May 12, 2021BoardMeeting
BoardDepartment of Defense Panel Discussion
This panel discussion focuses on how small businesses and entrepreneurs can collaborate with innovation units within the Department of Defense, specifically the Army Applications Lab, the Defense Innovation Unit, and NavalX. The participants discuss challenges small companies face when working with the military, such as long contracting periods, cultural barriers, and the difficulty of navigating bureaucracy. The panel highlights the mission of these innovation units to act as matchmakers and navigators to connect technology providers with program sponsors, streamline contracting processes, and help companies overcome the 'valley of death' to field new capabilities rapidly.