Defense Tech Podcast Castos https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com Join Host Civilian Sydney as explores the inner workings of government innovation through conversations with key industry players, subject matter experts and government officials. Despite lacking government expertise, Civilian Sydney aims to demystify the complexities of defense tech by engaging insiders and experts in the industry. Listen in as she goes behind the scenes of government to explore the latest in microelectronics, space defense, contracting, startup funding and more. Powered by NSTXL. Wed, 31 Dec 2025 13:16:00 +0000 en © 2024 https://episodes.castos.com/65d76acd539dd7-08327893/images/Powered-by-NSTXL.png Defense Tech Podcast https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com Join Host Civilian Sydney as explores the inner workings of government innovation through conversations with key industry players, subject matter experts and government officials. Despite lacking government expertise, Civilian Sydney aims to demystify the complexities of defense tech by engaging insiders and experts in the industry. Listen in as she goes behind the scenes of government to explore the latest in microelectronics, space defense, contracting, startup funding and more. Powered by NSTXL. National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) episodic Join Host Civilian Sydney as explores the inner workings of government innovation through conversations with key industry players, subject matter experts and government officials. Despite lacking government expertise, Civilian Sydney aims to demystify the complexities of defense tech by engaging insiders and experts in the industry. Listen in as she goes behind the scenes of government to explore the latest in microelectronics, space defense, contracting, startup funding and more. Powered by NSTXL. Sydney sydney@nstxl.org false https://feeds.castos.com/mjw49 yes <![CDATA[Behind the Scenes of Innovation with Mike Brockly]]> Wed, 31 Dec 2025 13:16:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1670952 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/behind-the-scenes-of-innovation-with-mike-brockly Join Host Civilian Sydney for Episode 4 of the Defense Tech Podcast for the final episode of the Behind the Scenes of Innovation series, as she sits down with Mike Brockly, Director of Program Management at NTSXL, to take a look at security measures in the United States, security implications of the Chips Crisis and project success and evaluation for Microelectronics Commons. Using his holistic security background, Mike breaks down the status of security in the U.S. and what he looks forward to seeing come to life with the Commons project. Stay tuned for future episodes, and be sure to watch last week's episode with Mike Dodd, VP of Strategic Partnerships at NSTXL.

Follow NSTXL on LinkedIn:  linkedin.com / national-security-technology-accelerator  

]]> full 4 1 false Join Host Civilian Sydney for Episode 4 of the Defense Tech Podcast for the final episode of the Behind the Scenes of Innovation series, as she sits down with Mike Brockly, Director of Program Management at NTSXL, to take a look at security measures in the United States, security implications of the Chips Crisis and project success and evaluation for Microelectronics Commons. Using his holistic security background, Mike breaks down the status of security in the U.S. and what he looks forward to seeing come to life with the Commons project. Stay tuned for future episodes, and be sure to watch last week's episode with Mike Dodd, VP of Strategic Partnerships at NSTXL.

Follow NSTXL on LinkedIn:  linkedin.com / national-security-technology-accelerator  

]]> 00:19:39 <![CDATA[How Rad-Hard Testing Works with Trusted Strategic Solutions]]> Mon, 04 Aug 2025 08:18:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/2102780 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/how-rad-hard-testing-works-with-trusted-strategic-solutions How does rad-hard testing work? What does “rad-hard” mean? Join in this episode with special guest Dan Marrujo from Trusted Strategic Solutions, who gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the criticality of testing for radiation-hardened technologies and what’s being done to improve these capabilities for the DoD. Stay tuned until the end of the episode for insights on growing trends in the defense tech industry.

Dan is the President of Trusted Strategic Solutions, a consulting firm that provides expertise to industry and government leaders in many technical areas including microelectronics and space technology. Dan is a former Chief Strategy Officer and former Director of the Office of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA) at the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA). He holds a master’s degree in Materials Engineering, a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, and a minor in physics from the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA.

 

Get connected with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-marrujo/

Check out the Micro Journey’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/micro-journeys-the-pulse-of-whats-next/id1807413458

Learn more about NSTXL at https://nstxl.org/

Catch up on past episodes here.

Chapters

  • (00:00:00) - Radiation Protection in the Future
  • (00:00:45) - Top Engineer Richard Savage on His Passion
  • (00:03:31) - Post-Bacc MS in Microelectronics at the Pentagon
  • (00:07:09) - Radical Hard Technologies
  • (00:12:12) - What does Trusted Strategic Solutions do for the Defense Department?
  • (00:18:42) - What is the most valuable thing that you provide to your government clients
  • (00:21:09) - Microelectronics: An Enabling Technology for
  • (00:23:20) - NST XL
]]> full false How does rad-hard testing work? What does “rad-hard” mean? Join in this episode with special guest Dan Marrujo from Trusted Strategic Solutions, who gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the criticality of testing for radiation-hardened technologies and what’s being done to improve these capabilities for the DoD. Stay tuned until the end of the episode for insights on growing trends in the defense tech industry.

Dan is the President of Trusted Strategic Solutions, a consulting firm that provides expertise to industry and government leaders in many technical areas including microelectronics and space technology. Dan is a former Chief Strategy Officer and former Director of the Office of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA) at the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA). He holds a master’s degree in Materials Engineering, a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, and a minor in physics from the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA.

 

Get connected with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-marrujo/

Check out the Micro Journey’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/micro-journeys-the-pulse-of-whats-next/id1807413458

Learn more about NSTXL at https://nstxl.org/

Catch up on past episodes here.

]]> 00:25:37 <![CDATA[Gamechanger or Guideline? The Real Impact of Trump’s Acquisition Order]]> Wed, 02 Jul 2025 14:22:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/2080161 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/gamechanger-or-guideline-the-real-impact-of-trumpsgwz In the wake of President Trump's executive order prioritizing speed and agility in DoW critical technology procurement, OTAs are in the spotlight. Guest Doug Crowe joins to explain how we navigate acquiring critical and emerging technology in the modern age. Doug Crowe is the Senior Vice President of Program Management at NSTXL.

Doug comes in with 40 years of expertise in the industry – he is a Navy veteran and is so intelligent in many different DoW systems. He brings great insight into the acquisition environment today – we explore what the executive order really means, how it could reshape defense contracting, and what the future holds for innovation across the defense industrial base.

Get connected with Doug on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-crowe-b8548a2a/

Learn more about NSTXL at https://nstxl.org/

Chapters

  • (00:00:00) - Defense Tech Podcast: Overtime Authorities reshaping the DoD
  • (00:01:53) - Interviews with Doug Crow
  • (00:03:29) - OTA Smarts
  • (00:04:24) - Defense Acquisition Priorities Under the President's Executive Order
  • (00:07:04) - Will OTAS Play a More Centricity in Defense Acquisitions
  • (00:08:04) - ODM Technology Projects
  • (00:13:46) - OTA Proposals
  • (00:19:39) - OTAS: Dual Use Technologies
  • (00:22:22) - President Trump on China's Developing New Weapons
  • (00:25:09) - President Trump on Threats to Defense Tech
  • (00:27:14) - Top Executives: On-Technology Agendas
]]> full 21 4 false In the wake of President Trump's executive order prioritizing speed and agility in DoW critical technology procurement, OTAs are in the spotlight. Guest Doug Crowe joins to explain how we navigate acquiring critical and emerging technology in the modern age. Doug Crowe is the Senior Vice President of Program Management at NSTXL.

Doug comes in with 40 years of expertise in the industry – he is a Navy veteran and is so intelligent in many different DoW systems. He brings great insight into the acquisition environment today – we explore what the executive order really means, how it could reshape defense contracting, and what the future holds for innovation across the defense industrial base.

Get connected with Doug on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-crowe-b8548a2a/

Learn more about NSTXL at https://nstxl.org/

]]> 00:28:20 <![CDATA[How Marketing for the Government Works]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2025 10:58:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/2063066 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/agility-in-action-how-marketing-for-the-government-works What is it like to market for the Government? Join in this episode with special guest Civilian Jillian who shares what she’s learned from transitioning from civilian roles to marketing for high-impact Government projects. 

Jillian Honeycutt is the Program Marketing Lead for the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) at the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL). From selling cheese to running marketing campaigns for Invisalign, she has garnered a diverse set of experiences in the marketing industry. Now in her role at NSTXL, she has taken on a new mission and purpose, working alongside of Space Systems Command to help them acquire new technologies. 

 

Learn more about the SpEC program at https://space-enterprise.org/ 

Get connected with Jillian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-honeycutt/ 

Chapters

  • (00:00:00) - Civilian Jillian
  • (00:01:41) - In the Elevator With NSTXcel's Jillian Honey
  • (00:02:36) - Invisalign and the Transition from Cheese to Defense
  • (00:04:02) - Transition from Civilian Job to Military Job
  • (00:05:47) - What is Marketing for the Government
  • (00:07:39) - Who is the target of your communications?
  • (00:09:32) - Spacespace Force Tech
  • (00:10:48) - What is the Value of Project Events?
  • (00:16:52) - OTA Teaming Events
  • (00:18:53) - What's something that you personally would like to see more of in
  • (00:22:07) - What's Your Favorite Part of Working For Space Systems Command?
]]> full 1 4 false What is it like to market for the Government? Join in this episode with special guest Civilian Jillian who shares what she’s learned from transitioning from civilian roles to marketing for high-impact Government projects. 

Jillian Honeycutt is the Program Marketing Lead for the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) at the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL). From selling cheese to running marketing campaigns for Invisalign, she has garnered a diverse set of experiences in the marketing industry. Now in her role at NSTXL, she has taken on a new mission and purpose, working alongside of Space Systems Command to help them acquire new technologies. 

 

Learn more about the SpEC program at https://space-enterprise.org/ 

Get connected with Jillian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-honeycutt/ 

]]> 00:26:33 <![CDATA[Who is NSTXL? An Intro to the Defense Tech Podcast]]> Thu, 29 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/2039330 https://nstxl.org/the-defense-tech-podcast/ Let us reintroduce ourselves! Join Civilian Sydney hosts for this special episode about the origins of the Defense Tech Podcast, who NSTXL is, and why Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) are now at the forefront of innovation in the U.S.

NSTXL is focused on building a network of innovators and creators across the most sought-after emerging technology fields. As an open-source platform, our approach was designed to encourage network growth and collaboration without stifling change. We support our network by providing commercial-term contracting, open-source technology discovery, modern-day marketing outreach, a strongly interconnected network for easy teaming and cybersecurity compliance support.

Learn more about OTAs: https://nstxl.org/what-is-an-ota/

Interested in coming on the podcast? Fill out the interest form 

Connect with NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

 

]]> full 4 false Let us reintroduce ourselves! Join Civilian Sydney hosts for this special episode about the origins of the Defense Tech Podcast, who NSTXL is, and why Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) are now at the forefront of innovation in the U.S.

NSTXL is focused on building a network of innovators and creators across the most sought-after emerging technology fields. As an open-source platform, our approach was designed to encourage network growth and collaboration without stifling change. We support our network by providing commercial-term contracting, open-source technology discovery, modern-day marketing outreach, a strongly interconnected network for easy teaming and cybersecurity compliance support.

Learn more about OTAs: https://nstxl.org/what-is-an-ota/

Interested in coming on the podcast? Fill out the interest form 

Connect with NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

 

]]> 00:07:27 <![CDATA[Tech TALX: How Neptune Transitioned into DoW Offices with Epiq Solutions]]> Thu, 03 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/2005782 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/tech-talx-how-neptune-transitioned-into-dod-offices-with-epiq-solutions Join Civilian Sydney in the newest Tech TALX episode, where she sits with Wyatt Taylor from Epiq Solutions to discuss successful prototype integrations.

The "Neptune" project was initially awarded in 2021 under the S2MARTS OTA to 3 performers to provide a radio frequency payload for implementation into unmanned maritime systems. The project was then down-selected to Epiq solutions. Their payload solution gained attention from many other DoW offices who have since integrated Neptune’s test assets into their own systems. In this episode, we’re going to discover the factors that led to this project’s success.

This week's guest, Mr. Wyatt Taylor, is the VP of Products and Technology at Epiq Solutions. Wyatt received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering at Virginia Tech.

 

Learn more about Epiq Solutions

Follow NSTXL on LinkedIn

]]> full 18 false Join Civilian Sydney in the newest Tech TALX episode, where she sits with Wyatt Taylor from Epiq Solutions to discuss successful prototype integrations.

The "Neptune" project was initially awarded in 2021 under the S2MARTS OTA to 3 performers to provide a radio frequency payload for implementation into unmanned maritime systems. The project was then down-selected to Epiq solutions. Their payload solution gained attention from many other DoW offices who have since integrated Neptune’s test assets into their own systems. In this episode, we’re going to discover the factors that led to this project’s success.

This week's guest, Mr. Wyatt Taylor, is the VP of Products and Technology at Epiq Solutions. Wyatt received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering at Virginia Tech.

 

Learn more about Epiq Solutions

Follow NSTXL on LinkedIn

]]> 00:18:04 <![CDATA[DoD-Critical: Developing a Clear Vision for Microelectronics with the MMEC Hub]]> Thu, 13 Feb 2025 08:02:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1971916 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/dod-critical-developing-a-clear-vision-for-microelectronics-with-the-mmec-hub Civilian Sydney sat down with Jackie Janning-Lask and Dr. Matt Casto, who lead the Midwest Microelectronics Consortium, to discuss the origins of MMEC and how to define a vision for clearer mission goals. The group also did a deep dive into a few technologies, including Secure Edge and the Internet of Things. Jackie and Matt helped me better understand the criticality of collaboration to achieve common goals.

Jackie Janning-Lask serves as the Chief Executive Officer of MMEC. She retired from the Air Force in July of 2023, bringing 35 years of DoD service to the table, including time at the U.S. Air Force and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Dr. Matt Casto currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer for MMEC. Dr. Casto has 20 years of experience in numerous DoD technical leadership positions, including roles at the Pentagon in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force.

Learn More About the MMEC Hub: https://mmeconsortium.org/

Connect with NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

 

]]> full 17 3 false Civilian Sydney sat down with Jackie Janning-Lask and Dr. Matt Casto, who lead the Midwest Microelectronics Consortium, to discuss the origins of MMEC and how to define a vision for clearer mission goals. The group also did a deep dive into a few technologies, including Secure Edge and the Internet of Things. Jackie and Matt helped me better understand the criticality of collaboration to achieve common goals.

Jackie Janning-Lask serves as the Chief Executive Officer of MMEC. She retired from the Air Force in July of 2023, bringing 35 years of DoD service to the table, including time at the U.S. Air Force and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Dr. Matt Casto currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer for MMEC. Dr. Casto has 20 years of experience in numerous DoD technical leadership positions, including roles at the Pentagon in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force.

Learn More About the MMEC Hub: https://mmeconsortium.org/

Connect with NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

 

]]> 00:46:10 <![CDATA[DoD-Critical: Capitalizing on Collaboration with the California DREAMS Superhub]]> Thu, 23 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1947496 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/dod-critical-capitalizing-on-collaboration-with-the-california-dreams-superhub In this week's episode Civilian Sydney sits with Stephen Crago and Mike Haney, who help lead the California Defense Ready Electronics and Microdevices, or California DREAMS, Superhub.

Stephen is the Director and Principal Investigator of CA DREAMS at the University of Southern California, and Mike is the Deputy Director of CA DREAMS and the Director of the MOSIS 2.0 initiative.

In this episode, we cover electromagnetic warfare, 5G/6G technologies, the CA DREAMS MOSIS 2.0 initiative, cross-hub collaboration, and more.

Please leave a review if you love the podcast! If you have a suggestion for a topic or a guest you’d like to hear from on the show, you can reach out to me at sydney@nstxl.org.

Learn more about CA DREAMS: https://ca-dreams.org/

Connect with NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

]]> full 16 3 false In this week's episode Civilian Sydney sits with Stephen Crago and Mike Haney, who help lead the California Defense Ready Electronics and Microdevices, or California DREAMS, Superhub.

Stephen is the Director and Principal Investigator of CA DREAMS at the University of Southern California, and Mike is the Deputy Director of CA DREAMS and the Director of the MOSIS 2.0 initiative.

In this episode, we cover electromagnetic warfare, 5G/6G technologies, the CA DREAMS MOSIS 2.0 initiative, cross-hub collaboration, and more.

Please leave a review if you love the podcast! If you have a suggestion for a topic or a guest you’d like to hear from on the show, you can reach out to me at sydney@nstxl.org.

Learn more about CA DREAMS: https://ca-dreams.org/

Connect with NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

]]> 00:28:31 <![CDATA[DoD-Critical: Why We Need Trusted Systems with the SWAP Hub]]> Thu, 16 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1941217 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/dod-critical-why-we-need-trusted-systems Tune in to this episode as Civilian Sydney sits down with the SWAP Hub's CTO, Krishnendu Chakrabarty.

Krishnendu is the Fulton Professor of Microelectronics in the school of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering at Arizona State University. He also acts as the Chief Technology Officer for the SWAP Hub.

In this episode, we discuss some of the projects that the SWAP Hub is currently focused on, as well as what the Hub's workforce development initiatives are accomplishing - further cementing our understanding of why building a pipeline of qualified microelectronics workers is so crucial for U.S. manufacturing independence.

Connect with the SWAP Hub: https://microelectronics.asu.edu/southwest-advanced-prototyping-hub/

Learn More About NSTXL: https://nstxl.org/

 

 

 

]]> full 15 3 false Tune in to this episode as Civilian Sydney sits down with the SWAP Hub's CTO, Krishnendu Chakrabarty.

Krishnendu is the Fulton Professor of Microelectronics in the school of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering at Arizona State University. He also acts as the Chief Technology Officer for the SWAP Hub.

In this episode, we discuss some of the projects that the SWAP Hub is currently focused on, as well as what the Hub's workforce development initiatives are accomplishing - further cementing our understanding of why building a pipeline of qualified microelectronics workers is so crucial for U.S. manufacturing independence.

Connect with the SWAP Hub: https://microelectronics.asu.edu/southwest-advanced-prototyping-hub/

Learn More About NSTXL: https://nstxl.org/

 

 

 

]]> 00:25:00 <![CDATA[DoD-Critical: Lab-to-Fab for Wide-Bandgap Semiconductors with the CLAWS Hub]]> Thu, 19 Dec 2024 09:57:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1923737 https://nstxl.org/the-defense-tech-podcast/ Join Civilian Sydney as she chats with Fred Kish and John Muth from the CLAWS Hub as they discuss commercial leap-ahead technologies, wide-bandgap semiconductors, access to cleanrooms, building a robust workforce pipeline and more. 

Fred Kish is a renowned engineer who has made significant contributions to the field of optoelectronics, particularly in the development of high-performance LEDs and integrated photonic circuits. He is currently a distinguished professor and NNF Director at North Carolina State University. 

John Muth is also a distinguished professor at North Carolina State University, and he specializes in wide bandgap semiconductors and their applications in various technologies, including LEDs, lasers, and power electronics.

To learn more about the CLAWS Hub, visit: https://claws.ncsu.edu/

Learn more about the Defense Tech Podcast: https://nstxl.org/the-defense-tech-podcast/

]]> full 14 3 false Join Civilian Sydney as she chats with Fred Kish and John Muth from the CLAWS Hub as they discuss commercial leap-ahead technologies, wide-bandgap semiconductors, access to cleanrooms, building a robust workforce pipeline and more. 

Fred Kish is a renowned engineer who has made significant contributions to the field of optoelectronics, particularly in the development of high-performance LEDs and integrated photonic circuits. He is currently a distinguished professor and NNF Director at North Carolina State University. 

John Muth is also a distinguished professor at North Carolina State University, and he specializes in wide bandgap semiconductors and their applications in various technologies, including LEDs, lasers, and power electronics.

To learn more about the CLAWS Hub, visit: https://claws.ncsu.edu/

Learn more about the Defense Tech Podcast: https://nstxl.org/the-defense-tech-podcast/

]]> 00:35:02 <![CDATA[DoD-Critical: Why User-Centric Design Matters with the SCMC Hub]]> Thu, 12 Dec 2024 09:05:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1919656 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/dod-critical-why-user-centric-design-matters-with-the-scmc-hub Civilian Sydney talks with Brett Hamilton and Jalen Rollins from the Applied Research Institute, also known as ARI, who help lead the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub. In this episode, they dive into technologies such as electromagnetic warfare and discuss the foundational elements for the successful integration of technologies.

Brett serves as Senior Vice President of Microelectronics & Advanced Technology Strategy at ARI, and is a respected national microelectronics leader with a 27-career at the DoD. Jalen is the Innovation Program Manager for SCMC and leads impactful campaigns for ARI and the SCMC Hub, leveraging his expertise in innovation methodologies and industry trends to drive impactful initiatives.

Enjoy the episode!

Learn More About the SCMC Hub: https://microelectronicscommons.org/connect/silicon-crossroads-microelectronics-commons-hub/

Watch the Full Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wZgd28XRRNc

Connect with NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

]]> full 13 3 false Civilian Sydney talks with Brett Hamilton and Jalen Rollins from the Applied Research Institute, also known as ARI, who help lead the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub. In this episode, they dive into technologies such as electromagnetic warfare and discuss the foundational elements for the successful integration of technologies.

Brett serves as Senior Vice President of Microelectronics & Advanced Technology Strategy at ARI, and is a respected national microelectronics leader with a 27-career at the DoD. Jalen is the Innovation Program Manager for SCMC and leads impactful campaigns for ARI and the SCMC Hub, leveraging his expertise in innovation methodologies and industry trends to drive impactful initiatives.

Enjoy the episode!

Learn More About the SCMC Hub: https://microelectronicscommons.org/connect/silicon-crossroads-microelectronics-commons-hub/

Watch the Full Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wZgd28XRRNc

Connect with NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

]]> 00:33:40 <![CDATA[DoD Critical: AI's Role in National Security with the NW AI Hub]]> Thu, 05 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1914245 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/dod-critical-ais-role-in-national-security-with-the-nw-ai-hub This week on the DoD-Critical series, Civilian Sydney talks with H.S. Philip Wong and Tsu-Jae Liu, professors leading the California-Pacific-Northwest AI (NW AI) Hub, one of eight Hubs of Microelectronics Commons. The NW AI Hub is focused on the development energy-efficient AI hardware and "AI at the Edge" - enabling AI use in devices soldiers carry. 

Professor Liu currently serves as the Dean and the Roy W. Carlson Professor of Engineering at the UC Berkeley College of Engineering. Professor Wong is the Willard R. and Inez Kerr Bell Professor in the School of Engineering.

To learn more about the NW AI Hub: 

 

  • Visit the hub's website: northwest-ai-hub.org
  • Subscribe to the Hub's news mailing list.
  • Contact Professors Wong or Liu directly.

 

]]> full 13 3 false This week on the DoD-Critical series, Civilian Sydney talks with H.S. Philip Wong and Tsu-Jae Liu, professors leading the California-Pacific-Northwest AI (NW AI) Hub, one of eight Hubs of Microelectronics Commons. The NW AI Hub is focused on the development energy-efficient AI hardware and "AI at the Edge" - enabling AI use in devices soldiers carry. 

Professor Liu currently serves as the Dean and the Roy W. Carlson Professor of Engineering at the UC Berkeley College of Engineering. Professor Wong is the Willard R. and Inez Kerr Bell Professor in the School of Engineering.

To learn more about the NW AI Hub: 

 

  • Visit the hub's website: northwest-ai-hub.org
  • Subscribe to the Hub's news mailing list.
  • Contact Professors Wong or Liu directly.

 

]]> 00:33:23 <![CDATA[DoD-Critical: From Research to Application with the NORDTECH Hub]]> Thu, 28 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1884694 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/dod-critical-from-research-to-application-with-the-nordtech-hub Welcome back! Season 3 of the podcast is kicking off with Nicholas Fahrenkopf of the NORDTECH Hub, one of eight Microelectronics Commons Hubs that was awarded in 2023. This season we are exploring the six technologies that are critical to the Department of Defense in the effort to re-onshore microelectronics manufacturing technologies, as well as ensure the security of our current technologies.

Nick is the Technical Director of NORDTECH, and earned his BS in Physics and PhD in Nanoscale Engineering from the University at Albany and has experience in integration engineering. In this episode, he walks us through the critical technologies that NORDTECH is focused on, including AI Hardware and Quantum Technologies. Wondering what these technology areas entail? Don't worry, I was too. Nick walks us through it all in this episode. Enjoy!

Get connected with the NORDTECH Hub: https://www.nordtechub.org/contact

Learn more about Microelectronics Commons: https://microelectronicscommons.org/

Get connected with NSTXL on LinkedIn

]]> full 11 3 false Welcome back! Season 3 of the podcast is kicking off with Nicholas Fahrenkopf of the NORDTECH Hub, one of eight Microelectronics Commons Hubs that was awarded in 2023. This season we are exploring the six technologies that are critical to the Department of Defense in the effort to re-onshore microelectronics manufacturing technologies, as well as ensure the security of our current technologies.

Nick is the Technical Director of NORDTECH, and earned his BS in Physics and PhD in Nanoscale Engineering from the University at Albany and has experience in integration engineering. In this episode, he walks us through the critical technologies that NORDTECH is focused on, including AI Hardware and Quantum Technologies. Wondering what these technology areas entail? Don't worry, I was too. Nick walks us through it all in this episode. Enjoy!

Get connected with the NORDTECH Hub: https://www.nordtechub.org/contact

Learn more about Microelectronics Commons: https://microelectronicscommons.org/

Get connected with NSTXL on LinkedIn

]]> 00:27:19 <![CDATA[Tech TALX: How Advanced Packaging Works with Analog Devices]]> Tue, 03 Sep 2024 17:25:53 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1828192 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/tech-talx-advanced-packaging-and-socs-with-analog-devices Join Civilian Sydney in this Tech TALX episode as she sits with John Cowles from Analog Devices to talk advanced packaging and System on a Chip (SOCs). In this tech deep dive, John walks us through what an SOC is as well as its history, and why the industry is moving towards advanced packaging as an effective solution.

John Cowles is the Senior Director of Technology at Analog. He has over 20 years of experience in the semiconductor industry in various specialties such as defense electronics, microwave radios, as well as power detectors, phase shifters and radar-focused products. He earned his PhD at the University of Michigan in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

Watch the full video version on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p15YeChMJdo

Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

]]> full 11 false Join Civilian Sydney in this Tech TALX episode as she sits with John Cowles from Analog Devices to talk advanced packaging and System on a Chip (SOCs). In this tech deep dive, John walks us through what an SOC is as well as its history, and why the industry is moving towards advanced packaging as an effective solution.

John Cowles is the Senior Director of Technology at Analog. He has over 20 years of experience in the semiconductor industry in various specialties such as defense electronics, microwave radios, as well as power detectors, phase shifters and radar-focused products. He earned his PhD at the University of Michigan in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

Watch the full video version on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p15YeChMJdo

Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

]]> 00:22:25 <![CDATA[Tech TALX: Digital Services for the DoD with Omni Federal]]> Thu, 20 Jun 2024 07:58:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1765897 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/tech-talx-digital-services-for-the-dod-with-omni-federal The Defense Tech Podcast is back! This episode is a part of a new miniseries called Tech TALX where we will intermittently release standalone episodes. Each of these special episodes will help paint the larger picture of the technology that’s imperative to the DoD mission.

On this week’s Tech TALX, Civilian Sydney meets with Brad Kettner and Dan Wenk from Omni Federal. In this episode, Brad and Dan provide a new perspective on the digital services and methods necessary to make real progress in DoD innovation, especially in space. They also discuss their passions in tech development, working with OTAs, and more.

Follow our YouTube channel to watch the epsiode: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClyvInaKJqGG2un0R3GWtRw

Follow NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

]]> full 10 false The Defense Tech Podcast is back! This episode is a part of a new miniseries called Tech TALX where we will intermittently release standalone episodes. Each of these special episodes will help paint the larger picture of the technology that’s imperative to the DoD mission.

On this week’s Tech TALX, Civilian Sydney meets with Brad Kettner and Dan Wenk from Omni Federal. In this episode, Brad and Dan provide a new perspective on the digital services and methods necessary to make real progress in DoD innovation, especially in space. They also discuss their passions in tech development, working with OTAs, and more.

Follow our YouTube channel to watch the epsiode: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClyvInaKJqGG2un0R3GWtRw

Follow NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

]]> 00:22:18 <![CDATA[Beyond Borders: Achieving Resilience by 2026 with Josh Madrigal]]> Thu, 02 May 2024 10:16:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1732376 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/beyond-borders-achieving-resilience-by-2026-with-josh-madrigal Join Civilian Sydney for the final episode of Season 2 as she sits down with Josh Madrigal, Vice President at Millennium Space Systems.

In this episode, we dive deep into space tech with Josh, who is an industry SME and SpEC member. Josh discusses the U.S. trajectory to achieving resilience in space by 2026, as well as the efficiency of OTAs, small satellite technology and more. He also discusses Millennium Space's involvement in the crucial Missile Track Custody project.

Thank you to all who tuned in to Season 2, and we can't wait to circle back with more deep dives and success stories soon!

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn:   / joshua-madrigal-a21b182a  

Follow NSTXL on LinkedIn:   / national-security-technology-accelerator  

Follow our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClyvInaKJqGG2un0R3GWtRw

]]> full 5 2 false Join Civilian Sydney for the final episode of Season 2 as she sits down with Josh Madrigal, Vice President at Millennium Space Systems.

In this episode, we dive deep into space tech with Josh, who is an industry SME and SpEC member. Josh discusses the U.S. trajectory to achieving resilience in space by 2026, as well as the efficiency of OTAs, small satellite technology and more. He also discusses Millennium Space's involvement in the crucial Missile Track Custody project.

Thank you to all who tuned in to Season 2, and we can't wait to circle back with more deep dives and success stories soon!

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn:   / joshua-madrigal-a21b182a  

Follow NSTXL on LinkedIn:   / national-security-technology-accelerator  

Follow our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClyvInaKJqGG2un0R3GWtRw

]]> 00:21:48 <![CDATA[Beyond Borders: Meeting Warfighter Needs with Alonso Segura]]> Thu, 18 Apr 2024 08:00:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1722691 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/beyond-borders-meeting-warfighter-needs-with-alonso-segura Join Civilian Sydney this week as she talks with Alonso Segura, Director of Strategy at Peraton.

Do you ever wonder how the U.S. Government identifies its technology needs for the Warfighter? In this episode, Alonso utilizes his experience in program management for the Government to explain how these needs get identified and acted upon. He also shares his tips for connecting industry with Government, benefits of utilizing an OTA, and more.

Alonso retired from the military after 22 years of service, and after retiring, joined a venture-backed startup where he ran the government portfolio from the startup side. He joined Peraton about a year ago and runs strategy and growth for their national security space portfolio.

This educational episode is not one to be missed, so check it out and stay tuned for more in Season 2.

Connect with Alonso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonso-s/

Follow NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

Follow our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClyvInaKJqGG2un0R3GWtRw

]]> full 4 2 false Join Civilian Sydney this week as she talks with Alonso Segura, Director of Strategy at Peraton.

Do you ever wonder how the U.S. Government identifies its technology needs for the Warfighter? In this episode, Alonso utilizes his experience in program management for the Government to explain how these needs get identified and acted upon. He also shares his tips for connecting industry with Government, benefits of utilizing an OTA, and more.

Alonso retired from the military after 22 years of service, and after retiring, joined a venture-backed startup where he ran the government portfolio from the startup side. He joined Peraton about a year ago and runs strategy and growth for their national security space portfolio.

This educational episode is not one to be missed, so check it out and stay tuned for more in Season 2.

Connect with Alonso on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonso-s/

Follow NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

Follow our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClyvInaKJqGG2un0R3GWtRw

]]> 00:31:53 <![CDATA[Beyond Borders: Finding the Best Solution with Patrick Barrett and Jay Kvale]]> Thu, 14 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1687470 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/beyond-borders-finding-the-best-solution-with-patrick-barrett-and-jay-kvale In this episode of the Defense Tech Podcast, Civilian Sydney continues the Beyond Borders series, exploring the role of space in U.S. defense tech. This episode features Patrick Barrett and Jay Kvale from Infinity Systems Engineering.

Patrick and Jay delve into their backgrounds and passions in the world of space technology, as well as how Infinity Systems helps forward the DoD mission of protecting the U.S. space domain.

Tune into this episode for more insight into the newest in space technology and how the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) ensures DoD access to the best tech.

Connect with NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

Follow us on YouTube @NSTXL

]]> full 2 2 false In this episode of the Defense Tech Podcast, Civilian Sydney continues the Beyond Borders series, exploring the role of space in U.S. defense tech. This episode features Patrick Barrett and Jay Kvale from Infinity Systems Engineering.

Patrick and Jay delve into their backgrounds and passions in the world of space technology, as well as how Infinity Systems helps forward the DoD mission of protecting the U.S. space domain.

Tune into this episode for more insight into the newest in space technology and how the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) ensures DoD access to the best tech.

Connect with NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/

Follow us on YouTube @NSTXL

]]> 00:48:47 <![CDATA[Beyond Borders: Defense Education Tools with Melissa Owens]]> Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1675153 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/beyond-borders-defense-education-tools-with-melissa-owens Welcome back to the Defense Tech Podcast! We're kicking of our second series, Beyond Borders: Space's Crucial Role in Defense Tech.

This episode, Civilian Sydney sits down with Melissa Owens, Project Manager at Omni Federal. With 25 years in the military, including experience building up Space Force, Melissa shares insight into her transition to civilian life, as well as the technology developed by Omni Federal to educate and serve multiple branches of the U.S. Government in order to secure our space domain. 


Tune into this episode for more insight into the current landscape of space defense, and stay tuned for more conversations in the following weeks.


Connect with NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/


Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

 

]]> full 1 2 false Welcome back to the Defense Tech Podcast! We're kicking of our second series, Beyond Borders: Space's Crucial Role in Defense Tech.

This episode, Civilian Sydney sits down with Melissa Owens, Project Manager at Omni Federal. With 25 years in the military, including experience building up Space Force, Melissa shares insight into her transition to civilian life, as well as the technology developed by Omni Federal to educate and serve multiple branches of the U.S. Government in order to secure our space domain. 


Tune into this episode for more insight into the current landscape of space defense, and stay tuned for more conversations in the following weeks.


Connect with NSTXL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-security-technology-accelerator/


Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

 

]]> 00:22:27 <![CDATA[Behind the Scenes of Innovation with Mike Dodd]]> Mon, 26 Feb 2024 13:13:54 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1670948 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/behind-the-scenes-of-innovation-with-mike-dodd Join Host Civilian Sydney for Episode 3 of the Defense Tech Podcast as she sits down with Mike Dodd, VP of Strategic Partnerships at NTSXL, to take a look at the current climate in government innovation. Using his extensive background in both military and industry, Mike provides insights into the issues currently facing U.S. national security, such as the Chips Crisis, and how the Microelectronics Commons program is situated to make a difference. 

Follow us on LinkedIn:  linkedin.com / national-security-technology-accelerator  

Learn more about NSTXL: www.nstxl.org

 

]]> full 3 1 false Join Host Civilian Sydney for Episode 3 of the Defense Tech Podcast as she sits down with Mike Dodd, VP of Strategic Partnerships at NTSXL, to take a look at the current climate in government innovation. Using his extensive background in both military and industry, Mike provides insights into the issues currently facing U.S. national security, such as the Chips Crisis, and how the Microelectronics Commons program is situated to make a difference. 

Follow us on LinkedIn:  linkedin.com / national-security-technology-accelerator  

Learn more about NSTXL: www.nstxl.org

 

]]> 00:19:56 <![CDATA[Behind the Scenes of Innovation with Tim Greeff]]> Mon, 26 Feb 2024 13:09:34 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1670945 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/behind-the-scenes-of-innovation-with-tim-greeff Join Host Civilian Sydney for Episode 2 of The Defense Tech Podcast as she sits down with NSTXL President & Founder Tim Greeff to take a look behind the scenes of innovation. In this episode, Tim shares his high-level insight into the launch of Microelectronics Commons, its infrastructure and how he sees this project changing the future of Defense Contracting.

 

Connect with us on LinkedIn!  linkedin.com/national-security-technology-accelerator  

Learn more about NSTXL: https://www.nstxl.org

Learn more about Commons: https://www.microelectronicscommons.org

]]> full 2 1 false Join Host Civilian Sydney for Episode 2 of The Defense Tech Podcast as she sits down with NSTXL President & Founder Tim Greeff to take a look behind the scenes of innovation. In this episode, Tim shares his high-level insight into the launch of Microelectronics Commons, its infrastructure and how he sees this project changing the future of Defense Contracting.

 

Connect with us on LinkedIn!  linkedin.com/national-security-technology-accelerator  

Learn more about NSTXL: https://www.nstxl.org

Learn more about Commons: https://www.microelectronicscommons.org

]]> 00:23:59 <![CDATA[Behind the Scenes of Innovation with Stephanie Lin]]> Fri, 23 Feb 2024 14:10:02 +0000 National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/58255/episode/1669526 https://defense-tech-podcast.castos.com/episodes/behind-the-scenes-of-innovation-with-stephanie-lin Introducing the Defense Tech Podcast! Join Host Civilian Sydney as she explores the inner workings of government innovation from five key NSTXL players. This series, we are taking a look behind the scenes of innovation, with a spotlight on Microelectronics Commons. This week’s guest is the Director of Microelectronics Commons at NSTXL, Stephanie Lin. In this conversation, Sydney goes behind the curtain to learn more about the function, infrastructure, and long-term goals for Commons.

Connect with us on LinkedIn!  linkedin.com/national-security-technology-accelerator  

Learn more about NSTXL: https://www.nstxl.org

Learn more about Commons: https://www.microelectronicscommons.org

]]> full 1 1 false Introducing the Defense Tech Podcast! Join Host Civilian Sydney as she explores the inner workings of government innovation from five key NSTXL players. This series, we are taking a look behind the scenes of innovation, with a spotlight on Microelectronics Commons. This week’s guest is the Director of Microelectronics Commons at NSTXL, Stephanie Lin. In this conversation, Sydney goes behind the curtain to learn more about the function, infrastructure, and long-term goals for Commons.

Connect with us on LinkedIn!  linkedin.com/national-security-technology-accelerator  

Learn more about NSTXL: https://www.nstxl.org

Learn more about Commons: https://www.microelectronicscommons.org

]]> 00:15:03