The Startup Defense Human Capital, Informal Networks, and Defense Entrepreneurs Forum with Jesse Levin
8 snips
Jun 11, 2025 
Jesse Levin, the Executive Director of the Defense Entrepreneurship Forum and founder of Cactivate, emphasizes the critical role of human capital in modern defense. He discusses how informal networks, like those seen in Ukraine, drive rapid innovation and grassroots solutions. Levin reveals that manufacturing talent can outperform high-tech gear in crisis situations. He highlights a cultural shift toward hands-on work in defense, aiming to re-energize STEM talent to ensure national resilience and adaptability.
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Human Capital Beats Hardware
- Human capital is the crucial but often overlooked edge in defense innovation.
- Success depends on connecting high-trust movers inside and outside institutions.
Ukraine's 24-Hour Tech Cycles
- Ukraine revealed that much hardware sent is wasted or unused.
- The rapid repair and 24-hour tech innovation cycles there are key lessons for defense support.
Hands-On Repair Skills Vital
- Brad's Building Momentum teaches hands-on rapid prototyping and repair skills.
- This approach equips people to fix and modify gear critical in conflict zones.