IQT Explains: The Defense Tech Boom

The US is racing to build AI infrastructure, but is the grid ready to keep up?Russell Ross is joined by Varun Sivaram, founder and CEO of Emerald AI, to explore why electricity, not chips or land, is the binding constraint on America's AI buildout. Varun explains how Emerald's Conductor platform makes data centers flexible, controllable power assets, unlocking existing grid capacity so more AI infrastructure can come online faster, without costly new transmission or higher bills for local communities.The conversation covers what it takes to build trust with utilities, regulators, and communities; how power-flexible AI can turn data centers from perceived villains into local assets; and why the same technology that speeds grid connections at home is also dual-use, from naval vessels to forward operating environments, making it a critical capability for the national security mission.

What if the future of maritime power wasn't about bigger ships, but smarter software?In this episode of IQT Explains, Managing Partner Jon Chait is joined by Paul Lwin, CEO of HavocAI and decorated Naval Flight Officer, to explore how collaborative autonomous systems are transforming military and commercial operations across land, air, and sea. From Ukraine to the Strait of Hormuz, Jon and Paul break down how asymmetric maritime power can change the tide of a conflict.The conversation covers the demand signals startups should look for, how multi-domain operations are shaping Havoc's product design, and why the next wave of maritime innovation is as much a software story as a hardware one.

Private capital is flowing into defense and national security startups, but will government systems keep pace?In this episode, A.J Bertone is joined by Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of NVCA, to discuss how nuanced policy issues can affect capital formation, why acquisition reform is critical for defense-focused entrepreneurs, and why the next few years may be especially important for turning investor momentum into real mission impact. 

What if military infrastructure could be built faster, smarter, and better, using robotics instead of legacy construction methods?Sameer Punyani is joined by Bella Jones of ICON and Peter Park from IQT to explore how large-scale robotic 3D printing is transforming military infrastructure. From modernizing barracks to building durable structures in remote and contested environments, ICON is redefining what’s possible when construction meets autonomy, software, and design innovation.The conversation dives into how commercial innovation fuels public-sector impact, why better buildings matter for readiness and retention, and how IQT helps bridge cutting-edge startups with national security missions.

Imagine a supply chain built not on smokestacks and solvents, but on cells. A shortage flares, and instead of waiting months for shipments to clear ports, a ten‑day microbial run delivers critical ingredients at home. The same biological tools that ferment beer pull rare earth elements from complex feedstocks—cleanly, quickly, and at cost. That shift is already underway. Host Michelle Rozo sits down with Eugene Chiu, Christina Smolke, and Nathan Ratledge to trace how engineered biology is moving active pharmaceutical ingredient production back to the U.S. and rewiring mineral separation with proteins that can tell neighboring elements apart. The stakes are concrete: fewer single‑point failures, less exposure to geopolitical shocks, and a path to resilient, distributed manufacturing. Together they examine what’s working—and what isn’t—across the ecosystem: startups translating lab wins into commercial runs, investors backing platforms over point solutions, and public agencies funding scale while navigating regulation. They surface the bottlenecks that still slow progress—biomanufacturing infrastructure, inputs like resins, and the need for faster approvals—and outline the policies and partnerships that could unlock capacity at speed. From medicines to minerals, the conversation shows how biology can anchor U.S. industrial strength and why execution now will determine who leads the next era of innovation and security.

A smartphone lights up in your hand. Inside it, rare earth elements and critical minerals quietly power the technology we rely on every day, from defense systems to medical devices. As global supply chains tighten, prices fluctuate, processing concentrates in single regions, and both national security and daily life feel the strain. In this episode of IQT Explains, host Jon Chait, Managing Partner at IQT, talks with Russ Ross, VP of Technology at IQT, and Sahil Tapiwala, CEO of Atomionics, about how critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths shape the economy, the clean-energy transition, and U.S. security. They follow the path from exploration and feedstock to refining and metallization, revealing where today’s biggest challenges and opportunities lie. The conversation highlights quantum sensing and AI-driven resource mapping, including Atomionics’ use of quantum gravimeters to locate underground mineral deposits faster and more precisely. Learn how strategic investment, recycling innovation, and resilient supply chains can reduce dependency on foreign processing and strengthen U.S. leadership. If you want a clear, accessible look at how technology, business, and science intersect to secure the materials behind modern innovation, this episode connects it all.

Welcome to the IQT Podcast. In this continuation, host Clayton Williams, Managing Director of IQT’s London office, continues the conversation with Lorenz Meier, Co-founder and CEO of Auterion, and Rob Rainhart, Auterion’s Chief Operating Officer. Building on part one, the conversation examines the significant role of drones in modern warfare and defense technology. Highlighting impressive figures—such as Ukraine increasing monthly drone production from 20,000 to 200,000 units and aiming for millions more—this episode investigates the rapid expansion of drone deployment and the innovations driving it. Lorenz recounts his experiences leading operations in Kyiv and how Auterion’s agile engineering and quick iteration have reshaped battlefield dynamics. Rob discusses the global shift in defense strategies influenced by developments in Ukraine, affecting regions from the U.S. and Europe to Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific. For those interested in the progression of AI, drones, and defense technology, this episode offers valuable perspectives on innovation in action.

Welcome back to The IQT Podcast. In this episode, Clayton Williams of IQT's London office speaks with Lorenz Meier, co-founder and CEO of Auterion, and Rob Rainhart, Auterion’s Chief Operating Officer. They explore the remarkable evolution of autonomous systems and drone technology — an area that’s rapidly reshaping the future of defense. Lorenz and Rob share the story of how Auterion grew from an open source student project into a powerhouse in drone autonomy. They also offer a unique perspective on how the company has bridged commercial innovation and defense applications, navigating a fast-changing market and shifting global demands. Watch as they unpack the challenges of operating in a dual-use tech space, the regulatory forces at play, and how conflicts like the war in Ukraine have driven urgency and innovation in the drone ecosystem. Whether you’re tracking the future of autonomy or curious about the intersection of startups and defense, this conversation offers an inside look at how Auterion is helping shape what’s next.

Welcome to the IQT Podcast. In this episode of "IQT Explains," we explore asymmetric deterrence — a strategic approach in modern defense that emphasizes quantity, innovation, and resilience over traditional firepower, led by our host, Kevin Schaeffer.  Joining him are Kevin Wepasnick, a senior technology architect and drone systems enthusiast, and Sameer Punyani, a national security expert with extensive experience at the Department of Defense (DoD). Together, they examine the transition from costly, singular defense systems to networks of affordable, adaptable technologies. The discussion covers topics such as domestic manufacturing challenges, battery supply chains, and the intricacies of military doctrine and logistics.  This episode highlights the evolving nature of modern warfare and offers insights for technologists, policy analysts, and those interested in national security. Discover how startups, policy developments, and lessons from history and fiction are influencing the future of global security.    Key Takeaways:  - The Power of Many: Asymmetric Deterrence Unpacked  - Manufacturing at Scale: America’s Critical Challenge  - Doctrine and Doctrine: Bridging Rhetoric and Reality  - Interoperability and Modularity: The Path to True Scale  - Startups as Catalysts: The Innovation Engine  - Winning Through Agility, Not Just Might  - The Cost Imbalance: An Urgent Warning  - The Art of the Possible: Our Call to Action    Featured in this episode:  Kevin Schaeffer  Senior Vice President, Advanced Systems Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-schaeffer-39a4404/   Kevin Wepasnick Senior Technology Architect, Advanced Systems LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwepasnick/    Sameer Punyani  Senior Director, Growth Partnerships LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameer-punyani-69b6a85/      IQT Website: https://www.iqt.org/  

Welcome to another episode of The IQT Podcast! Today, we’ll examine the potential future of wireless technology and how it can enhance national security. Our guests, Dr. Tom Rondeau, Principal Director for the DoD’s FutureG Office, and Dr. Nate Roberts, Senior Technology Architect at IQT, will discuss the evolution from 1G to 5G and explore the exciting possibilities of 6G, including its role in digital transformation and advanced sensing capabilities. Tune in to discover how these advancements will shape the future of telecommunications and what lies ahead for 6G technology.   Key Topics - Transition from 1G to 5G Technology - Developments in 6G Technology - Future of Wireless Communication - Economic Implications of Wireless Advancements - Considerations for National Security - Advanced Sensing Capabilities - Innovations in Telecommunications   Featured in this Episode Pat Mitchell Research Manager LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-j-mitchell/   Dr. Thomas Rondeau Principal Director for FutureG LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasrondeau/   Dr. Nathan Roberts Senior Technology Architect LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertsnathan/