The Dual-Use Debate: Crafting Smarter Startups from the Start | The Pair Program Ep60
Today on The Pair Program, we’re joined by Gene Kesselman, Director of Mission Innovation Experimentation at MIT, and Jake Chapman, Managing Director at Marque Ventures. Together, they dive into the evolving landscape of dual-use technology and the future of defense innovation. Gene and Jake explore opportunities, tough realities, and bold reforms shaping tech development for mission and market impact.
Some of what we dive into:
- Why dual-use strategy is more than just a category
- Common pitfalls startups face in defense tech
- How venture capital sees national security innovation
- The critical role of non-dilutive funding and SBIR programs
- Urgent reforms needed in government acquisition and budgeting processes
Tune in for real-world insights and sharp debate!
About Gene Keselman: Gene is a Lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management, Executive Director of MIT Mission Innovation Experimental (MIx), and Managing Director of MIT’s venture studio, Proto Ventures. A seasoned entrepreneur and Air Force Colonel, he brings extensive expertise in innovation, defense, and dual-use technology strategy.
About Jake Chapman: Jake is the Managing Director of Marque Ventures, an early-stage venture firm focused on national security capabilities. He previously led a turnaround of the Department of Defense’s internal venture arm and serves as an adjunct at RAND, where he works at the intersection of finance and national security.
Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com