In the first episode of In the Arena, Vannevar CEO Brett Granberg discusses what it really means to build technology for the national security mission.

They discuss Brett’s personal path from consulting into defense, what led him to co-found Vannevar, and why working in public service can be both meaningful and urgent.

The conversation explores:

• Why commercial tech doesn't always translate to defense
• What motivated the founding of a new kind of defense tech company
• How Vannevar builds agentic AI and deployable tools for mission users
• The importance of public service in a representative democracy
• Why the current geopolitical moment, especially competition with China, demands a new generation of engineering talent

Whether you're an engineer curious about working in defense, a policymaker thinking about tech adoption, or someone just trying to understand this evolving space, this episode offers a candid look at the mindset and mission behind Vannevar.

• (00:00) - Introduction