Emerging Tech Horizons

Join guest host Dr. Mark Lewis, President and CEO of the Purdue Applied Research Institute, for a discussion with Dr. Will Roper, CEO of Istari Digital, at the 2025 Emerging Technologies Conference . Dr. Roper explores how AI-driven tools can make innovation and collaboration more efficient, emphasizing the need for data control, software-based processes, and a unified framework that enables both new and established industries to compete and innovate effectively.

Learn More: https://www.istaridigital.com/about-us

To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up

http...

Join host Dr. Arun Seraphin for a conversation with Dr. Steve Harber of Parallax Advanced Research and the Ohio Aerospace Institute. In this episode, Dr. Harber discusses neuromorphic artificial intelligence, an approach to AI that models computing after the human brain's efficient, adaptive neural networks. The discussion highlights the advantages of neuromorphic AI over traditional computing in power consumption, processing, and its ability to intuitively learn, as well as possible defense applications in edge computing, UAS operations, and electronic warfare. The episode dives into the maturity of the technology and the challenges to developing an entirely new way of...

Join host Arun Seraphin at the 2025 Women in Defense Conference for a conversation with PhD Candidate Adrienne Rudolph and Professor Brent Barbee of the University of Maryland. Together, they discuss the importance of gender solidarity in the defense sector while sharing their expertise in planetary defense systems. Highlighting the need for asteroid and meteoroid deterrence capabilities, they also review the roles of key government agencies and the technologies currently engaged in this mission.Learn More:https://science.nasa.gov/planetary-defense/To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-uphttp://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.orghttps...

Join guest host Dr. Mark Lewis, President and CEO of the Purdue Applied Research Institute at the 2025 Emerging Technologies Conference, for a conversation with James Appathurai, Interim Managing Director of NATO DIANA. Together, they address key security and defense issues on NATO’s agenda, including military support for Ukraine, challenges in innovation and acquisition, and priority emerging technologies.Learn More:https://www.diana.nato.int/To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-uphttp://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.orghttps://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETIhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institutehttps://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI

Join Emerging Technologies Conference 2025 guest host Dr. Mark Lewis, President and CEO of the Purdue Applied Research Institute, for a conversation with Elīna Egle, CEO of the Federation of Security and Defense Industries of Latvia. Egle shares insights into Latvia’s growing defense and security sector, highlighting its strengths as well as its vulnerabilities. The discussion covers topics such as funding acquisition, international cooperation, NATO procurement systems, and barriers to innovation in Latvia’s key areas, including logistics services, industrial heritage in aircraft building, space technologies, and autonomous drone systems.

Latvian Companies Mentioned:

...

Join guest host Dr. Liz Specht for a conversation with Nicole Favreau Farhadi, Senior Research Biochemist at the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s (DEVCOM) Soldier Center, Combat Feeding Division (CFD). This episode, the final installment of our five-part biomanufacturing series, explores food research within the Department of Defense and the intersection of food biomanufacturing innovation with warfighter readiness. The discussion highlights the Defense Department’s responsibilities in combat feeding, logistical vulnerabilities in military food systems, the integration of new biotechnologies for food processing, and the optimization of combat rations for nutrient density, weight, and shelf life.

Lear...

Join guest host Dr. Liz Specht for a conversation with Dr. Michael Koeris, Director of the Biological Technologies Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This episode, the fourth in our five-part series, explores national security and defense readiness cases for food manufacturing and DARPA’s role in driving innovation in this sector. The discussion examines DARPA’s broader position within the Department of Defense’s innovation ecosystem and highlights current federal programs that safeguard American agricultural supply chains.https://www.darpa.mil/about/offices/btoTo receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https...

Nick Sinai, former U.S. Deputy CTO and venture capital investor, is a leading authority on federal innovation policy and defense start-ups. 

We spoke to Nick about how hackathons are being used by DOD to address real operational problems outside the formal requirements process.  

Nick explains that these events build networks of talent, expose participants to new tools and datasets, and foster ideas that can sometimes even mature into field-ready solutions. Hackathons give both industry and government a rapid, low-risk way to experiment and learn what the warfighter actually needs.

To receive updates ab...

Join host Dr. Liz Specht for a conversation with Dr. Michelle Rozo, Vice Chair of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, to discuss why biotechnology is becoming a critical pillar of U.S. national security. Dr. Roso explains how breakthroughs in biomanufacturing promise to secure DoD supply chains and create new defense capabilities, producing key materials like synthetic blood or advanced polymers. The episode explains the evidence that the United States risks losing its lead to China in biotechnology, and outlines legislative recommendations to strengthen the domestic bio-industrial base, including innovative industrial policy tools like advanced market commitments.<...

Join host Arun Seraphin for a conversation with defense acquisition expert Moshe Schwartz to discuss how the FY 2026 NDAA is shaping up. Arun and Moshe lean on their deep expertise in the authorization process to break down new provisions that could significantly change how DoD creates requirements, budgets for systems, and works with commercial and non-traditional contractors.

To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up

 http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI

Join guest host Dr. Mark Lewis and Meritech Capital Partners cofounder Paul Madera for a talk on Series C/D investing, how VCs judge business models, and where defense tech actually fits. A former Air Force fighter pilot turned investor, Paul helped build one of Silicon Valley’s leading late-stage venture firms. In this episode, he dives into the real economics of late-stage venture and what it takes to scale emerging defense technologies. He explains how customer dependence, not pitch decks, drives investment decisions, why AI’s compute costs are bending business models, and why there’s finally an invest...

Join guest host Dr. Liz Specht for a conversation with Matt Spence, the managing director and global head of venture capital banking at Barclays. In this episode Dr. Spence discusses the role food security plays in national security and how the government can incentivize and support biotechnology research and development. The episode explores how synthetic biology can be leveraged into additional defense uses and dispels common misconceptions about synthetic biology and national security.

To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-uphttp://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.orghttps://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETIhttps://www...

Join host Dr. Arun Seraphin for a conversation with Dr. Liz Specht, a Horizon Institute Public Service Fellow with the Emerging Technologies Institute. This episode launches a five-part series exploring the intersection of national defense and biomanufacturing. Dr. Specht opens the series by examining vulnerabilities in food manufacturing and explaining how emerging technologies can help build resilient agricultural supply chains. Drawing on case studies such as U.S.-China trade dynamics, the discussion highlights key lessons for the Department of Defense.

To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://w...

Join host Dr. Arun Seraphin for a conversation with Dr. George Dougherty, who is a retired Air Force Colonel with deep experience in the Air Force Science & Technology Enterprise. In this episode, Dr. Dougherty discusses his forthcoming book Beast in the Machine: How Robotics and AI Will Transform Warfare and the Future of Human Conflict. This episode provides a preview of the book's central themes and a discussion about the future of robotic warfare and AI-enabled systems. Additionally, we go over some interesting stories from past uses of robotic warfare and the lessons learned from those examples.  

Join host Dr. Arun Seraphin for a conversation with Mr. Tom McSorley, General Counsel the NATO Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, or DIANA. In this episode, Mr. McSorley discuss the role NATO DIANA plays in supporting the development of critical emerging technologies for defense and security across all 32 NATO-member nations. Additionally, Mr. McSorley previews the role DIANA will play at this year’s NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition. This episode provides a deep dive into NATO DIANA’s mission and how they practically accelerate the development of critical defense technologies to aid the warfighter.

Join host Dr. Arun Seraphin for a conversation with Dr. Reed Skaggs, Chief Strategy and Business Operations Officer at Lewis-Burke Associates, and Jennifer Walsh, Director of Divisions at the National Defense Industrial Association – NDIA. In this episode, Dr. Skaggs and Ms. Walsh discuss the upcoming NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition and the role the Science and Engineering Technology Division will be playing. This episode provides a deep dive into the S&ET Division’s programming and other initiatives. Finally, we go over S&ET’s efforts to support the integration of Artificial Intelligence across the Pentagon to sup...

Join host Dr. Arun Seraphin for a conversation with Dr. David Bray, Director of the Loomis Accelerator Program and Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center, and Jeffrey Wright, recently retired Special Operations Officer and Founder of SplashOne Robotics. In this episode, Dr. Bray and Mr. Wright discuss whether the DOD needs to develop and deploy warfighter-portable small unmanned aerial systems in the Indo-Pacific, and potentially other theaters. Additionally, we cover the current barriers to implementing small-UAS in the Indo-Pacific region and what changes need to be made to DOD acquisition processes and culture to better prepare for future conflicts. 

Join host Dr. Arun Seraphin for a conversation with Cheryl Ingstad, Deputy Director for Digital Platforms & Developer Ecosystem at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). In this episode, Ms. Ingstad discusses DIU’s new Digital OnRamp Platform that connects commercial technology companies to DOD award opportunities, fulfilling warfighter needs. Additionally, we cover who this platform is made for, how it incorporates emerging AI technologies, and how industry can get involved in shaping the platform. DIU wants the help of the commercial sector and academia to support the rollout of the Digital OnRamp this Fall.

Sign up to become a...

In this episode, we are joined by John Weiler, CEO of the IT-Acquisition Advisory Council, to discuss the past, present, and future of DOD IT acquisitions. We discuss the past failures of DOD IT-acquisition programs and how the Pentagon can learn from those mistakes. Additionally, Mr. Weiler details the best commercial practices the Department of Defense should adopt to successfully procure and deploy the best software for their mission.  

Executive Order 14222 - Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency“ Cost Efficiency Initiative:  https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/implementing-the-presidents-department-of-government-efficiency-cost-efficiency-initiative/

DOD Memo o...

In May 2025, the Emerging Technologies Institute and MITRE Corporation released a report that explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the Department of Defense’s acquisition system and support its workforce. Several of the authors, including Adam Bouffard (Group Leader and Principal Decision Analyst at MITRE), Chris Barlow (Senior Acquisition Analyst), and Wilson Miles (Associate Research Fellow at ETI) joined the podcast to discuss both the opportunities of inserting AI into the acquisition lifecycle and barriers to implementation. Additionally, the guests describe several potential paths forward to accelerate the adoption of AI for acquisition needs.

Accelerating the Fu...

In this episode, we are joined by Tom Huntley, who is Vice President of Government Relations and Defense at REGENT, to discuss the future of advanced maritime mobility. We discuss the technological breakthroughs that have allowed for recent developments in Seagliders and the current state of play in the maritime industry. Additionally, Huntley lays out the potential commercial, homeland security, and defense missions that seagliders are well-suited for. 

For more information on REGENT, visit their website: https://www.regentcraft.com/ 

To view the first flight of REGENT’s quarter-scale seaglider, watch this video: https://www.yout...

In this episode, we are joined by William C. Greenwalt, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), to evaluate the state of the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDs). Drawing on the release of his new report, “Required to Fail | Beyond Documents: Accelerating Joint Advantage through Direct Resourcing and Experimentation,” Greenwalt discusses the need to reform JCIDs to ensure military capabilities serve joint force needs rather than individual services, driving interoperability across services, and connecting strategy to acquisition by validating the alignment of new requirements. Additionally, Greenwalt highlights opportunities to improve how the United States aligns warfighter need...

In March, the Ronald Reagan Institute published its third annual National Security Innovation Base (NSIB) Report Card, a scorecard that uses 10 indicators such as 'Manufacturing Capacity and Industrial Base' and 'Innovation Capital' to measure the effectiveness and resilience of the U.S. defense innovation base. Join Rachel Hoff, Policy Director at the Reagan Institute, and Eric Snelgrove, CEO of Revere Federal Strategies, as they discuss how the scorecard is produced and indicators are chosen, why the private sector received higher grades than the government in key areas, which indicators are most important to keep an eye on, and how...

In this episode, we sit down with Kate Käufer, former Majority Clerk of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and founder of KMK Global Strategies, to review past attempts at financial management reform within the Department of Defense. Kaufer discusses the successes and lessons learned from past attempts at acquisitions, PPBE, and requirements reform, and shares her recommendations for future attempts at change. Additionally, Kaufer highlights the relationship between the DOD and Congress in the quest for more efficient budgeting and appropriations systems. Check out our recent episode with Kate Käufer about the State of Defense Appropriations to...

In this episode, we sit down with Kate Käufer, former Majority Clerk of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and founder of KMK Global Strategies, to unpack the complexities of the current state of play in defense funding – including the FY25 continuing resolution, budget reconciliation, and impending FY26 budget processes. Käufer shares insights from over two decades on the Hill, highlighting how defense programs will be affected by the CR and expected funding actions by Congress, and what the potential impacts will be for defense and commercial industry.To receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defe...

 In 2020, the DoD adopted the Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF), a major shift aiming to make DoD procurement faster, more flexible, and closer to commercial innovation models.

Five years in, what progress has been made? Join GAO’s Shelby Oakley and Robert Bullock as they break down the results of a new GAO study, covering how “iterative” acquisition is actually playing out, and the importance of modular contracts, agile funding, and digital support tools.

To receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Co...

Our guests, Dr. Evan Fortunato (President & CEO, Apogee Research), Kirk McConnell (retired Professional Staff Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee), and Robert “Otis” Winkler (Vice President, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions) join the podcast for a discussion on Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA). During this episode, they cover the operational advantages and acquisition risks, how recent legislation affects the Department of Defense’s adoption of MOSA practices, and how to think about standards as a barrier or enabler of modular and open systems. The podcast also discusses potential tools for creating interoperable systems.

To receive updates about the ND...

How is the Department of Defense faring with incorporating Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) into its technology development processes? Recent legislation requires acquisition programs to implement a MOSA to the maximum extent practicable. Anne McDonough, Assistant Director at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), joins the podcast to describe what MOSA is, who owns the MOSA approach on a program, and what the benefits and risks are as well as how policy can affect implementation. In this episode, Anne covers a recent GAO report that evaluates the extent to which DoD is able to implement MOSA in its programs.

Hermeus Corporation is a venture-backed aerospace company developing reusable hypersonic aircraft for defense and commercial flight. Join Zach Shore, Chief Revenue Officer, to explore how Hermeus is overcoming technical, regulatory, and funding hurdles to advance U.S. leadership in reusable hypersonic flight.

State of the Company | 2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--UFHMHG9B8&t=2sState of the Company | 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlrmfsbyQxUhttps://www.hermeus.com/zach@hermeus.com

To receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at...

Recent government and public imagery of unidentified flying objects (UFO) has lead to increased Congressional and Pentagon interest in the analysis of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). Dr. Buettner describes the Pentagon's role in UAP analysis under the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), describes some recent incidents that have captures the media's attention, and discusses possible explanations for UAP. Is this just a problem with our sensors? Is it experimental aircraft or commercial drones? Join a discussion of how these kinds of incidents can be technically analyzed to try to understand the nature of these phenomena.

Join Jeremy Neufeld, Senior Immigration Fellow at the Institute for Progress, and Wilson Miles, Associate Research Fellow at ETI, as they discuss their new report, "Strengthening the National Security Innovation Base Requires International STEM Talent." The podcast guests describe current workforce challenges facing the Department of Defense and defense industrial base and how foreign-born STEM talent could be leveraged to ensure that talent bottlenecks do not endanger U.S. technological leadership.

Report Link 

https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/publications/research-papers/hsi

Meeting U.S. Defense Science and Engineering W...

Join Stephanie Halcrow, Senior Fellow at the GMU Baroni Center for Government Contracting, and Anna Kim, Associate Research Fellow at ETI, as they discuss ETI and GMU's joint upcoming report on how to take full advantage of prototyping activities for defense technologies. The podcast covers why prototyping is so valuable for defense innovation, what obstacles often hold government and industry back when directing prototyping activities, and recommendations for how DoD and the DIB can most effectively capture and leverage the knowledge created through prototyping.

GMU Baroni Center for Government Contracting: https://business.gmu.edu...

In December, the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law. What does the bill do to improve the ability to develop and field emerging technologies? Can new commercial technologies improve our force readiness? What does Congress what the Pentagon to do on AI, biotechnology, and quantum? What is a "human readiness level"? Join acquisition expert Moshe Schwartz as he discusses how these issues are covered in the NDAA and provides a preview on what Congress is likely to do next.FY25 NDAA Bill Text and Report Language: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5009FORGE Act: https...

In December, the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law. This major annual policy legislation once again includes many provisions that will affect the Pentagon's efforts to manage its supply chains and chooses it suppliers and the way it operates its complex acquisition system. Join acquisition expert Moshe Schwartz as he unpacks some of the key provisions within the NDAA and discusses their impact on defense and commercial industry.

FY25 NDAA Bill Text and Report Language: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5009 Etherton and Associates: https://www.ethertonandassociates.com/

 To receive updates ab...

Join the CEO of the Space Foundation MG (Dr.) Heather Pringle, USAF (Ret.) as she discusses how space has become such a key element of national security and how the Pentagon should strive to work with commercial and defense industry to develop and deliver new space technologies and systems.  MG Pringle discuss the work of the Space Foundation, the evolution of the space industry into one dominated by commercial companies, and how DOD can best leverage the best of the commercial innovation for its unique needs in space. Space Foundation https://www.spacefoundation.org/ 40th Space Symposium https://www.s...

Join MIT's Bill Bonvillian, author of the new book "Pioneering Progress: American Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy," as he describes the elements of an effective industrial innovation policy to support national defense and other missions. What role did the government play in successful technology ventures like Tesla's electric vehicles and Operation Warp Speed?  How can an industrial innovation policy steer clear of the mistakes of the past?  How should policy be tailored in a world of VC investors?  What should the new Congress do to shape new industrial policies?  

Pioneering Progress: https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-monog...

Join Bill Bonvillian from MIT and author of the new book "Pioneering Progress: American Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy" to discuss the history of the development of our systems to invest in and deploy new technologies to grow our economy and support our national defense. What role has government investment in new technologies played over history? What can advanced manufacturing programs do to create new jobs and deliver warfighting capabilities?  How should the lessons of the past be used to shape the policies of the future?

Pioneering Progress: https://direct.mit.edu/books/oa-monograph/5865/Pioneering-ProgressAmerican-Science-Technology-and

htt...

Join Chairman & CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc., Robert Geckle for a discussion of how the commercial and global innovation can best be leveraged to support national security missions. What are some current successful efforts to adopt commercial technologies in areas like autonomous systems into defense programs? What barriers and challenges need to be overcome when working with commercial and global firms? What changes do we see happening with a new Administration coming in?https://airbusus.com/To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org ...

Join Daniel Ateya, Managing Director of RTX Ventures, as he discusses how best to integrate the VC community into the defense industrial base to promote innovation and get new companies and investors involved in the development and deployment of emerging technologies.  How does the VC world view the defense market? How do defense primes like RTX think about integrating their VC initiatives with their traditional defense contracting work? What more can the Pentagon do attract VCs into the defense market and keep them engaged? 

RTX Ventures: https://www.rtx.com/who-we-are/ventures

DOD Office of Str...

The Hon. Sue Gordon, President of Gordon Ventures, Member of the Defense Innovation Board, and former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Sean Blackman, Co-founder and CEO of Nooks, return for part two of our unclassified discussion on the challenges new entrants face in the defense innovation ecosystem. They examine obstacles for small businesses, including allies and partners, such as navigating classification rules, the clearance application backlog, and streamlining compliance processes. Mr. Blackman shares how Nooks simplifies these steps for businesses, and Ms. Gordon discusses the need to modernize outdated policies and foster collaboration between government, industry, and...