Emerging Tech Horizons

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://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-uphttp://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.orghttps://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETIhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institutehttps://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI

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 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 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.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 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 investable pipeline for dual-use tech after years of scarcity.To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-uphttp://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. 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.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institutehttps://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI

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://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 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.  To learn more about Dr. Dougherty’s book Beast in the Machine, visit: https://www.georgemdougherty.com/beast-in-the-machine. If you are interested in joining Dr. Dougherty at his author talk on August 26th, you can learn more and sign up at https://kramers.com/events/2837320250826. Join us for the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29 at the Washington D.C Convention Center. Registration is live at ⁠https://www.ndiatechexpo.org⁠. This year, we will be joined by Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Christopher Grady, Commander of U.S European Command General Alex Grynkewich, Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael, USD for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey as some of our government keynote speakers. The conference will also feature numerous breakout panels, government-industry speed dating, networking receptions, classified programming, and a multi-day Hackathon.  Be sure to like and subscribe to stay up to date. Thank you for listening to another episode of Emerging Tech Horizons.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 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. To learn more about NATO DIANA and potentially get involved in their work, please visit: https://www.diana.nato.int/ Join us for the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29 at the Washington D.C Convention Center. Registration is live at ⁠https://www.ndiatechexpo.org⁠. This year, we will be joined by Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Christopher Grady, Commander of U.S European Command General Alex Grynkewich, Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael, USD for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey as some of our government keynote speakers. The conference will also feature numerous breakout panels, government-industry speed dating, networking receptions, classified programming, and a multi-day Hackathon. To register for the Global Defense Hackathon, please visit: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org/hackathon Be sure to like and subscribe to stay up to date. Thank you for listening to another episode of Emerging Tech Horizons.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 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 support warfighter needs. To learn more and join one of NDIA’s 28 divisions, please visit: https://www.ndia.org/divisions/about-divisionsJoin us for the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29 at the Washington D.C Convention Center. Registration is live at ⁠https://www.ndiatechexpo.org⁠.This year, we will be joined by Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Christopher Grady, Commander of U.S European Command General Alex Grynkewich, Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael, USD for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey as some of our government keynote speakers. The conference will also feature numerous breakout panels, government-industry speed dating, networking sessions, and a multi-day Hackathon. To register for the multi-day Global Defense Hackathon, please visit: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org/hackathon.⁠https://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI

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. To view Dr. David Bray’s full report, “Strategic Sufficiency: Mapping DOD Small Drone Requirements to Potential Warfighter Needs in the Indo-Pacific", click here: https://oodaloop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Strategic-Sufficiency_-Mapping-DoD-Small-Drone-Requirements-to-Potential-Warfighter-Needs-in-the-Indo-Pacific.pdfJoin us for the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29 at the Washington D.C Convention Center. Registration is now open at ⁠https://www.ndiatechexpo.org⁠.This year, we will be joined by Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael and USD for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey as two of our engaging keynote speakers. The conference will also feature numerous breakout panels, government-industry speed dating, networking sessions, and a multi-day Hackathon. To register for the multi-day Hackathon, please visit: https://hackathon.ndia.org/?_gl=1*1ux9nxs*_ga*NzIzODIyMDUuMTc0OTc1MDI2Nw..*_ga_Z4X7EV9BT1*czE3NTMzMDM5MzIkbzIyJGcxJHQxNzUzMzAzOTM2JGo1NiRsMCRoMA..Be sure to like and subscribe to stay up to date. Thank you for listening to another episode of Emerging Tech Horizons.⁠https://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI 

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 test user of the platform when it is launched later this year at: https://www.diu.mil/digitalonramp Additionally, DIU has an open solicitation for the platforms AI tools. Don’t wait to apply, this opening closes on July 8th, 2025. To submit your solution, visit: https://sam.gov/opp/f5e0bec63b684fd49d91b82bbf0932ea/view If you want to learn more about DIU’s work on the Digital OnRamp, you can watch ETI’s previous webinar covering the platform in even more detail at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2fhvJEezbU Join us for the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29 at the Washington D.C Convention Center. Registration is now open at ⁠https://www.ndiatechexpo.org⁠. This year, we will be joined by Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael and USD for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey as two of our engaging keynote speakers. The conference will also feature numerous breakout panels, government-industry speed dating, networking sessions, and a multi-day Hackathon. Be sure to like and subscribe to stay up to date. Thank you for listening to another episode of Emerging Tech Horizons.http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.orghttps://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETIhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institutehttps://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI

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 on Implementation of Executive Order 14222 - Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative: https://media.defense.gov/2025/May/28/2003725174/-1/-1/1/MEMORANDUM-DIRECTING-IMPLEMENTATION-OF-EXECUTIVE-ORDER-14222-DEPARTMENT-OF-GOVERNMENT-EFFICIENCY-COST-EFFICIENCY-INITIATIVE.PDFVisit the IT-AAC's website at: https://it-aac.org/Join us for the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29 at the Washington D.C Convention Center. Registration is now open at https://www.ndiatechexpo.org.https://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.orghttps://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETIhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI

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 Future: Leveraging AI for Transformative Federal Acquisition, https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/publications/research-papers/accelerating-the-futureTo receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up or visit our website at: https://www.ndiatechexpo.orghttps://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.orghttps://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETIhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI

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.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka1GpNGdjXMTo receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.orghttps://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETIhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI

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 needs with technology development. Required to Fail | Beyond Documents: Accelerating Joint Advantage through Direct Resourcing and Experimentation report: https://www.hudson.org/technology/required-fail-beyond-documents-accelerating-joint-advantage-through-direct-resourcing-dan-patt-william-greenwaltTo receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, 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

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 the NSIB can use streamlined talent pipelines and an "unmanned weapons systems-as-a-service" contract vehicle to improve its scores for next year.The Reagan Institute: https://www.reaganfoundation.org/reagan-institute2025 NSIB Report Card: https://www.reaganfoundation.org/cms/assets/1741105896-nsib-2025-feb26-web-1.pdfTo receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-uphttp://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI

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 learn more about the FY25 continuing resolution and status of the FY26 budget process.To receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, 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-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI

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 Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, 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-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI

 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. Convention Center, please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.orghttps://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETIhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI