In the riveting EP031 of "The Startup Defense," host Callye Keen engages with Eric Frahm from Gallium Solutions. This episode unveils the transformative trends in defense innovation, focusing on the integration of commercial technology into national defense. They explore the significant role of dual-use technologies and the evolving landscape of defense startups. Frahm, with his insights from AFWERX to Gallium, offers a compelling view of the future of defense innovation and its impact on national security.

Topic Highlights:

[00:00] Introduce Eric Frahm
Callye Keen introduces Eric Frahm, founder of Gallium Solutions, where Eric and his team are focused on making government collaboration affordable, accessible, and achievable.

[02:03] Venture Capital in Defense Innovation
Frahm notes the growing interest of venture capitalists in defense-focused startups, indicating a mature and investable ecosystem where dual-use technologies are gaining prominence.

[08:18] Navigating the Government Innovation Ecosystem
Frahm reflects on the progress in understanding government processes within the defense innovation space, highlighting a shift from basic knowledge to a more sophisticated grasp of complex government systems, as observed at the Fed Supernova conference. This evolution indicates a deeper, more effective engagement of companies with government entities in defense innovation.

[18:16] Government as a Catalyst in Technological Advancement
The conversation debunks the notion of the government merely being a customer, instead highlighting its pivotal role in driving technological advancements, especially in defense.

[21:17] Prospects of Defense Innovation
Eric provides a future outlook on defense innovation, predicting an accelerated pace of change and the necessity for operational transformation to fully harness emerging technologies.

[29:40] The Critical Role of Manufacturing in Defense
A discussion on the indispensability of manufacturing technology and resilience in national security, stressing the need for a robust industrial base to support and sustain defense requirements.

[31:29] Guidance for Startups in Defense Space
Offering practical advice, Eric urges startups in the defense sector to seriously consider the complexities of government contracting and the importance of strategic planning and team building in this niche.

Parting Thought:

"In the defense space, if you think there's a shortcut, you're heading towards a brick wall." - Eric Frahm emphasizes the importance of respecting the process and commitment in the defense innovation sector.

Callye Keen - Kform

https://kform.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/

Eric Frahm - Gallium Solutions

With a successful 20+ year Air Force career focused on aviation and revolutionizing military operations and technology, Eric is focused on sharing his extensive knowledge with our team and clients. Eric was a founding member of the AFWERX Austin team and played a pivotal role in remaking the Air Force’s SBIR process. Eric became a master at crossing the “technology valley of death” between R&D and transition in the government. Today, he’s a mentor at startup accelerators across the country and a frequent public speaker. As our Strategic Advisor, Eric creates broad client strategy, identifies government opportunities, and helps set client efforts apart from the competition.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-frahm/

https://www.galliumsolutions.co/