The Defense TechConnect Innovation Summit, in conjunction with the SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference was recently held in National Harbor. There was concern about how the government shut down would affect Federal agency attendance. There were some scrambles to make agenda changes, but the keynote addresses went on as planned. Notably Dr. Matt Willis, the Director of Army FUZE, provided some useful insights on what is needed for the Department of War (DoW, formerly DoD) to maintain dominance in technical innovation.
Dr. Willis emphasized three points Army FUZE is focused on:
- The first is Speed to getting technology out to field experimentation.
- He described a recent Xtech Disrupt program that facilitated eight companies in getting their technologies out in the field for soldier use and feedback within 20 days.
- The second is Automation.
- This includes but is not limited to AI technologies. They are looking at technologies like smart weapons, technologies that enhance situational awareness, and can reduce the cognitive load that soldiers experience in stressful environments.
- The third is Collaboration.
- They are looking for strong partnerships and cooperation amongst government, industry, and academia to solve problems and get solutions to the war fighter.
If you would like to learn more about the Army FUZE program, you can find information at their website.
