Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87320917896?pwd=OU1GVStHWEQwZDA3WWRnWEhMckNZUT09

Jay Heisler is a freelance journalist published in CNBC, Small Wars Journal, Voice of America, Homeland Security Today, US Naval Institute Proceedings and Canadian Naval Review. He was Voice of America’s Canada reporter from 2020-2025, publishing 1-3 times a month on the VOA website. He got his start in journalism straight out of journalism school as then a campus activist, working for English language newspapers in Southern Sudan, Lebanon and Georgia. His work has also been published by several think tanks, including the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, Policy Insights Forum and the Canadian International Council, plus reports were distributed internally by the Hudson Institute. He currently teaches at a university in Halifax, Canada, where he attends the Halifax International Security Forum every year, as well as DEFSEC, Canada’s second-biggest defense and security expo. Since Voice of America paused operations, Jay has been publishing about OSINT and is now a regular writer for the OSINT Output. Jay has given two in-person lectures about OSINT to the DEFCON Halifax cybersecurity event series, in addition to speaking at around three academic conferences a year about mental health advocacy.

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

RSVP

Jay Heisler is a freelance journalist published in CNBC, Small Wars Journal, Voice of America, Homeland Security Today, US Naval Institute Proceedings and Canadian Naval Review. He was Voice of America’s Canada reporter from 2020-2025, publishing 1-3 times a month on the VOA website. He got his start in journalism straight out of journalism school as then a campus activist, working for English language newspapers in Southern Sudan, Lebanon and Georgia. His work has also been published by several think tanks, including the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, Policy Insights Forum and the Canadian International Council, plus reports were distributed internally by the Hudson Institute. He currently teaches at a university in Halifax, Canada, where he attends the Halifax International Security Forum every year, as well as DEFSEC, Canada’s second-biggest defense and security expo. Since Voice of America paused operations, Jay has been publishing about OSINT and is now a regular writer for the OSINT Output. Jay has given two in-person lectures about OSINT to the DEFCON Halifax cybersecurity event series, in addition to speaking at around three academic conferences a year about mental health advocacy.

RSVP

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

RSVP

Sabra Horne is Entrepreneur in Residence at BMNT, a public sector innovation consultancy. She is the author of Creating Innovation Navigators, a guide to increasing individual and organizational impact, and director of Innovation Navigators, an executive education workshop helping leaders in large organizations, such as NSA, NASA, US Navy, US Army, US Marine Corps, and the Defense Logistics Agency, grow mission effectiveness. Ms. Horne is a recognized global expert and frequent speaker to public and private sectors in transformational performance. She coaches, trains and advises executives and organizations in creating and realizing individual, organizational and cultural change in multi-billion dollar agencies.

Before joining BMNT, she was Chief of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security’s (CISA) Innovation Hub, responsible for envisioning, establishing and developing innovation efforts across the agency, which protects the nation’s cyber and physical critical infrastructure within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Prior to this role, she was Director of CISA 2020, leading change management of the agency and Director of Stakeholder Engagement and Cyber Infrastructure Resilience (SECIR), leading effective collaboration and sharing of cyber information with the private sector, as well as state, local, tribal and territorial entities. She stood up CISA’s Election Task Force to support state and local election officials following the 2016 elections.

Previously, she served the National Security Agency (NSA) as Deputy Chief for Information Sharing and Collaboration, facilitating sharing of NSA’s most highly classified intelligence. She was Senior Advisor to NSA Threat Operation Center leadership and led sharing of unclassified cyber threat information with other government agencies and the private sector. She began her NSA service as a core member in standup of the Media Leaks Task Force, which led agency response to the public leaks of classified information by Edward Snowden in 2013.

Ms. Horne was Director of Communications at the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs, responsible for all legislative, public, and intergovernmental affairs. She began her government career at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) as Senior Advisor for Strategic Partnerships for Open Source, driving collaboration across the sixteen intelligence agencies in their use of open source intelligence. While at the ODNI, she served as the Chief of Staff in the standup of the National Maritime Intelligence Center and lead development of the Unified Intelligence Strategy for the National Intelligence Manager for Cyber, unifying intelligence collection and analysis across the intelligence community. She also supported DHS and the Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection in increasing information sharing with the private sector. She was awarded five national intelligence awards for her support to the nation.

Prior to her government service, she had an 18-year career in academic publishing, the last 12 as Senior Executive Editor at Wadsworth Publishing, overseeing publication of over 500 academic criminal justice books, many in law enforcement. Ms. Horne has an MPA in Strategic Management of National Security from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and a BA from The College of Charleston. Shes live in the Palisades in Washington, D.C., chairs the governance committee for The College of Charleston Foundation Board, and enjoys gardening and volunteering in her time off.

RSVP

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

Accomplished senior technology and business executive with 20+ years of experience driving U.S. and allied government market expansion for emerging technology companies. Deeply connected across all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies, DoD, DHS, DIA, DARPA, ONR, OSD, and global defense ministries, with a proven track record of building billion-dollar pipelines, capturing major federal contracts, negotiating cross-border joint ventures, and accelerating dual-use adoption in AI, cybersecurity, autonomy, sensing, and advanced manufacturing. Skilled at aligning innovation strategies with national security priorities, fostering strategic partnerships, and translating emerging technologies into measurable operational impact.

RSVP

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

RSVP

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

RSVP

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

Sorry Guys! - Silicon Nation is taking a break and we will reconvene on July 27th with a special guest!

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

Jack Ryan currently serves as a Senior Program Manager in the Energy Portfolio at Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). Prior to his time at DIU he was the Program Manager for the Army SBIR Accelerator Program and has extensive experience working with and advising small non-traditional technology companies. Before his time in the defense innovation ecosystem, he spent 8 years leading commercial and government energy construction projects. Jack is a Navy veteran who served 5 years on active duty within the expeditionary warfare community. He attended Norwich University where he received his BS and MBA, as well as the University of Texas at Austin where he received an MS in Technology Commercialization.

RSVP

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

Sorry Guys! - Silicon Nation is taking a break and we will reconvene on July 13th with a special guest!

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

An entrepreneurial and innovative founder, investor and leader, Nick’s career has encompassed both the private and public sectors. Nick is currently a co-founder and General Partner at BBK Capital and serves in the Naval Reserves directing the Navy’s partnership with In-Q-Tel. He co-founded and led a start up to exit, led a team of teams at a public traded company, and was a Naval Aviator in the MH-60S Knighthawk and the Boeing C-40A Clipper flying over 3,500 flight hours globally. He has degrees from the United States Naval Academy and Harvard University.

RSVP

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

Selected startups will present innovations across defense & security, including AI, drones, autonomous systems, air defense, sensing & radar, and secure communications.

Invite-only for investors. Apply to attend:

• Online Pre-Demo Day May 7th, 2026

• In-Person, Menlo Park, June 11, 2026

• In-Person, Paris, June 16, 2026

• In-Person, Berlin, May 18, 2026

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

Dr. Daveed Gartenstein-Ross is the founder and CEO of ExpertTheory, a company pioneering new ways for organizations to train, test decisions, and build insight through its Immersive Exercise approach. ExpertTheory’s Exercises are used by major tech firms; the U.S., Canadian, and Swedish governments; and leading universities. ExpertTheory is also making this approach scalable through its proprietary AI platform. ExpertTheory’s platform won the Defense Simulation Education and Training 2025 conference’s Business Audience Game Award. Before building ExpertTheory, Daveed spent two decades as a practitioner in the national security space. During this time, he served as an expert witness in major terrorism-related trials; worked on live hostage negotiations; led training for members of the military and law enforcement; and served as the lead drafter of DHS’s 2019 Strategic Framework for Countering Terrorism and Targeted Violence. The author of over thirty books and monographs, he holds a Ph.D. in world politics from The Catholic University of America and a J.D. from the New York University School of Law.

RSVP

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

Canada’s experiences in the drone industry have so far been a sore spot for Canadian policymakers, who have had to reckon with the RCMP grounding many Chinese-made drones due to security concerns. Researching this piece, the author found that Chinese-made drones are still widely used by civilian agencies in Canada, and that the Canadian government does not share concerns in the US about Chinese technology and is instead closer to the EU mindset where defense purchases from the US, China and middle powers like European countries, Korea and Japan, can balance each other out. But what about making drones domestically, in Canada? Experts have told the author of this report that there is a great deal of interest in Canada’s ability to manufacture its own drones, especially for military use.

Dan Magy is one of the biggest names in the drone industry in the US, as CEO and co-founder of Firestorm Labs.

“I think the big focus is going to be the Arctic,” Magy said, in a phone interview with the author about the Canadian drone industry. “I think sovereignty… a desire to localize production of drones and counter-drones system… I think you’re going to see a lot of that language coming out of Ottawa. If we’re going to increase our GDP spend, how are we going to keep the most of that money in Canadian made or Canadian manufactured systems.”

In Canada, many experts are starting to say the same thing. This is especially urgent timing to Canadian proponents of the drone industry, as Carney has just last month announced that Canada has finally reached its 2% (of GDP) spending target for defense.

Sergiy Slipchenko is an Ottawa-based journalist and editor for the Lobby Monitor, a publication run by the Ottawa Hill Times.

“Drones is really the big, hot topic,” Slipchenko said, in a phone interview with the author. “If you’re looking to get a decent-sized investment from the government, drones is pretty good. Especially the East Coast, there’s a huge focus on drones right now of all kinds.”

“They’re working on reconnaissance drones, this is very new, we don’t have a well-developed base for this,” Slipchenko added. “I think pretty much everyone is touting it as the future of warfare. There is a big interest in it from the government, we’re looking at a lot of options for Canada to invest in, expand and have our own manufacturing capabilities.”

Mubin Shaikh is an international expert advisor on counterterrorism, AI, and drones. Shaikh is based in Toronto. Shaikh says that building drones domestically or not, an obstacle will be ensuring that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are well-trained enough to operate those drones.

The author met Shaikh for a phone interview, and the following quote was in an email follow-up:

“While true that CANSOF has improved, the same cannot be said on CAF level,” Shaikh explained. “Large primes will continue to manufacture items for defence at large, including drones. Universities are now also making knowledge and research available, including CAF/NATO research and innovation entities (think, the “iDEaS” program). Still, at the unit level across regular and reserve forces, this basic training is not yet available.”

Will Canada be the next frontier for the drone industry, as Canadian companies, especially Eastern Canada-based companies, refocus on domestically-made drone technology? Or will Canada miss this opportunity to pursue sovereignty, industry relevance and opportunities for youth, even during a huge increase in defense spending?

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

RSVP

The dial in information will be sent out to all registrants just prior to the event. These are always free to attend.

A little bit about Pete…

Pete O’Dell is the Chief Executive Officer of Perdata.ai, a startup addressing the loneliness epidemic by helping people make friends based on shared interests and passions. Before founding Perdata, he served in the C-Suite for a number of high growth startups and was president of retail products for Autodesk. He serves as a Director of Swan Island Networks Inc, a global open-source intelligence provider he helped found after 9/11. He is the author of Silver Bullets (interoperable data) and Cyber 24/7: Risks, Leadership & Sharing (board/executive focused). He has four years of military service in the United States Army and has a BA and MBA in Business. He’s a fanatical global fly fisherman and a poor golfer.

RSVP

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

Modern warfare runs on data. But many U.S. military aircraft are still flying with systems built decades ago—long before real-time data fusion, cloud computing, or AI-powered decision tools became standard. Now, the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is trying to fix that gap. Through a new solicitation, DIU is calling for a next-generation platform that can give aircrews something they’ve long lacked: a real-time, dynamic picture of the battlefield.

The Problem: Flying Blind in a Data-Driven War

Many U.S. mobility aircraft are decades old. While still operationally critical, they often lack modern communications systems and data integration capabilities. That creates serious limitations:

• Crews rely heavily on pre-mission planning

• Real-time updates are limited or delayed

• Retasking during missions is difficult

• Situational awareness is fragmented

In a modern battlespace—where threats evolve rapidly and data is constantly changing—this can put crews at a disadvantage. As the Pentagon shifts toward Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), the need for connected, data-driven platforms has become urgent.

The Solution: A Modular “Mission Engine”

DIU’s answer is a new concept called the Open Mission Engine (OMEN). Think of it as a plug-and-play platform that can integrate multiple data sources, applications, and tools into a single interface. According to the solicitation, OMEN should:

• Fuse disparate data feeds into one system

• Enable rapid deployment of new applications

• Use open APIs and a software development kit (SDK)

• Work across multiple platforms and devices

• Provide a commercial-grade user interface

The goal is to move away from rigid, proprietary systems and toward a flexible, software-defined architecture.

The First Use Case: A Tactical “Moving Map”

At the center of the effort is a new application: a Tactical Moving Map. This isn’t just a navigation tool. It’s envisioned as a live operational display that gives aircrews real-time awareness of:

• Friendly and allied forces

• Threats and contested areas

• Airspace activity

• Mission updates and changes

The system would combine data from both legacy systems and newer platforms, creating a unified operational picture. Critically, the map is designed to be “future-proof”, built on an open architecture that allows new capabilities to be added over time. This reflects a broader trend across defense: moving toward software-defined warfare, where capabilities can be updated continuously rather than through decades-long upgrade cycles.

The Data Challenge: Connecting the Battlefield

Building the interface is only part of the problem. The bigger challenge is data integration. DIU is asking vendors to connect and normalize data from multiple sources, including:

• The Air Force’s Battle Network

• Standard aviation data like NOTAM alerts

Vendors must demonstrate how their systems can:

• Ingest and process diverse data streams

• Normalize and standardize information

• Maintain performance in contested or degraded environments

That last point is key. Modern military operations often occur in DDIL environments—degraded, disrupted, intermittent, or limited communications—where connectivity cannot be assumed.

Beyond the Map: A Platform for Future Warfare

While the moving map is the first application, OMEN is intended to be much bigger. DIU is also seeking supporting technologies, including:

• Cloud-based processing systems

• Data synchronization tools

• Fleet management platforms

• Cybersecurity solutions

These components would enable a broader ecosystem of mission applications—essentially turning OMEN into a digital backbone for aircraft operations. This aligns with Pentagon-wide modernization efforts, including:

• Software-defined radios

• Open architecture avionics

• Commercial off-the-shelf displays

• Sensor fusion initiatives

Programs like the Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) are already working toward similar goals.

Why This Matters: Speed and Adaptability

The DIU effort reflects a fundamental shift in how the military thinks about technology. Instead of building monolithic systems that take years to deploy, the Pentagon is increasingly focused on:

• Rapid prototyping

• Iterative development

• Open systems architecture

• Commercial technology integration

This approach mirrors broader trends in defense innovation, where organizations like DIU are working to bring Silicon Valley–style development practices into the military.

If successful, OMEN could:

• Improve survivability for aircrews

• Enable faster decision-making

• Allow real-time mission adaptation

• Reduce reliance on outdated systems

What Happens Next?

DIU is currently soliciting proposals, with bids due in mid-April. If a prototype proves successful, the Pentagon could move directly to production—without a traditional competitive bidding process—a mechanism designed to accelerate deployment. That alone signals urgency.

The Bigger Picture

The “moving map” effort is about more than just upgrading cockpit displays. It’s part of a larger transformation:

Turning legacy military platforms into connected, software-enabled systems. As warfare becomes increasingly data-driven, the ability to see, understand, and act on real-time information may be just as important as the aircraft itself. And for aircrews flying decades-old platforms, that transformation can’t come soon enough.

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!

Europe is moving aggressively to speed up how defense technology gets built, tested, and deployed—and its latest move signals a clear shift in strategy. The European Commission has unveiled a new €115 million ($131 million) initiative called AGILE, a pilot fund designed to dramatically shorten the path from research to real-world military use. At its core, AGILE is about one thing: speed. And that’s no accident.

Why AGILE — and Why Now?

The launch of AGILE reflects a growing realization across Europe: traditional defense procurement is too slow for modern warfare.

The war in Ukraine has made that painfully clear. Rapid iteration of drones, software, and battlefield technologies has proven decisive, highlighting the need for faster innovation cycles (see how Ukraine has adapted drone warfare: https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2023/07/05/ukraine-is-revolutionising-the-way-drones-are-used-in-war).

In response, the EU is rethinking how it funds and deploys defense tech.

What the AGILE Fund Actually Does

AGILE is designed to bridge the gap between innovation and deployment, focusing on emerging technologies that are increasingly central to modern defense:

• Artificial intelligence

• Quantum technologies

• Autonomous and uncrewed systems

The program will primarily support startups, SMEs, and scale-ups, recognizing that many of today’s most important breakthroughs are happening outside traditional defense contractors.

Unlike slower legacy funding programs, AGILE introduces several key changes:

⚡ Faster funding timelines

Projects could receive funding in as little as four months—a dramatic improvement over typical EU grant timelines.

💰 Full cost coverage

The fund can cover up to 100% of eligible costs, lowering barriers for early-stage companies.

🚀 Rapid deployment goals

Technologies supported by AGILE are expected to reach military users within one to three years.

🔄 Flexible financing

Companies can even claim certain expenses incurred before applying, helping reduce early financial risk.

In total, the fund is expected to support 20–30 high-impact projects.

Two Tracks: Build Fast, Deliver Faster

AGILE’s structure reflects a modern approach to defense innovation, focusing on both creation and deployment.

1. Mission-driven development
   Supporting disruptive technologies designed to meet specific defense needs.

2. Delivery and scaling
   Ensuring those technologies actually reach end users—whether that’s military units, defense agencies, or broader security markets.

This dual-track model is designed to solve a long-standing problem: great ideas that never make it out of the lab.

Europe’s Defense Startup Boom

AGILE isn’t happening in a vacuum.

According to the European Commission, more than 200 defense-focused startups have emerged across Europe in recent years, fueled by rising geopolitical tensions and increased venture capital investment.

This mirrors trends seen globally. Defense tech is no longer dominated solely by traditional primes—it’s increasingly shaped by:

• Software-first companies

• Dual-use startups

• Venture-backed innovators

Europe is now trying to build its own version of that ecosystem—while maintaining stronger regulatory oversight and strategic autonomy (more on Europe’s “digital sovereignty” push: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/europes-digital-sovereignty-agenda/).

A Cultural Shift: Speed, Risk, and Collaboration

Perhaps the most important aspect of AGILE isn’t the funding—it’s the mindset.

The European Commission has made it clear that the old model of slow, risk-averse procurement is no longer viable.

“Agility, speed, collaboration and risk-taking should become the new normal in defense capability development in Europe.”

That’s a significant cultural shift for a region historically known for longer development timelines and complex procurement rules.

The goal now is to combine:

• Startup speed and experimentation

• Industrial scale from established defense firms

This hybrid approach mirrors lessons from Ukraine and aligns with NATO’s increasing emphasis on innovation ecosystems (see NATO’s innovation efforts: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_184303.htm).

What Happens Next?

AGILE is still a pilot program.

The European Commission will submit formal legislation to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union for approval. If adopted, the fund is expected to launch in early 2027.

But even before it becomes operational, AGILE signals something bigger:

Europe is no longer just talking about defense innovation—it’s restructuring how it happens.

The Bigger Picture

AGILE is part of a broader global trend.

Across the U.S., Europe, and beyond, governments are racing to:

• Shorten development cycles

• Integrate AI and software into defense systems

• Partner more closely with startups

• Reduce dependence on legacy procurement models

In short, defense is becoming a technology-first industry.

And Europe is making a clear bet: the countries that can build, test, and deploy fastest will define the future of security.

Silicon Nation has partnered with Startup.inc in order to bring together investors in the dual-use defense technology space for exciting investment opportunities.

Sign up here to be invited to a webinar to learn more about how to get involved as an investor.

Get Invited to the Investor Webinar

Explore the Platform

Check out this 30 Day Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

Go beyond Washington DC’s history and get a taste of its whiskey-making history with this self-guided tasting pass. Enjoy 30 days to visit several of the capital city’s top distilleries and enjoy tastings, cocktails, or discounts at each one.

Washington D.C. Whiskey Tasting Pass

a special thanks to our strategic partners:

need a lobbyist? (be sure to mention Silicon Nation as the referral!)

raising money?

bidding on contracts?

looking for a job in tech?

If you are interested in partnering with Silicon Nation, please let us know. We have opportunities for corporate outreach via our podcast, live events, virtual events and newsletter.

Learn More

If you can’t make it to a virtual happy hour on a Monday or one of our other special events, no worries! Check out the podcast, at 40 episodes and counting, to hear from amazing people!

Suggest a virtual happy hour guest or podcast guest via LinkedIn!