Navigating Defense Innovation: Collaborative Piloting with the U.S. Navy & Startups | The Pair Program Ep50

In this compelling episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of defense technology and innovation with three experts leading the charge.

Join us as we speak with Justin Fanelli, Acting CTO for the Department of Navy and Technical Director of PEO Digital; Katie Wildman, Senior Business and Technology Strategist at PEO Digital and Enterprise Services; and Colin Gounden, CEO of VIA.

Together, they explore the critical intersection of defense missions and technological advancements, and how collaboration between the Navy and startups is driving significant progress.In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How the Department of the Navy’s mission is closely linked with advancements in technology and the need for ongoing innovation.
• The Navy’s collaboration with startups: Hear from Colin Gounden on how VIA aligns with the Navy’s mission and the importance of integrating commercial tech solutions within defense operations.
• How the Navy employs structured piloting and challenges to scale and evaluate new technologies.
• Insights on where commercial companies can identify opportunities to work with the Navy, and tips for contributing to defense innovation.

About Justin Fanelli: Justin is the Acting CTO for the Dept of Navy and the Technical Director (TD) of PEO Digital. As CTO, his office is laser focused on measurably improving technology-driven mission outcomes within the Dept of Navy. As TD, his Program Executive Office is expediting the performant, secure transformation of enterprise information technology infrastructure. He currently serves as an Advisor for Advanced Research Project Agency – Health (ARPA-H), the NIST AI Safety Institute and various S&T advisory boards. Outside of the office, he currently teaches graduate courses at Georgetown University. Justin has lectured at a dozen other universities including Harvard, Dartmouth and Penn. He advises on innovation and recently gave a TED talk on innovation adoption.

About Katie Wildman: Katie Wildman is a Senior Business and Technology Strategist supporting Program Executive Office Digital and Enterprise Services (PEO DES) at the Department of Navy (DON). She manages the PEO DES pilot program, accelerating adoption of modern technology and business processes at the DON. When not at work, she loves to run, travel, and volunteer at hospice facilities with her therapy dog, Maisey!

About Colin Gounden: As VIA’s CEO, Colin Gounden has led VIA’s Web3 technology roadmap and secured several of the world’s leading energy companies and the U.S. Department of Defense as customers. Colin is a Harvard University graduate with two previous successful startup exits and is a co-inventor on multiple VIA patents.

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