The Startup Defense

Callye Keen interviews Tony Williams from the Army Applications Lab (AAL) about the innovation and disruption happening within the defense industry. They discuss the necessity of the defense sector to move faster by collaborating with startups, the importance of funding and contracts for startups, the rising interest in defense innovation, and the challenges faced in measuring the impact of emergi...

Step into the future of defense technology and venture capitalism as David Rothzeid, a seasoned Air Force veteran with 13 years of experience, guides us through an illuminating exploration. Delve into the realm of low Earth orbit satellites, cutting-edge venture funding, and remarkable advancements in defense technology. Gain insights into the dynamic intersection of defense tech and venture capit...

Callye Keen sits down with Heather Richman to discuss the transformation of defense programs into sustainable ventures, the significance of private capital, and the emergence of new players in the defense arena. They tackle how to create a thriving dual-use company and explore the potential value gap for innovators, where a commercial product can serve the DoD. Heather dives into the importance of...

Imagine if the complexities of government tech adoption, the disruption caused by AI and ML, and the power of compelling user stories were all decoded for you in one enlightening conversation. That's exactly what you're signing up for as Meg Vorland of DCode and DCode Capital graces our podcast. Meg offers us an insider's perspective on how DCode helps startups surf the opportunities surfacing at...

Join Callye Keen as he engages with inventive engineer and entrepreneur, Matt Bilsky. From innovative product design to the challenges of running a successful startup, this episode uncovers the intersections of creativity, technology, and business. Topic Highlights: 00:00 - Decoding Product Design with Matt Bilsky Matt Bilsky explores the intricacies of product design, discussing the importance of...

In this engaging conversation, Callye Keen is joined by Dave Peterson, a defense entrepreneur with a wealth of knowledge in defense startups. Their lively discussion revolves around the importance of startups in the defense space, market sizing, and potential challenges in the transition of commercial technologies to defense. Topic Highlights: 00:00 - Defense Entrepreneurship Dave Peterson outline...

Callye Keen engages with tech entrepreneur Nathan Mintz, known for his excellent ability to attract and develop talent. A discussion on successful team building, understanding one's strengths and weaknesses, and identifying individuals with a shared vision is explored. Mintz's journey from aerospace to start-ups, and even his political run, serves as a backdrop for this deep dive into leadership d...

Episode Summary: Callye Keen discusses the complexities and challenges facing defense technology innovation with guest Rob Slaughter. They explore the landscape of government defense contracts, the role of open-source software in innovation, and the potential of leveraging AI in the defense sector. Topic Highlights: 00:00 - The Government and Open Source Rob Slaughter discusses the pros and cons o...

Episode Summary: In an enlightening conversation with Trish Martinelli, Callye Keen delves into the heart of problem-solving within the realm of defense innovation. They explore the intersection of bureaucracy and technological advancements, focusing on the role of an innovation mindset in revolutionizing the defense industry. Topic Highlights: 00:00 - Embracing an Innovation Mindset Adopting an i...

Episode Summary: In a thought-provoking dialogue, host Callye Keen engages with Michael Meyer, an intrapreneur innovator, in discussing the complex intersection of software and hardware. They delve into the transformation of the design process, the challenges of reaching end users, the impact of bureaucratic barriers, and the power of innovation to overcome these hurdles. Topic Highlights: 00:00 -...

Episode Summary: In this captivating conversation, host Callye Keen engages with his guest, Russell Waddell, in a deep dive into the world of manufacturing. Their discussion explores the evolution of manufacturing and the inherent need for collaborative work environments. The duo also underscores the significance of fostering talent and staying adaptable in a rapidly changing industrial landscape....

Episode Summary: Host Callye Keen converses with Andy Yakulis, expert in defense innovation, discussing how startups can navigate and leverage the defense industry's complex contracting vehicles. They delve into the concept of Other Transaction Authority (OTA), its potential for startups, and how the defense industry is encouraging and fostering innovation. Topic Highlights: 00:00 - Understanding...

Episode Summary: Callye Keen sits down with Pramod Raheja, the co-founder and CEO of Airgility, a company pioneering drone and aerial robotics technology. They delve into the world of emerging tech startups, discussing the unique challenges, potential pitfalls, and the excitement of taking a new idea to market, with a particular focus on Department of Defense (DoD) solutions. Topic Highlights: 00:...

Episode Summary: Host Callye Keen welcomes Alex Gallo, Co-Founder of the Common Mission Project, in an insightful conversation that elucidates the connections between national security and societal progress. They discuss a novel, community-based approach to cybersecurity, and how this method can be leveraged to solve complex challenges faced by the Department of Defense. Topic Highlights: 02:27 -...

Episode Summary: Callye Keen hosts Kelli Kedis Ogborn, a space industry expert, to delve deep into the burgeoning opportunities in the space sector. The duo explores the evolving dynamics of the industry, the significance of government influence, and the role of innovation in shaping the future of space exploration. Topic Highlights: 06:26 - Translating Tech to Operational Reality Keen underscores...

Host Callye Keen discusses funding through challenges and accelerator programs for startups with guest Jade Garrett. Together, Garrett and Keen are involved in Embryia, an accelerator program. Keen and Garrett go on to discuss the clean tech industry, how it relates to defense, and what advice Garrett has for people interested in getting involved in the industry. Episode Summary 00:00 - Introducti...

Host Callye Keen discusses the Internet of Things (IOT), which has revolutionized the way we interact with our environment. Diving deeper, Callye hones in on a subset of IOT - the Internet of Military Things (IoMT), aka the Internet of the Battlefield. The parallels that exist between IoMT, Consumer IOT, and Industrial IOT are discussed as well as the critical requirements that exist for IoMT, suc...

Host Callye Keen speaks with Pete Newell, CEO of BMNT, a venture firm that focuses on solving complex national security problems through innovation. Newell discusses the importance of dual-use technology and the role of entrepreneurs in solving big global issues. He also talks about the benefits of government service, including opportunities for funding and collaboration, as well as the challenges...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Startup Defense podcast with host Callye Keen and guest Chad Green, an engineer working to make our roads, hospitals, and schools safer through innovation. Chad Green As President and Founder of Lantern, LLC, Chad Green has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to life-saving technology. Chad founded Lantern in December of 2017. Lantern is dedicated to developi...

In this second episode of The Startup Defense, host Callye Keen and guest Tim Shinbara, Chief Technology Officer of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, discuss the intersection of technology and manufacturing. They cover the impact of additive manufacturing, the importance of cybersecurity in the industry, and the benefits of partnerships for startups in the manufacturing space. Ep...

Welcome to the introductory episode of The Startup Defense podcast with host Callye Keen. In this episode, Callye explains the motivation behind starting this show. Throughout the podcast, Callye and his guests will explore the intersection of the entrepreneurial spirit and the market. Innovation is the best course for a better life, a better community, and to stick around as a civilization. In th...