This chapter explores the Pentagon's challenges in integrating innovative technologies from startups into its defense procurement processes. It contrasts the slow, bureaucratic nature of military development with the agility of commercial tech, highlighting missed opportunities and internal conflicts. Through anecdotes and examples, the discussion sheds light on the skepticism and obstacles faced when trying to modernize military operations with contemporary tech solutions.
Within the Pentagon, there’s an elite unit dedicated to bringing Silicon Valley innovation to slow-moving Washington. It’s called Unit X.
Chris Kirchoff and Raj Shah are the two men who built that unit. They join Ricky Mulvey for a conversation on the changing defense landscape and what it’s like to bring a venture capital mindset to bureaucrats. They also discuss:
- What it’s like to disrupt Washington’s “primes”
- Supersonic drones, EVOTLs, and
- How investors and lawmakers can distinguish “statistical techniques” from genuine AI
Companies mentioned: NOC, BA, GOOG, GOOGL, JOBY, PLTR, TSM
Host: Ricky Mulvey
Guest: Christopher Kirchoff, Raj Shah
Producer: Mary Long
Engineer: Tim Sparks
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