizes quantity, innovation, and resilience over traditional firepower, led by our host, Kevin Schaeffer.  Joining him are Kevin Wepasnick, a senior technology architect and drone systems enthusiast, and Sameer Punyani, a national security expert with ex...

Welcome to another episode of The IQT Podcast! Today, we’ll examine the potential future of wireless technology and how it can enhance national security. Our guests, Dr. Tom Rondeau, Principal Director for the DoD’s FutureG Office, and Dr. Nate Roberts, Senior Technology Architect at IQT, will discuss the evolution from 1G to 5G and explore the exciting possibilities of 6G, including its role in d...

Welcome to another episode of The IQT Podcast! In "IQT Explains: Generative AI for Security," we explore the transformative applications of generative AI across various industries, with a special focus on enhancing national security and cybersecurity. This conversation, hosted by Katie Gray, Senior Partner, will cover market trends, use cases, and risks associated with generative AI. Tune in as ou...

Welcome to the third and final part of IQT Explains: Biotech and Investments. Today, our guests Dr. Jess Dymond and Dr. Lewis Rubinson will share their forecasts for the future of biotechnology. They will discuss sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing, and how advancements in these areas can enhance national resilience. Tune in to learn where biotech is heading next and how these...

Welcome to another episode of IQT Explains! In Part 2 of our Biotech and Investments series, we continue to explore IQT's cutting-edge work in biotechnology, focusing on our more recent investment activity and breaking down the latest developments in this ever-evolving domain. Our guests, Eugene Chiu and Dr. Michelle Rozo, delve into IQT's unique architectural approach, advancements in mRNA vaccin...

Welcome to The IQT Podcast! In this episode, we explore IQT's origin story in biotech. Host Farid Nemri, along with guests Dr. Megan Anderson and Dr. Kevin O'Connell, discuss IQT's strategic investments in the bio sector, spanning from the post-9/11 era to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dive into the history of the B.Next practice, IQT's investing methodology, and the technologies developed f...

Welcome to another episode of IQT Explains! Today, we are joined by Dr. Yan Zheng, IQT’s Chief of Staff, and Michael Falcon, Investment Partner, to discuss the importance of microelectronics. Microelectronics are crucial to modern technology, impacting devices we rely on every day — cell phones, computers, automotives, and medical systems. U.S. manufacturing has declined due to offshoring, but ini...

Welcome back to The IQT Podcast! Today, we dive into the depths of the dataverse. Our guests, Diana Keenan and Hanyu Chwe, shed light on the significance, evolving market trends, and regulatory challenges surrounding commercial data, emphasizing how new data technologies can enhance decision-making across various sectors. This episode explores the increasing prominence of the data economy, fueled...

Join General David Petraeus, renowned retired U.S. army general and former CIA director, as we explore historical conflicts, strategic leadership, and the intersection of technology in modern warfare. From past military engagements to contemporary challenges, this episode promises enlightening insights on conflict evolution and the leadership skills essential for turbulent times. If you enjoy this...

Our host, Vishal Sandesara, is joined by IQT colleagues Grant Whiting and Dan Bocknek to discuss cybersecurity and the importance of enhancing cyber capabilities for future conflicts. They explore the fast-paced nature of cyber warfare, the role of AI and automation, and the significance of quality data. Topics covered include data management, scaling capabilities, partnerships, and the integratio...

Welcome to The IQT Podcast where we explore the fascinating world of technology innovation and national security. In our latest episode, host Vishal Sandesara is joined by esteemed guests Pat Mitchell, Chris Shaw, and Tommaso Melodia. Together, they discuss the complexities of undersea technology and its significance in military, commercial, and scientific realms. The episode highlights challenges...

In this episode of The IQT Podcast, Dr. Sarah Sewall delves into the world of critical minerals and the challenges facing the United States' supply chain security. Our guests, Nicole Richards, Nick Myers, and Oliver Gunasekara, share their expertise and innovative approaches to address these challenges. From developing biological solutions for rare earth element separation to utilizing autonomous...

In this episode, host Vishal Sandesara and guest Michael Chadwick from IQT Labs discuss maritime innovation in the open source and maker communities. They cover IQT Labs' involvement in the maritime domain, challenges of AI algorithm data collection, and the spillover benefits of open source aerial drone contributions. Tune in as they highlight projects like the AI Sonobuoy, showcasing cutting-edg...

In this episode of The IQT Podcast, host Vishal Sandesara leads a discussion on the accelerating venture capital activity in maritime innovation. Guests Diana Keenan, Abi Sivananthan, and Kevin Schaeffer delve into global maritime technology developments and the corresponding investment landscape. The conversation covers the different domains of maritime technology, including surface and subsurfac...

In this episode of The IQT Podcast, host Steve Bowsher interviews Arun Gupta, a venture capitalist, Adjunct Entrepreneurship Professor at Georgetown University, and author of "Venture Meets Mission." Arun discusses bridging the gap between aspiring entrepreneurs and public service, inspiring the next generation to let mission guide them in their careers. The episode explores attracting talent for...

In this episode of The Intersection, we explore the dynamic realm where innovation meets mission execution. Our usual host and newly appointed CEO, Steve Bowsher, takes the passenger seat this week, allowing IQT’s editorial director, Martin Giles, to take the wheel. With Steve as the interviewee, we get the chance to learn how IQT has been the premier partner trusted to identify, evaluate, and lev...

This episode of The IQT Podcast delves into the world of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) data, which plays a critical part in supporting modern economies and infrastructure. This often overlooked, invisible aspect of our daily lives is crucial for synchronizing financial transactions, transportation, and navigation services. However, satellite-based PNT data is vulnerable to disruptions,...

In this episode of The IQT Podcast, host Dr. Sarah Sewall is joined by guests Dr. Scott Pace and Steve Poizner to discuss the future of the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS). They delve into the development of GPS, its importance in both civilian life and military capabilities, and the challenges it faces in staying ahead of other global navigation satellite systems. The episode sheds light on...