In this episode of Startup Defense, host Callye Keen welcomes Graham Plaster, the Director of Nautilus at Defensewerx. Graham discusses his passion for bridging the gap between American innovators and warfighters, sharing insights into his journey from the military to defense innovation. He explains how his background and entrepreneurial spirit led him to play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between the tech world and the defense sector.

Key Topics:

• Introduction to Graham Plaster:
  • Graham's background in the military and his entrepreneurial roots.
  • His current role at DefenseWerx and his focus on innovation in the defense sector.
• Bridging the Gap:
  • The challenges of connecting innovators with the defense sector.
  • The importance of closing the gap between tech innovators and warfighters.
• Innovating for Defense:
  • Differences between innovating around a problem and innovating around a capability.
  • The impact of asymmetrical warfare on defense innovation.
  • The role of the 9/11 Commission Report in shaping modern defense strategies.
• Defense Works and Nautilus:
  • Overview of Defensewerx and its various partnership intermediary agreements (PIAs).
  • The role of Nautilus in accelerating access to non-traditional companies.
  • Collaboration with other government agencies and military organizations.
• Key Technology Areas:
  • Importance of hypersonic countermeasures and cyber defense.
  • Emerging threats and the need for innovative solutions in defense.
• Component Repair Center Collaboration Event:
  • The initiative to improve on-demand part manufacturing for military needs.
  • The potential impact on the defense industrial complex.
• Advice for Innovators:
  • The concept of dual market technology.
  • The importance of human terrain in innovation ecosystems.
  • Encouragement for emerging tech startups to engage with defense-focused organizations.

Quotes:

• “Innovation ecosystems are a human terrain.” - Graham Plaster
• “Run fast and build things.” - Graham Plaster

Resources:

• Nautilus
• Defensewerx

Connect with Graham Plaster:

• LinkedIn: Graham Plaster
• Substack: http://diie.substack.com

Connect with Callye Keen:

• LinkedIn: Callye Keen
• Twitter: @CallyeKeen