Case Study: Crossing the Valley of Death in Digital Manufacturing

About Nathan Diller

Nathan Diller brings a rare combination of operational military experience, government innovation leadership, and private sector execution to the defense technology ecosystem. After 22 years of Air Force service as a test pilot, he transitioned to become Director of AFWERX, where he managed and expanded the SBIR budget, helping hundreds of startups navigate government contracting. His subsequent role on the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee staff gave him legislative perspective on defense budgeting and acquisition. Now, as Head of Aerospace & Defense at Divergent, he’s applying this comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem to scale manufacturing innovation here in America.

About Divergent

Divergent has created the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS), an end-to-end software and hardware production system for industrial digital manufacturing. The company’s approach combines digital engineering for structural optimization, software-driven printable design, efficient 3D printing with optimal part stacking, and robotic assembly. Initially proven in the automotive sector (building the world’s fastest production car at 253 mph), Divergent is now applying this technology to aerospace and defense applications. The company has raised approximately $700 million and maintains partnerships with automotive giants like Aston Martin, Bugatti, and McLaren, as well as defense contractors like General Atomics.

For more on Divergent: https://www.divergent3d.com/

For more Crossing the Valley: valleycrossers.com

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