Ep 21: Building a Startup Inside the Pentagon with Chris Kirchhoff

In this episode of "Crossing the Valley," host Noah Sheinbaum sits down with Christopher Kirchhoff, a key figure in defense innovation and co-author of the new book "Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley are Transforming the Future of War."

Join us as Chris shares insights from his experience as Obama's director for strategic planning at the National Security Council and his role in establishing the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx). Discover how DIU-X has become a vital link between Silicon Valley and the U.S. Department of Defense, helping to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and military applications.

Chris reflects on the early days of defense innovation, the challenges faced in integrating commercial technology into warfighting, and the lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He also discusses the evolving relationship between the Pentagon and venture capital, the importance of fostering innovation within the defense sector, and what it takes for startups to succeed in this unique market.

Whether you're interested in defense, technology, or organizational change, this episode is packed with valuable insights and stories that highlight the transformative power of innovation in national security.

Don't forget to pick up a copy of "Unit X" to dive deeper into these critical topics:
https://www.amazon.com/Unit-Pentagon-...

Timestamps:
02:24-05:38: General Dempsey's Eye-Opening Ride in Google's Self-Driving Car
05:38-07:45: The Three Goals of DIU
16:51-21:25: DIU 3.0: Refocusing on Operational Impact with Increased Budget
21:25-23:10: Lessons from DARPA's History for New AI Initiatives in Government
24:10-25:34: The Future of Aircraft Carriers and the Navy's Reluctance to Adapt
27:07-30:11: Lessons Learned from the War in Ukraine for the U.S. Military and Defense Industry
30:15-33:08: Success Stories to Date
33:29-36:23: Reinventing the Defense Industrial Base for Innovation