This episode of the "Mission San Diego Military" podcast, hosted by David Boone and Drew Schlosberg, features discussions on military innovation and community support in San Diego. Guests Peter Mirisola from Saab and Jake Windle from Harpoon Ventures discuss the creation of a defense innovation ecosystem in San Diego, leveraging world-class universities, military presence, and entrepreneurial investors. They emphasize the importance of early-stage investments, risk assessment, and collaboration with the Department of Defense. Challenges include federal acquisition regulations, workforce development, and maintaining a competitive edge in technology. The podcast highlights the need for agile decision-making and the role of local initiatives in fostering innovation and retaining talent.
Introduction and Overview of Mission San Diego Military
- Drew Schlosberg introduces the guests, Peter Mirisola from Saab and Jake Windle from Harpoon Ventures, discussing the creation of a defense innovation ecosystem in San Diego.
- Jake Windle explains Harpoon's mission to invest in early-stage companies, focusing on pre-seed and seed stages, and their role in helping companies go to market and find initial partners.
Jake Windle's Background and Harpoon Investments
- Jake elaborates on Harpoon's investment strategy, emphasizing their role in providing private capital and links to follow-on private capital.
- Jake discusses the correlation between private sector technology development and DOD platforms, highlighting the importance of fast iterative cycles in venture capital.
- Jake shares his background as a retired Master Chief, focusing on EW and SIGINT in the NSW formation.
- Peter Mirisola introduces himself as a retired Navy war professor with 30 years of experience, now working as the Director for Autonomy at Saab.
Peter Mirisola's Role at Saab and the Importance of Autonomy
- Peter explains his role at Saab, focusing on the confluence of software and hardware in creating uncrewed and unmanned systems.
- Peter discusses the rapid development of unmanned air systems and the importance of technical depth in both software and hardware.
- Drew and David discuss the capabilities of young military personnel in handling high-tech systems and the importance of workforce development.
- Peter highlights the unique workforce in San Diego and the importance of military occupational specialties in operating remote or uncrewed systems.
Challenges in Workforce Development and Speed to Market
- Drew and David discuss the challenges in workforce development, including the need for a diverse and talented workforce and the importance of military occupational specialties.
- David emphasizes the need for speed to market in a rapidly changing world, comparing the current system to Ukraine's rapid transformation of drones.
- Jake explains Harpoon's approach to risk assessment and investment decisions, focusing on the potential for technology in DOD and the importance of a commercial market.
- David and Jake discuss the importance of dual-use technologies and the role of venture-backed companies in filling gaps in the DOD early-stage development world.
Foreign Engagement and National Security
- David discusses the increasing interest from foreign delegations in San Diego's defense tech ecosystem, including delegations from Australia, the UK, Germany, and Japan.
- Peter explains the challenges of managing foreign engagement from a national security standpoint, including compliance with foreign ownership and control policies and international trafficking and arms regulations.
- Peter discusses the importance of understanding both the physical and digital pedigree of products and the critical role of PhD-level work in ensuring security.
- Drew and Peter emphasize the importance of collaboration and information sharing within the defense tech ecosystem.
Challenges and Opportunities in Defense Tech Ecosystem
- Peter discusses the challenges of federal acquisition regulations and the need for acquisition reform to tie dollars to programs more quickly.
- Peter highlights the importance of lowering barriers to entry for companies in California and the role of state and local governments in supporting economic development.
- David discusses the challenges of manpower and workforce development, including the high cost of living and infrastructure issues in San Diego.
- Drew and David emphasize the importance of collaboration and cohesion within the defense tech ecosystem and the role of organizations like SDMAC in supporting innovation and workforce development.
Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
- David emphasizes the importance of creating an environment to retain and attract veterans in California and the role of universities in training the workforce of the future.
- Drew and David discuss the importance of investors like Harpoon in funding innovative technologies and the role of collaboration in driving success.
- Peter encourages individuals and companies to join the defense tech ecosystem in San Diego and California, highlighting the unique opportunities and collaborative environment.
- Drew and David thank the guests and audience, emphasizing the importance of the podcast in promoting innovation and collaboration in the defense tech ecosystem.
Enjoy the episode and get ready for an incredible season ahead. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share!
About SDMAC The San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) was founded in 2004 with a mission to support and promote the mutual business and other interests of the military, their quality of life, and the defense community in the San Diego area. SDMAC advocates on behalf of our military, those who serve or have served, and their families throughout the greater San Diego region.
SDMAC’s vision is to create an exemplary model of military-civilian partnership, where the San Diego community and the military are seamlessly integrated, mutually supportive, and thriving together, exemplifying the ideal military-civilian partnership for the rest of the nation to emulate.
For more information on SDMAC, please visit them at Home - San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC).
About American Military University "We've Got Your Six" is deeply embedded into the ethos of American Military University. We take great pride in our rich military heritage and have been committed to educating those who serve since 1991. Whether you are stationed on base, deployed, or transitioning from the military to civilian workforce, our 200+ flexible online programs allow you to learn anywhere and anytime, enabling you to fulfill your commitments to your family, the military, and your career.
To learn more about American Military University, please visit them at Home - American Military University
About Cloudcast Media "Mission: San Diego Military" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.
For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us.
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