Advertise on podcast: Emerging Tech Horizons

In this special joint edition of Emerging Tech Horizons, recorded live from the Emerging Technologies Conference in Washington, DC, Stephanie Halcrow and Mark Lewis explore the challenges of moving emerging technologies from development into real-world defense capabilities.Stephanie speaks with Sarah Pearson, Chief Strategic Officer at the Defense Innovation Unit, about DIU’s new Bridge program and its efforts to help commercial technologies move from prototype to production. They discuss barriers including security clearances, classified infrastructure, and authorization processes, as well as efforts to accelerate adoption while maintaining appropriate risk controls.Mark speaks with Julia Dupuis, Chief Operating Officer at Physical Sciences Inc., about advanced sensing, materials, batteries, rocket motors, and other defense technologies. They discuss scaling technologies for manufacturing, addressing supply-chain challenges, and using advanced testing and simulation to accelerate the development of space, hypersonic, and other defense capabilities.Together, the conversations highlight what it takes to move emerging technologies from innovation to fielded defense capability.Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, inside scoops, & more:LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: https://bit.ly/47oA5K1#DefenseInnovation #DIU #AdvancedSensing #PSI

In this special joint edition of Emerging Tech Horizons, recorded live from the Emerging Technologies Conference in Washington, DC, Stephanie Halcrow and Mark Lewis explore how emerging technologies are being developed, adopted, and brought into practical defense applications.Stephanie speaks with Jason Potter, former Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition and now Principal at Whitehaven Strategies, about modernizing shipbuilding through robotics, automation, and new approaches to naval platform design. They discuss acquisition reform, manufacturing challenges, and the importance of incorporating power, data, AI, and modular architectures into the design of next-generation ships. Mark speaks with Stephanie Hughes, CEO and Co-Founder of North AI, about technology intelligence, horizon scanning, and using AI and large-scale data to identify emerging trends and inform decision-making. They also discuss the challenges small businesses face when trying to bring new technologies into government, the importance of human expertise in AI-enabled analysis, and how emerging technologies can move from insight to operational impact. Together, the conversations highlight the broader challenge of turning emerging technology into meaningful defense capability—from identifying what is coming next to integrating new technologies into the systems, platforms, and missions that depend on them.Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, inside scoops, & more:LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: https://bit.ly/47oA5K1#EmergingTechnology #DefenseTechnology #AI

As military missions become increasingly complex, the technologies, infrastructure, and sustainment capabilities needed to support them are evolving as well. From contested logistics and forward repair to predictive maintenance and Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerging technology is changing how the defense industrial base supports military readiness. In this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, host Dr. Arun Seraphin, Executive Director of NDIA’s Emerging Technologies Institute (ETI), speaks with Dr. Carl Spinnweber, President of Amentum’s Mission Solutions Group, about Amentum’s history, its role in the defense industrial base, and how the company is using emerging technology and AI to support complex missions around the world. The conversation explores Amentum’s role in the organic industrial base, forward-deployed sustainment, repair forward, remote expert technology, predictive maintenance, and contested logistics. They also discuss how Amentum is applying Artificial Intelligence (AI), telemaintenance, and additive manufacturing to improve mission readiness, as well as the importance of partnerships between government, large defense companies, small businesses, and technology providers. The episode also examines Acquisition Reform and how changes in defense acquisition can help accelerate the adoption of emerging technology, strengthen the industrial base, and improve military readiness. Topics include: Forward repair, contested logistics, and sustainmentEmerging Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and predictive maintenanceThe organic Industrial Base and mission readinessAcquisition Reform and technology partnershipsETI perspectives on emerging technologies and defense modernizationLearn More About Amentum Visit Amentum: https://www.amentum.com Follow Amentum: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amentumcorp Instagram: amentum_corp Facebook: (1) Amentum | Facebook Learn more about the Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org Follow ETI: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo8 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 #Amentum #EmergingTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #IndustrialBase

In this special edition of Emerging Tech Horizons, recorded live from the Emerging Technologies Conference in Washington, DC, Mark Lewis speaks with Jason Rathje, President of Public Sector at WebAI, about the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in defense.They discuss Jason’s experience connecting emerging technologies with the Department of Defense, from the Air Force Ventures program and Office of Strategic Capital to his work at WebAI. The conversation explores the potential of local and distributed AI architectures, bringing intelligence directly to warfighters in disconnected environments, and the challenges of moving AI from prototypes into practical defense capabilities. Jason also shares examples of AI applications in the field, including casualty evacuation and aircraft maintenance, and discusses what the future of AI-enabled decision-making could look like for the military.Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, inside scoops, & more:LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: https://bit.ly/47oA5K1#ArtificialIntelligence #DistributedAI #DefenseAI #DefenseTechnology #MilitaryInnovation

In this special edition of Emerging Tech Horizons, recorded live from the Emerging Technologies Conference in Washington, DC, Mark Lewis speaks with Frank Finelli, Senior Advisor at The Carlyle Group, about the role of capital markets in strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base.They discuss the challenges facing U.S. industrial capacity, mobilization, and vulnerable supply chains, including dependencies on critical minerals and other foreign sources. The conversation also explores how private equity, venture capital, credit markets, and government contracting can work together to accelerate investment, expand production capacity, and build more resilient defense supply chains.Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, inside scoops, & more:LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: https://bit.ly/47oA5K1#EmergingTechnology #DefenseIndustrialBase #CapitalMarkets #SupplyChainResilience

Building a stronger Defense Industrial Base is about more than adopting new technologies or changing acquisition policy. The processes organizations use to measure performance, manage risk, and continually improve their capabilities can play an important role in building a more productive, resilient, and innovative Defense Industrial Base. In this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, host Dr. Arun Seraphin, Executive Director of NDIA’s Emerging Technologies Institute, speaks with Ron Lear, Vice President of CMMI Global Strategies at the CMMI Institute, about how CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) can help organizations improve performance across software, hardware, workforce development, supply chain management, security, safety, data management, and more. They discuss: What CMMI is and how it has evolved beyond its origins in softwareHow CMMI differs from and complements CMMCUsing performance-based approaches to improve organizational capabilityHow CMMI can help companies entering or expanding within the defense industrial baseThe role of maturity levels, organizational processes, and continuous improvementHow CMMI can work alongside Agile, Lean Six Sigma, and other methodologiesHow government organizations and defense organizations can use CMMI to improve their own processesApplying CMMI across the defense industrial base and throughout the governmentHow organizations can reduce the burden of managing multiple audits, standards, and compliance requirementsThe growing impact of AI on organizational processes and performanceCMMI’s AI maturity initiative and the importance of intentional AI adoption and governanceHow AI can amplify both organizational strengths and existing dysfunctionsWhat CMMI could contribute to building a more productive defense industrial base Learn more about the CMMI Institute, including resources, case studies, and its AI maturity initiative: https://cmmiinstitute.com For organizations interested in learning more about CMMI and how to get started, the CMMI Institute also works with a global network of partners providing training, consulting, and appraisal services. Learn more about the Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org Follow ETI: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo8 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 #CMMI #DefenseIndustrialBase #EmergingTech #EmergingTechnology

In this special edition of Emerging Tech Horizons, recorded live from the Emerging Technologies Conference in Washington, DC, Mark Lewis speaks with Ruba Elbasha, Partner at Guidehouse, about the role of AI in transforming defense financial management. They discuss what it means to take a human-centered approach to AI, how organizations can align technology with their workforce, and why human judgment remains critical in AI-enabled decision-making. The conversation also explores workforce training, responsible AI adoption, and how AI could reduce administrative burdens while enabling financial professionals to become more analytical and forward-looking. NDIA Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications covering all things emerging tech, visit: ndiaeti.org   #EmergingTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #HumanCenteredAI #FinancialManagement

In this special edition of Emerging Tech Horizons, recorded live from the Emerging Technologies Conference in Washington, DC, Stephanie Halcrow speaks with Lt. Col. Jared 'CLiF' Bindl, Chief Innovation Officer at AFRICOM, about how the command is working to make innovation part of its day-to-day operations. They discuss AFRICOM’s approach to operationalizing innovation and how the command is working with industry and international partners to test and scale emerging technologies in operationally relevant environments. The conversation also explores the importance of integration readiness, manufacturing and scalability, early operational involvement, and the cultural changes needed to support innovation across the defense enterprise. NDIA Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications covering all things emerging tech, visit: ndiaeti.org #EmergingTechnology #DefenseInnovation #AFRICOM #MilitaryInnovation

Biomanufacturing is rapidly expanding beyond traditional applications in food and medicine, with emerging technologies offering new possibilities for national security, military logistics, and supply chain resilience.In this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, host Sam Moyer, Research Fellow at the Emerging Technologies Institute, speaks with Maille O’Donnell, Policy Lead for Public Investment and Industry at the Good Food Institute, about the growing role of biomanufacturing in the defense industrial base. Drawing from a report they coauthored, they explore how fermentation, bioreactors, and other biomanufacturing technologies could help produce food and other products in more flexible and resource-constrained environments.Topics include:- The fundamentals and evolution of biomanufacturing- How food biomanufacturing could support contested logistics- Producing protein using fermentation and alternative feedstocks- Military and humanitarian applications of small-scale bioreactors- Biomanufacturing’s potential to strengthen supply chain resilience- The global competition surrounding biotechnology and manufacturing- Challenges in financing and scaling biomanufacturing facilities- How public investment, procurement, and demand signals could help move technologies from development to deployment- Opportunities for industry to engage with the defense communityLearn More & ResourcesRead the research brief that informed this discussion:https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/-/media/ndia-eti/reports/food-biomanufacturing/eti_foodbiomanufacturing_report_final.pdf?download=1Read the related article in National Defense Magazine:https://digital.nationaldefensemagazine.org/september-2026/page-38For more information about this topic, contact Molly O’Donnell at [email protected] more about the Emerging Technologies Institute:https://www.ndiaeti.orgFollow ETI:LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo8Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8#Biomanufacturing #Biotechnology #EmergingTechnology #NationalSecurity #DefenseIndustrialBase #SupplyChainResilience #ContestedLogistics #FoodSecurity

In this special edition of Emerging Tech Horizons, recorded live from the Emerging Technologies Conference in Washington, DC, Mark Lewis speaks with Grant Meyer, Chair of NDIA’s Electronics Division, about the role of microelectronics in the future of defense systems.They discuss the challenges of moving advanced commercial technologies from prototypes into practical defense capabilities, the importance of aligning commercial and government technology roadmaps, and how the defense community can balance speed, reliability, security, and scale. The conversation also explores how commercial microelectronics can help advance defense capabilities while meeting the demanding requirements of military systems.NDIA Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications covering all things emerging tech, visit: ndiaeti.org #EmergingTechnology #Microelectronics #DefenseTechnology #Semiconductors #DefenseInnovation

In this special edition of Emerging Tech Horizons, recorded live from the Emerging Technologies Conference in Washington, DC, Mark Lewis speaks with Sarah Starr, a PhD student in Systems Engineering at George Washington University and an Army Reserve officer.They discuss the challenges of testing and evaluating multi-agent AI systems, the importance of appropriate human reliance and oversight, and how human-AI teaming could evolve as AI systems become more capable and complex. Sarah also shares insights from her research into how AI systems should be designed to support better human decision-making in defense workflows.NDIA Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.orgBe sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more:LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8And for more podcasts, articles, & publications covering all things emerging tech, visit: ndiaeti.org#ArtificialIntelligence #MultiAgentAI #HumanAITeaming #DefenseTechnology #EmergingTechnology

Critical minerals form the foundation of modern defense and commercial technologies, from fighter aircraft and missile systems to satellites, batteries, and advanced electronics. As global supply chains remain vulnerable to disruption and critical mineral processing remains concentrated overseas, securing reliable access to these materials has become an increasingly important challenge for the U.S. industrial base. In this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, Dr. Arun Seraphin speaks with Brett Lambert, Executive Chairman of VaultCo and Managing Director of the Densmore Group, about the effort to strengthen U.S. access to critical minerals. They discuss Lambert’s experience shaping manufacturing and industrial policy at the Pentagon, the creation of Project Vault and VaultCo, and how a public-private approach can help address vulnerabilities across critical mineral supply chains. Key topics include: - How critical mineral dependencies can create vulnerabilities across the defense and commercial industrial base. - How VaultCo’s demand-driven model is designed to create a strategic “stock buffer” of critical minerals and connect industry demand with available supply. - The differences between VaultCo’s approach and traditional government stockpiles, and how it complements other federal efforts to strengthen critical mineral supply chains. - Why expanding domestic and allied processing capacity will be essential to building a more resilient industrial base, and how government and private-sector investments can work together to address these challenges. NDIA Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications covering all things emerging tech, visit: ndiaeti.org #CriticalMinerals #DefenseIndustrialBase #SupplyChain #NationalSecurity #EmergingTechnology

Emerging technology is reshaping how ships are designed, built, maintained, and sustained across the U.S. maritime industrial base. As the U.S. Navy works to modernize its fleet and increase shipbuilding production, shipbuilders are turning to digital engineering, advanced manufacturing, robotics, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and new approaches to acquisition and workforce development to deliver more capable ships faster and more efficiently. In this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, Dr. Arun Seraphin speaks with Admiral Rick Hunt, President of Fincantieri Marinette Marine and a member of NDIA’s Board of Directors, about the emerging technologies, digital engineering practices, advanced manufacturing processes, and workforce challengesshaping the future of American shipbuilding. Drawing on his 37 years of Navy experience and leadership in industry, Hunt discusses how emerging technology, robotics, automation, and AI-enabled capabilities can strengthen the U.S. maritime industrial base and accelerate the delivery of future naval capabilities. Key Topics Include: - Why increasing production speed and designing future warships for producibility must become priorities in modern shipbuilding. - The role of robotic welding, collaborative robots, automated panel lines, and other advanced manufacturing technologies in improving efficiency, safety, quality, and production capacity. - How digital ship design, digital engineering, and model-based engineering can improve consistency, maintainability, and collaboration across shipyards and manufacturing locations. - The importance of designing ships for readiness, maintainability, sustainability, and flexibility so they can adapt to emerging technologies, evolving missions, and future capability requirements. - How commercial shipbuilding practices and dual-use emerging technologies can inform innovation across the defense industrial base. - The changing relationship between traditional shipbuilders and non-traditional companies, particularly in the rapidly evolving unmanned maritime and autonomous systems sector. - How acquisition reform, multi-year contracting, and stronger demand signals could encourage industry investment in emerging technology and advanced shipbuilding capabilities and expand shipbuilding capacity. - The challenges facing the maritime workforce, from shortages of welders and skilled tradespeople to the need for more naval architects, engineers, and workers with digital engineering and advanced technology skills. Listen to this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons to explore how emerging technology, digital engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence are transforming the future of American shipbuilding and the U.S. maritime industrial base. NDIA Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org NDIA Emerging Technologies Conference: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications covering all things emerging tech, visit: ndiaeti.org   #EmergingTechnology #DigitalEngineering #Robotics #Shipbuilding #USNavy #DefenseInnovation #AdvancedManufacturing #MaritimeIndustry #DefenseIndustrialBase

Emerging technology is rapidly transforming unmanned systems, aviation, and defense operations. As autonomous technologies evolve from prototypes into systems that can be produced and deployed at scale, industry is rethinking how these platforms are designed, manufactured, and integrated into next-generation defense technology and mission capabilities. In this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, Dr. Arun Seraphin speaks with Paul Fermo, President of Robinson Unmanned, a recently introduced business unit of Robinson Helicopter Company and previously known as Ascent AeroSystems, about the rapidly evolving world of unmanned aviation and autonomous drone technology. Drawing on his experience as a naval aviator, requirements developer, and industry leader, Fermo discusses how autonomous systems are evolving the relationship between manned and unmanned platforms and what it will take to deliver reliable defense capabilities at scale. Key topics include: How smaller unmanned aircraft and drone systems are accelerating the pace of emerging technology development and creating new demands for agile manufacturing and production.The role of commercial and dual-use platforms in driving defense technology innovation, expanding applications, and creating opportunities to achieve greater production scale.How drones and unmanned aviation systems can support missions ranging from surveillance, search and rescue, and medical transport to contested logistics and casualty evacuation.The importance of modular, reliable, and upgradable unmanned platforms that allow operators to integrate new hardware and software as defense technologies evolve.How the Drone Dominance Program and advanced market commitments are helping push industry from emerging technology innovation toward industrialization, greater production capacity, and scalable drone capabilities.The convergence of artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, communications, and data exploitation in next-generation unmanned aviation and defense technology.The future of integrated, collaborative drone and autonomous systems in which multiple platforms work together and AI-enabled technologies help operators make faster, more informed decisions.Why multi-year purchasing signals could help industry make the long-term investments needed to build scalable unmanned aviation, drone, and defense capabilities.NDIA Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org NDIA Emerging Technologies Conference: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications covering all things emerging tech, visit: ndiaeti.org #RobinsonUnmanned #sUAS #UASEcosystem #DroneIndustrialBase #UnmannedSystems #AutonomousSystems #DefenseTechnology #EmergingTechnology

That challenge is at the center of the 2026 Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference & Exhibition (ETC), taking place September 8–10 in Washington, D.C. In this special episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, NDIA's Jen Walsh, Director of Divisions, and Rachel Sutherland, Director of Public Relations and Communications, provide a preview of what attendees can expect at this year's conference. From senior Department of Defense leadership and combatant commands to industry innovators, engineers, acquisition professionals, and researchers, NDIA ETC brings together the organizations responsible for developing, integrating, funding, and fielding defense technology and next-generation capabilities. The episode also features Dr. Suzette Johnson, Chair of NDIA's Systems Engineering Division, who discusses how mission engineering, systems integration, digital engineering, and agile practices help transform emerging technology into mission-ready solutions that advance national security. This year's event features: Keynote presentations from senior defense leaders, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and senior officials from Research & Engineering and Acquisition & Sustainment.A classified program on September 8, bringing together experts to discuss emerging technology and national security challenges in a secure environment.The Global Defense Hackathon, where teams from government, industry, and academia collaborate on real-world defense innovation challenges.A new co-location with the Society of Defense Financial Management's Data Analytics and Decision Support Conference, connecting defense technology development with the acquisition and financial frameworks needed to field capabilities.Conference Registration: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org/registration   NDIA: https://www.ndia.org Emerging Tech Horizons Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5oQnv75FK5aCB0IeYAWVPon0C7Xa75sr&si=bLmHXoFhuLhA5WnM   Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8  And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: ndiaeti.org   #EmergingTechETI #ETC #DefenseInnovation #NationalSecurity #DefenseTechnology