Stopping threats before shots are fired: how ZeroEyes pairs computer vision with a 24/7 human verification layer to deliver actionable intelligence to responders in seconds.

Guest: Sam Alaimo – Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer, ZeroEyes

ZeroEyes was founded to tackle a real, urgent problem with a pragmatic solution: detect a brandished firearm through existing cameras, verify it fast, and dispatch real-time alerts. In this episode, Sam breaks down how the tech + operations model works, why dual-use (K-12, commercial, and DoD) made the product stronger, and what it takes to build a mission-first culture that scales.

Topics

• Why ZeroEyes was founded after Parkland—and why cameras had been “forensic only” before (ZeroEyes)
• The ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC): human verification as the trust and assurance layer (ZeroEyes)
• Dual-use execution: how DoD work expanded capabilities (mobile cameras, new detection modalities)
• Fundraising lessons: why “team dynamics” can be the deciding factor in venture-scale capital
• Partnerships and integration strategy (e.g., Picogrid) (PR Newswire)

Takeaways

• High-stakes AI needs an assurance model. Human verification isn’t a bolt-on—it’s core to operational trust and speed.
• Dual-use can be a product advantage. Diverse environments drive better data, stronger models, and broader applicability.
• Investors often underwrite the team, not just the tech. Cohesion, humility, and mission alignment can be a decisive differentiator.

Timestamped Highlights

[00:00] - The mission: doing something practical about mass shootings

[01:35] - The founding story: Parkland, cameras, and “left of bang”

[04:44] - The hard truth: selling into schools vs. DoD (and staying mission-aligned)

[07:28] - Building a market that didn’t exist (and finding budget for it)

[07:54] - Inside the ZOC: human verification, dispatch, and actionable intel

[12:24] - Hiring as strategy: creating a mission-driven transition path for veterans

[16:08] - Raising venture-scale capital: what investors actually respond to

[22:15] - What’s next: expanding beyond firearms into new analytics (including knives)

[23:10] - Partnerships as force-multipliers (and why not to “reinvent the wheel”)

Resources & Links

• ZeroEyes (company) (ZeroEyes)

Connect

• Guest: Sam Alaimo
• Host: Callye Keen

If this episode sparked ideas, share The Startup Defense with one operator or founder in your network—and if you’re building or scaling a defense tech product, reach out to Kform for support.

Startups can’t afford to be wrong on an 18-month cycle—and neither can the services or the acquisition system that supports them. Callye and Noah deconstruct the so-called “valley of death,” separating structural reality from self-inflicted pain and inexperience. They dig into how narrative, incentives, and tighter demo cycles can compress risk and get real capability into the hands of operators faster.

Topics

• Why the “valley of death” is often more mirage than destiny—and where it’s brutally real
• How information, narrative, and media shape behavior in defense and critical industries
• Kform’s evolution from a third-generation machine shop to a commercialization partner for defense startups
• Competition-based drone events and what they reveal about the future of acquisition
• Using rapid demos and shared customers to shrink timelines from years to weeks

Takeaways

• The valley of death isn’t an inescapable trap; it’s a series of predictable transitions that punish inexperience, poor capital efficiency, and lack of customer focus.
• In defense, you may only get one meaningful shot every 12–18 months, so choices around SBIRs, sponsors, and end users are not “free”—they are existential.
• Tight feedback loops—design, build, demo, adjust—run on weeks instead of years can derisk programs, align incentives, and help both startups and the government “be slightly wrong and get less wrong” much faster.

Timestamped Highlights

[00:00] - Why startups (and DoD) can’t afford 18-month mistakes
[02:34] - Rethinking the “valley of death” and reclaiming agency
[05:24] - A contrarian view: the valley as mirage and self-inflicted pain
[09:02] - “SBIR is not free money” and the cost of choosing the wrong sponsor
[11:54] - Defense tech jobs, new attention, and why this moment matters
[17:33] - Kform’s roots: from Navy machinist and Circle K to Kform
[23:55] - Building Kform’s playbook: the “team behind your team”
[26:29] - Steam Studios and competition-based drones as a new acquisition pattern
[31:20] - Tight demo loops: slightly wrong every two weeks vs. catastrophically wrong in 18 months
[36:57] - Policy shifts, acquisition reform, and closing reflections

Resources & Links

• Kform — https://kform.com
• Crossing the Valley (podcast) — https://www.frontdoordefense.com/podcast
• Front Door Defense Jobs — https://www.frontdoordefense.com
• Steam Studios — https://www.steamstudio.io
• U.S. National Drone Association — https://www.usnda.org

“We can’t afford to be wrong in 18 months. We can afford to be slightly wrong—and getting less wrong—every two weeks.”

To partner with Kform, explore collaboration, or bring a product from prototype to field faster, visit kform.com and reach out to the team. If this episode resonates, share it with a founder, operator, or investor who cares about actually fielding capability—not just talking about it.

 Will Hurd joins Callye to break down autonomy at the tactical edge—and why time, not just tech, decides outcomes. He explains Chaos Industries’ approach to expeditionary radar, delivering minutes of warning instead of seconds and working in comms- and EW-denied environments. 

Topics We Cover

• Autonomy in contested battlespaces: giving operators time to understand, decide, and act 
• Expeditionary radar that sets up fast, survives harsh conditions, and scales via clustered nodes 
• Two-way time transfer, picosecond sync, and separating TX/RX for wider, smarter sensing 
• Building over marketing: why working hardware + rapid iteration wins every time 
• Partnerships that unlock capability (e.g., Forterra autonomous ground vehicles)

Key Takeaways

• Time is the decisive edge: moving from “~22 seconds” of warning to “10 minutes and 22 seconds” changes survivability and employment of effects. 
• Speed > might: OTA updates at the edge, rapid two-week sprints, and modular product deltas outcompete exquisite, slow systems. 
• Credibility is earned in T&E and combat use: build something that works out of the box in tough places—and prove it.

Edward Ge – Co-founder & CEO, Aethero. Building the Nvidia of space: why edge compute, autonomy, and distributed satellite clusters change everything. 

Episode Snapshot

Aethero’s Edward Ge joins Callye to unpack the next wave of space: pushing real compute to orbit so satellites can process data and act autonomously instead of waiting on ground links. We dig into why most spacecraft still run on ancient processors, what it takes to harden COTS GPUs for radiation, and how distributed “orbital data centers” unlock defense and commercial missions faster and cheaper.

Topics We Cover

• Why on-orbit edge computing beats “download everything” architectures
• Hardening COTS compute (radiation, thermal, power) for real missions
• Distributed clusters in space: orchestration, reliability, and use cases
• Funding timing and building in public with defense customers
• What’s actually launching next and how fast iteration happens in space

Timestamped Highlights

• 00:00 | Welcome and setup — “edge compute in orbit” premise.
• 02:18 | Why satellites still run decades-old processors; the Moore’s Law gap in space. 
• 05:42 | Consumer device vs. spacecraft life cycles—designing for 7–10 years without freezing tech. 
• 07:02 | Fundraising cadence: closed in November, announced in June—why timing matters in defense. 
• 10:51 | Hardening COTS compute: radiation, thermal paths, and redundancy. 
• 14:51 | From single nodes to clusters: building “orbital data centers.” 
• 17:31 | “There are really only two customers in space right now: telecom and defense.” 
• 20:37 | Advice to young founders: why shipping fast trumps credentials. 
• 22:52 | Closing thoughts & how Aethero is sequencing the next launches. 

Resources & Links

• Aethero — https://www.aethero.com/
• Aethero $8.4M seed (press release) — Business Wire
• Kratos Constellations: “4 Takeaways: Aethero CEO on Building Space-Grade Computers” — summary of Ed’s thesis on space compute
  kratosspace.com

Callye Keen and Bret Boyd discuss the challenges and opportunities in the manufacturing sector, particularly in relation to supply chain management and defense manufacturing. They explore the importance of connecting small manufacturers, the role of technology and AI in procurement, and the need for a robust ecosystem to support manufacturing growth. Boyd shares insights from his experience in the military and how it informs his approach to building Sustainment, a company focused on improving supplier discovery and connectivity in the manufacturing space. The discussion also touches on compliance challenges and the future of defense manufacturing in the U.S.

Takeaways

• People and mission excite us.
• Building teams and solving problems is essential.
• Manufacturing is a long tail of small businesses.
• Finding U.S. manufacturers can be frustratingly hard.
• The military's logistics and sustainment groups face supplier challenges.
• AI can help identify manufacturing suppliers.
• Ecosystem development is crucial for manufacturing growth.
• Compliance costs can be prohibitive for small manufacturers.
• National strength is tied to industrial strength.
• A manufacturing ready reserve could enhance defense capabilities.

Chapters

• 00:00 Connecting People and Purpose
• 04:27 The Challenge of Supply Chain Management
• 10:04 Navigating Manufacturing Complexities
• 15:43 Building Manufacturing Ecosystems
• 21:35 The Cost of Compliance in Defense Manufacturing
• 26:46 Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Tradition

Andy Markoff joins Callye to unpack why he left uniformed service to build Smack Technologies—and how his team is pursuing “decision dominance”: fusing multi‑modal data and using reinforcement learning to turn analysis into actions faster than adversaries. Andy explains where Smack sits in the modern “kill web,” why teaming beats rip‑and‑replace, and the biggest mistake he sees new defense founders make (hint: losing touch with the end user). The conversation closes with an honest look at culture—how to let scientists and engineers coexist under a shared mission without blowing deadlines or technical rigor. 

Key Takeaways

• Mission → Company: Andy’s service in Iraq and Afghanistan—and the pain of running the “kill chain in Office 365”—pushed him to build technology outside the wire and bring it back in.
• Where Smack fits: Not a data‑integration shop. Smack focuses on the model/reasoning layer (reinforcement learning) and the application layer that surfaces decisions—designed to plug into others’ data layers and UI/briefing tools (think Palantir for integration, OneBrief for CONOPS visualization).
• Teaming > Turf: Modern defense delivery splits across four components: data integration, model/reasoning, application, and an operating layer. No single vendor wins everywhere—learn to team or walk away.
• Don’t forget the user: The pendulum swung from “only talk to end users” to “only sell to program offices/Congress.” You must work all three—user, program office, and appropriators—or you’ll ship tech that gets funded but never used.
• Iterate in the field: Replace “perfect‑then‑procure” with rapid fielding, frequent touchpoints, and continuous deployment—even for HW/SW systems supporting AI at the edge.
• Comms in contested environments: A future fight breaks our assumption of fat pipes. Andy highlights secure 5G efforts (e.g., Cape) and calls for autonomous communications relay as an under‑served, solvable gap.
• Power is a feature: Edge systems die without expeditionary power—solve it early, not after the ruck weighs 200 lbs in batteries.
• Culture that ships: Balance “what’s right” (scientists minimizing tech debt) with “ship it” (engineers hitting milestones). Mission alignment is the glue.

Chapters & Timestamps

• 00:00 — Cold open & intro
• 00:23 — What Andy’s passionate about now: service, purpose, and the national‑defense mission
• 01:14 — Marine Corps to Marine Raider: finding purpose, then deciding to build from the outside
• 03:22 — 2016 Iraq: running the kill chain in Office 365 & the moment of founder clarity
• 05:56 — From PowerPoint and whiteboards to decision dominance
• 07:41 — The “four components” of defense decision tech & where Smack sits
• 10:46 — Teaming with Palantir/Anduril/OneBrief vs. competing with them
• 12:23 — What new entrants get wrong: forgetting end users (or only courting PMOs)
• 14:38 — Rapid fielding mindset: iterate with real users, not just SBIR slides
• 16:22 — Hardware as the house where AI lives; why iteration matters
• 18:18 — Startups to watch & the comms relay gap; secure 5G in the mix
• 20:32 — Moving data ≈ asking better questions; legacy links won’t carry modern fusion
• 22:19 — Power at the edge & unsexy problems that win fights
• 24:37 — Golden nugget: build cultures where scientists and engineers both thrive

About Andy Markoff

Andrew brings more than a decade of leadership in the U.S. Marine Corps, including roles as a Marine Special Operations Officer, Fires Instructor at MAWTS-1, and Special Operations Forces J3 during the Battle of Mosul. His experience spans four combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as leading operations and strategy at Palantir. Andrew holds a BA in Political Science from Princeton University. 

Callye Keen interviews Robert Fehlen about his work with Mission Cultivate and Dark Corner Solutions. They discuss the importance of community and networking in the defense innovation space, the challenges of duplication of efforts within military projects, and the need for a centralized platform to connect industry capabilities with military needs. Robert shares insights on the significance of teaming in defense contracts and the future plans for Mission Cultivate, which aims to create a more effective ecosystem for defense innovation.

Takeaways

• Robert Fehlen's passion is rooted in his family's military background.
• Dark Corner Solutions focuses on uncovering overlooked stories in defense.
• Networking is crucial for success in the defense industry.
• Duplication of efforts in military projects is a significant issue.
• Mission Cultivate aims to connect industry capabilities with military needs.
• Building a community is essential for fostering innovation.
• Teaming is the only way to succeed in defense contracts.
• The defense marketplace is complex and requires strategic navigation.
• Quality over quantity is a key principle for Mission Cultivate.
• Human connections are vital in the defense contracting space.

About Robert Fehlen

Website: https://www.missioncultivate.com/

Andre Wegner believes the biggest choke-point in defense manufacturing isn’t hardware—it’s the months (or years) lost inside data-starved black boxes. He and host Callye Keen unpack how capturing every shred of context across design, engineering, and shop-floor workflows—then feeding it to AI—can turn a decade-long program into a months-long sprint. If you care about rebuilding U.S. industrial agility, hit play.

Topics We Cover

• Why “idea → part” speed is now a national-security metric
• The cost of invisible data: 16k+ parts “too expensive to reverse engineer”
• Creating a new category

Key Takeaways

• Transparency beats paperwork. Drawings alone can’t scale or automate production; live context must flow from concept through machining.
• AI makes the unsexy sexy. Large language models can surface risks and bottlenecks instantly—if the data exhaust is captured.
• Own the ability to build. You don’t truly own IP when the know-how to make it sits outside your walls.

Chapters

• 00:00 | Welcome & guest intro
• 02:58 | The Authentise journey—from secure print streaming to DoD prime 
• 05:12 | Obsessing over months-not-years product cycles 
• 10:18 | The “blind-men & elephant” parable of fragmented manufacturing data
• 17:21 | Why the golden-thread metaphor fails in a multidimensional world 
• 23:40 | Naming a new category: Continuous Engineering Operations 
• 26:17 | $700 pocket sculptures & reframing value 
• 31:58 | Cheap drones, culture change, and AI-enabled transparency 
• 34:48 | Closing thoughts & future collaboration

Resources & Links

• Authentise — https://authentise.com
• Kform — https://kform.com

Connect

• Andre: LinkedIn / X / Authentise
• Callye: LinkedIn / X / Kform

“You don’t really own your IP if you can’t make it.” — Callye Keen

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Callye Keen and Steve Simone discuss the evolving landscape of defense technology, particularly in countering unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Steve shares his passion for building businesses in this sector, the challenges of developing effective counter-drone solutions, and the importance of private capital in fostering innovation. They explore the dynamics of the defense market, the acquisition processes, and the need for startups to anticipate future requirements rather than react to current demands.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Defense Tech and Passion for Building
01:38 The Shift to Counter UAS and Drone Warfare
03:58 Challenges in Developing Kinetic Solutions
06:17 Navigating the Defense Startup Landscape
09:27 Funding and Innovation in Defense Tech
11:10 Overcoming Challenges in Defense Startups
15:09 Market Changes and Acquisition Processes
18:16 Future Opportunities in Defense Tech

About Steve Simoni

Steve is a Navy veteran and a nuclear engineer who worked on instrumentation and control systems for Navy nuclear reactors. He previously was CEO and co-founder of Bbot, a software and robotics restaurant technology startup which was acquired by DoorDash. He’s also held sales, product and engineering roles in marketing technology. 

Links

Website: https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensimoni/

Callye Keen interviews Noam Oz, a former director of innovation operations at Naval X, discussing his extensive background in defense and technology innovation. They explore the challenges of navigating the defense acquisition landscape, the importance of iterative development, and the need for effective communication between operators and solution providers. Noam emphasizes the significance of understanding risk and readiness in defense technology, as well as the potential of new acquisition pathways like SBIRs and OTAs. The discussion also touches on future trends in defense technology, particularly the need for modularity and adaptability in solutions.

Takeaways

• Noam Oz has a rich background in defense and technology innovation.
• 90% of success in defense innovation is about managing personalities.
• Iterative development and user feedback are crucial for effective solutions.
• Embedding operators in the innovation process enhances relevance.
• New acquisition pathways like CSOs and OTAs are changing the landscape.
• Understanding risk and readiness is essential for defense tech.
• The operator community often feels neglected in the acquisition process.
• Modularity in defense technology can enhance operational effectiveness.
• Startups should focus on how their products can be easily deployed in the field.
• There is a growing opportunity for additive manufacturing in defense.

About Noam Oz

Defense Acquisition Expert & Former Director for Innovation Operations at NavalX, Office of Naval Research

Noam Oz is the former Director for Innovation Operations at NavalX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, where he led efforts to quickly equip Sailors and Marines with needed capabilities and coordinated efforts with innovation cells across the armed services. In addition to his corporate experience at Lockheed Martin and Noblis, Mr. Oz has dedicated more than 16 years as a DoD civilian serving in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development & Acquisition), and Naval Sea Systems Command.

Callye Keen sits down with community-builder Jesse Levin to explore why people, not hardware, are the decisive edge in modern defense. From grassroots networks in Ukraine to DEF’s “virtuous insurgency,” the conversation unpacks how informal connectors accelerate innovation and why manufacturing talent is America’s silent super-power.

Topics We Cover

• Human capital as the “non-sexy” but essential innovation layer
• Lessons from two-plus years on the ground in Ukraine and the rise of 24-hour tech cycles
• Manufacturing-at-the-edge and fixing gear in theater
• DEF 2.0, local Agoras
• Re-energizing trades & STEM talent for national resilience

Key Takeaways

1. Humans over hardware. Innovation succeeds when high-trust “movers and shakers” inside and outside the institution link up .
2. Informal networks are a strategic capability. DEF’s community acts as a “bat-phone” that can move mountains during crises .
3. Edge manufacturing is mission-critical. Ukraine proved that rapid repair skills often outclass shiny new drones .
4. A cultural shift is coming. An emerging cohort craves purposeful, hands-on work—opening new on-ramps to defense tech .

Highlights

00:02 | Callye welcomes Jesse and sets the stage
02:00 | Why human terrain beats shiny gear
06:30 | Ukraine and hard truths about wasted hardware
09:45 | Manufacturing at the edge & Building Momentum shout-out
16:40 | Humanizing the defense industry for outsiders
25:30 | DEF 2.0 launch, Agoras, and moving the convo to Signal

Resources & Links

• DEF.org – Join an Agora or learn about DEF 2.0
• Tactivate – Jesse’s community activation work
• Building Momentum – Hands-on rapid-prototyping courses

Connect

• Jesse Levin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-levin/
• Callye Keen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/

“Informal networks are a weapon system.” — Jesse Levin

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Callye Keen and Chelsea Roberts (Meggitt) discuss the evolving landscape of the defense industry, particularly for small businesses. Chelsea shares insights on recent changes in government contracting, the importance of rapid prototyping, and the need for small businesses to adapt to new acquisition processes. They also explore the role of Collaborative Compositions in supporting small businesses and the common pitfalls to avoid in government contracting. 

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Defense Industry and Small Business Opportunities
02:00 Recent Changes in the Defense Acquisition Landscape
07:20 The Importance of Rapid Prototyping and User Feedback
12:45 Navigating Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Acquisition Methods
20:23 Chelsea Meggitt's Background and Collaborative Compositions
28:46 The Need for Education and Resources in GovCon
34:25 Advice for Innovators and Startups in the Defense Sector

About Chelsea
Chelsea is the founder and CEO of Collaborative Compositions, a consulting firm dedicated to guiding small and mid-sized businesses through the complexities of federal contracting. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Chelsea specializes in helping clients launch and expand their government contracting ventures, ensuring they have the strategies and systems in place to secure and manage contracts effectively.

Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseadroberts/
Website: https://collaborativecompositions.com/

Callye Keen and Matt Hawkins discuss the evolving landscape of market intelligence in the defense sector, emphasizing the importance of relationships, rapid technology integration, and the challenges faced by startups. They explore the significance of teaming strategies, the procurement process, and emerging technology trends, particularly in autonomy and material science. The discussion highlights the need for innovative solutions to address complex problems and the iterative processes required for successful technology development.

Takeaways

• Relationships are crucial in the national security ecosystem.
• Understanding the market landscape is essential for startups.
• Bureaucratic processes hinder innovation
• Teaming with other companies can enhance chances of winning contracts.
• Prototyping and iterative development are key to innovation.
• The government is increasingly interested in commercial technologies.
• Emerging technologies like autonomy and material science present significant opportunities.
• Boring problems often hold the key to successful innovations.
• Market fit is critical for technology adoption in defense.
• Navigating the procurement landscape requires strategic insight.

In this episode of The Startup Defense, host Callye Keen speaks with Sammy Semwangu, founder and CEO of Bazze, an intelligence targeting and early warning platform. The conversation dives deep into the strategic shift toward leveraging commercial data for defense and national security operations. Sammy shares his journey from the intelligence and special operations community to founding a startup that challenges how the U.S. government acquires and uses data.

Bazze helps U.S. and allied defense organizations access real-time, unclassified commercial data—ranging from device location to satellite imagery—on a "query in place" basis, bypassing the inefficiencies and high costs of bulk dataset purchases. This allows for 10x efficiency in data discovery, enabling faster and more mission-relevant decision-making.

Callye and Sammy also examine government procurement culture, the pitfalls of rotating talent, and how policy inertia slows progress. Sammy’s startup journey—from his first company to building Bazze into a profitable, venture-backed business—is an inspiring case study in resilience and clarity of mission.

Key Topics

• What Bazze Does
  A data marketplace that enables defense users to access specific commercial datasets 
• Why Commercial Data Matters
  In a world of resource constraints and rising threats, harnessing unclassified commercial data is faster, cheaper, and more scalable than traditional classified workflows
• Government’s Legacy Culture:
  Sammy discusses the government’s “build everything in-house” mindset versus buying commercial solutions, Callye compares it to reinventing the Raspberry Pi for millions of dollars
• The Talent Management Crisis:
  Insightful critique of how the frequent rotation of personnel in government projects kills innovation momentum. Sammy shares a firsthand example from a SBIR Phase II contract where the initiative died as champions PCS’ed (moved) midstream
• Startup vs. Government Life:
  Sammy reflects on the cultural and operational differences between government service and startup life—from expectations and language to performance pressure and team dynamics
• Bazze’s Growth Path:
  With current deployments in the U.S., UK, Australia, and expanding into Northern Europe, Bazze is doubling its team size, hiring in SF, London, Canberra, and D.C., and raising a Series A to scale further.

Quotes

• "Why send a team into the field when you can just buy the data online?" — Sammy Semwangu
• "Progress shouldn't rely on heroic effort." — Sammy Semwangu
• "Startups are like religions—you’re convincing people this is the future and asking them to believe." — Sammy Semwangu

About Sammy Semwangu
Sammy Semwangu is the founder and CEO of Bazze, a platform transforming how government agencies access commercial data for national security applications. With over a decade in intelligence and special operations, Sammy is on a mission to modernize data strategy in defense. He previously worked at Red Owl and co-founded the U.S. Civilian Corps. 

Callye Keen interviews Nick Adams from Washington Office, discussing the intersection of technology and policy, particularly in the defense sector. They explore the importance of strategic communications, business development, and government relations for startups, emphasizing the need for effective representation in Washington. Nick shares insights from his legislative experience, including the Chips for America Act, and highlights the changing narrative around manufacturing and the opportunities that arise amidst the chaos in DC.

Takeaways

• A lot to be excited about in defense tech.
• Startups must actively participate in shaping the future.
• Speed is critical for startups seeking government contracts.
• Effective storytelling can amplify a startup's message.
• Building relationships in DC is essential for success.
• The narrative around manufacturing needs to change for better representation.
• Legislation like Chips for America is crucial for supply chain security.
• Understanding the political landscape is key for startups.
• Chaos in Washington can lead to new opportunities for innovation.

Callye Keen and Paul Gus Garcia discuss the intersection of innovation and national security technology. They explore the challenges and opportunities in bridging the gap between emerging technologies and military needs, emphasizing the importance of defining outcomes, effective prototyping, and the role of decision-makers in facilitating innovation. The discussion highlights the SigmaBlox initiative, which aims to connect innovators with military end-users to validate and implement new solutions.

Takeaways

• Paul is passionate about technology for national security.
• There is a significant digital divide in technology adoption.
• SigmaBlox aims to bring together a community around national security tech.
• Defining outcomes is crucial for effective innovation.
• Prototyping allows for rapid testing and feedback.
• Decision makers play a vital role in the innovation process.
• Many solutions are already available but not utilized effectively.
• Asking better questions leads to better technology solutions.
• The current procurement process is slow and needs to adapt.
• Engagement across sectors is essential for successful innovation.

About Gu$

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-gus-garcia/

Callye Keen and Keith Palmisano discuss the innovative work being done at Rampart in the field of communication technology, particularly in defense applications. They explore the importance of understanding the physical layer of communication, the challenges of developing hard tech, and the significance of customer-centric product development. Keith shares insights on navigating the complexities of the startup landscape, including the 'valley of death' that many hard tech founders face, and emphasizes the need for collaboration within the startup community to drive innovation.

Takeaways

• Rampart is innovating in the communication space, focusing on defense and commercial applications.
• Understanding the physical layer of communication is crucial for security.
• "Layer Zero" security is foundational and often overlooked in cybersecurity discussions.
• Breaking the kill chain is essential for effective transmission security.
• Hard tech development faces unique challenges, including funding and commercialization.
• Customer-centric design is vital for successful product development.
• Navigating the valley of death is a common struggle for hard tech founders.
• Collaboration within the startup community can lead to transformative solutions.
• Product-focused thinking should evolve from simple solutions to complex systems.
• The right timing and market need are critical for startup success.

About Keith Palmisano

Keith Palmisano has over two decades of experience in cybersecurity — the majority in the US Executive Branch, as a research scientist, operations officer and technical leader. He’s made a career of researching vulnerabilities, leading teams of engineers and analysts, and communicating vetted and valuable intelligence to US policymakers. He is a recognized leader in wireless communications, offensive and defensive information security, and physical layer security. Keith holds a B.S. degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Grove City College.

Links

Website: https://rampartcommunications.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpactual/ 

Callye Keen interviews Chase Blanton from SatCube, delving into the evolving landscape of the space economy and advanced communications. They discuss the future of wireless communication, the challenges of navigating national security in defense tech, and Chase's personal journey from military communications to leading a tech startup. The conversation highlights the importance of user experience in technology, the potential of quantum computing, and the need for agility in the rapidly changing tech environment.

Takeaways

• The space economy is rapidly evolving with new technologies.
• Quantum edge computing will revolutionize communications.
• The future of connectivity may eliminate the need for physical cables.
• Chase Blanton's military background shaped his approach to leadership.
• Navigating national security is complex for foreign partnerships.
• SatCube focuses on user experience in their products.
• The defense tech industry faces unique challenges in agility and innovation.
• Sales in tech can be a form of problem-solving.
• Transitioning veterans often find their way back to defense tech.
• The future of communication is moving towards a wireless, interconnected world.

Links
SatCube: https://satcube.com/
Chase Blanton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-blanton/

 Callye Keen talks with Luke Fischer, CEO and co-founder of SkyFi, about democratizing satellite technology. Luke shares his journey from military service to tech entrepreneurship, detailing the innovations at SkyFi that make satellite imagery and data more accessible and affordable. They discuss into the challenges of satellite technology, the future of the industry, and Luke's role in the upcoming community event "Austin 4 America." SkyFi is changing the landscape by allowing users from various sectors to easily task satellites and utilize earth intelligence like never before. 

Episode Highlights:

• Luke Fischer's Journey: From serving in the army and working at Uber to co-founding SkyFi. Luke's diverse background from military service to tech innovation has equipped him with unique insights into both the defense and commercial sectors.
• What is SkyFi? An earth intelligence platform that simplifies the process of accessing satellite and aerial data for various uses—from agriculture to defense.
• The Power of Satellite Imagery Today: Luke discusses how SkyFi enables anyone from government agencies to private individuals to task satellites and gather real-time data, which was once a capability reserved for a select few.
• Challenges in Satellite Technology: Luke talks about the technical and regulatory hurdles they face and how SkyFi is navigating these challenges.
• Democratizing Space Data: A deep dive into how SkyFi's platform allows users to access satellite technology without the traditional barriers, significantly lowering costs and opening up new possibilities for innovation.
• Future of Satellite Technology: Insights into the future advancements in satellite tech and how these will impact various industries globally.
• Austin for America: Luke shares his upcoming initiative, a community event in Austin that aims to foster collaboration among defense tech companies, showcasing how the city is becoming a hub for defense and tech innovation.

Luke Fischer is the CEO and co-founder of SkyFi, a revolutionary platform that simplifies the tasking of satellites for imagery and data collection, making it accessible to a wider audience. Prior to founding SkyFi, Luke served 16 years in the U.S. Army, where he specialized in aviation and participated in numerous deployments. His post-military career includes significant roles at Uber and Joby Aviation, and he brings a wealth of experience from the defense, technology, and transportation sectors to his current role at SkyFi.

Relevant Links:

• SkyFi Website
• SkyFi App
• Austin 4 America
• Luke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukemfischer/ 

Greg Davis, founder of Overwatch Imaging, shares insights into his journey from working in large aerospace companies to starting his own venture. He discusses the importance of community, collaboration, and partnerships in the defense tech industry, as well as the innovative solutions Overwatch is developing to automate overhead intelligence collection. Greg emphasizes the challenges of building a startup in a complex market and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

• Greg is passionate about making a big impact through Overwatch Imaging.
• The journey from corporate to startup is driven by market opportunities and personal challenges.
• Community and collaboration are essential for startup growth.
• Navigating the defense tech landscape requires understanding complex ecosystems.
• Partnerships with larger companies can accelerate growth and innovation.
• Overwatch focuses on automating overhead intelligence to improve efficiency.
• The bottleneck in intelligence collection is often human resources, not technology.
• Teamwork and shared values are crucial for startup success.
• Entrepreneurship is challenging but rewarding, requiring focus on impactful solutions.
• Aspiring entrepreneurs should embrace the startup experience for personal and professional growth.

About Greg Davis 

Founder and CEO of Overwatch, a cutting-edge company specializing in advanced defense technologies. With a background in military operations and technology development, Greg has spent over two decades leading innovations that bridge the gap between commercial and defense sectors. Overwatch focuses on enhancing operational capabilities through autonomous systems, AI-driven solutions, and data analytics, empowering defense forces to maintain superior strategic advantage. Greg's leadership and vision have positioned Overwatch as a key player in the evolving landscape of defense innovation. 

Website
https://www.overwatchimaging.com/