Callye Keen interviews Tony Williams from the Army Applications Lab (AAL) about the innovation and disruption happening within the defense industry. They discuss the necessity of the defense sector to move faster by collaborating with startups, the importance of funding and contracts for startups, the rising interest in defense innovation, and the challenges faced in measuring the impact of emerging technology startups.

Topic Highlights:

00:00 - Introducing Tony Williams
Callye Keen introduces Tony Williams, representing the Army Applications Lab (AAL), a pivotal entity that plays a major role in defense innovation.

04:09 - Change in VC Interest
Silicon Valley has a growing interest in the Defense Industry. Tony provides insights on how the VC community is looking into funding more defense startups.

10:02 - Highlighting Start-ups and Solving Real Problems
Tony highlights start-ups he’s currently working with. Emphasizing the value of solving real world problems. He shares the story of equipping a private with VR goggles to make his job more efficient.

15:24 - Startups Involved in Big Problems
Callye shares how in the past, it was difficult for startups to get involved. Now, smaller firms can get their foot in the door and participate.

21:03 - Even Transformative Tech Start-ups Need a Business Plan
Tony shares his thoughts on why having a plan for funding is critical for start-ups. Knowing where investment capital is coming from will help you avoid the valley of death.

30:58 - Changing Defense with Silicon Valley Approach
Tony Williams shares insights from his past working with Ash Carter, former Secretary of Defense, on how the Silicon Valley startup model can revolutionize the defense sector by accelerating technology deployment.

Callye Keen - Kform

https://kform.com/

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

https://youtube.com/@kforminc

https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen

Tony Williams - Army Applications Lab (AAL)

Army Applications Laboratory https://aal.army/

LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/army-applications-laboratory/

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/aal_innovation

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aal_innovation/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtVIvsxTjCk5n_VBbN89fXQ

Mr. Williams is currently a Sr. Program Manager at Jacobs Engineering after formerly serving as a GS-15 federal program officer with the United States Postal Service as the Director of the Western US for Design and Construction managing a project portfolio of over $200M and staff of 100+ personnel. Learn more about Tony through his LinkedIn profile.