Silicon Valley and the Pentagon: Rebuilding America's AI Defense Edge, Fundings: Uvionix, AIKO, Tohoku Medical Systems
12 February 2025 - A Weekly Publication by New North Ventures
Boston Innovation Summit 2025: A Resounding Success
Despite snow and ice, the Boston Innovation Summit 2025 was a huge success, with a standing-room-only crowd, a 100-person waitlist, and an energy-filled post-event reception. The event highlighted the growing momentum behind dual-use technology companies—those that serve both commercial needs and the national interest.
From engaging discussions on maritime tech, cyber defense, and international collaboration, to the Startup Lightning Round showcasing the cutting edge of innovation, the event was filled with valuable insights and inspiration. We were thrilled to host such an engaged group of leaders, investors, and innovators shaping the future of national security and technology.
Key takeaways we’re reflecting on:
AI is no longer just for "AI companies"; it’s becoming a core element for all businesses.
With the rise of AI Agent hackers, how will cybersecurity evolve to meet the challenges in both commercial and defense sectors?
The $1B REPLICATOR initiative raises questions about a potential overhaul of the DOD acquisitions process.
The potential of autonomous robots in areas like the battlefield, maritime, and manufacturing hinges on the development of scalable coordination and communication software.
A big thank you to our speakers, panelists, and sponsor BAE Systems for making this event possible, and to all who joined us. We hope you left with new connections, fresh perspectives, and renewed excitement for dual-use innovation. For those interested in learning more about our investment thesis, feel free to reach out!
The Pentagon and Silicon Valley need to be friends again
In the quest for technological supremacy, artificial intelligence is becoming the backbone of modern warfare. But with mounting pressure from global adversaries, the U.S. must re-establish a strong connection between Silicon Valley and the Pentagon, says Alex Karp of Palantir in his recent book, The Technological Republic. The divide between these two sectors has widened over the years, leaving national defense behind in the race to leverage AI and autonomous systems.
Key Insights:
The Tech-Pentagon Disconnect: Tech companies have increasingly distanced themselves from government contracts, driven by moral concerns over developing warfare technologies. Meanwhile, the Pentagon’s outdated procurement system lags behind the fast pace of technological innovation.
The Need for Collaboration: Karp argues that for the U.S. to maintain its technological edge, the partnership between the tech industry and the military must be restored. It’s no longer just about consumer applications; it’s about national security.
A Moral and Strategic Alignment: While tech engineers resist working on military projects, Karp suggests a return to Silicon Valley’s roots of collaborating with the government to preserve global freedom and security.
The need to integrate emerging technologies into the defense sector has never been more critical. As the battlefield becomes increasingly virtual and AI-driven, we must ask: How can we bridge this gap to maintain the U.S. military’s competitive advantage? This challenge presents a unique opportunity for dual-use defense technologies, where innovation can serve both commercial and defense needs.
As a VC firm focused on dual-use tech, we’re actively supporting entrepreneurs who can help foster this necessary collaboration. Stay tuned for more insights and opportunities in this evolving landscape.
More links to explore:
Headlamp: Headlamp is thrilled to announce a new collaboration with KYOCERA AVX Components Corporation, a global leader in electronic components, to offer SkillBridge opportunities for transitioning service members. This partnership aims to harness the leadership, discipline, and technical skills of veterans, providing them with a seamless path to impactful civilian careers in engineering, technology R&D, and advanced manufacturing.
KYOCERA AVX, a subsidiary of Kyocera Corporation, is committed to innovation across industries such as 5G, IoT, aerospace, automotive, and defense. Their SkillBridge program, located in South Carolina, offers veterans hands-on experience in a cutting-edge, collaborative environment.
Headlamp will continue to support both veterans and employers throughout the transition, with their dedicated Career Liaison Officers (C-LNOs) ensuring successful placements. Together, they are helping veterans prepare for meaningful careers while driving technological advancements that benefit society.
Founded: 2024
Key People: CEO Boris Iskrev
Elevator Pitch: Developer of automated inventory management systems designed to optimize warehouse operations. The company's platform utilizes advanced AI and deep learning algorithms and drones to accurately scan and track inventory, providing real-time data on stock levels and locations, enabling businesses to streamline order fulfillment, minimize stockouts, and reduce overstocking costs, ultimately enhancing overall supply chain efficiency.
Funding: The company raised $3.5 million of seed funding in a deal led by PortfoLion and LAUNCHub Ventures on February 10, 2025.
Founded: 2017
Key People: CEO Lorenzo Feruglio
Elevator Pitch: Developer of artificial intelligence software products designed to automate specific aspects of a satellite mission, from payload data processing to planning and predictive maintenance.
Funding: The company raised EUR 4.15 million of Series A venture funding in a deal led by Primo Capital and Deep Ocean Capital on February 10, 2025.
Key People: CEO Kazuyo Ozeki
Founded: 2022
Elevator Pitch: Developer of medical equipment intended to use stroke rehabilitation robots for stroke sufferers. The company offers services in collaboration with universities to expand rehabilitation opportunities to even more people by utilizing robotics technology, enabling occupational therapists to use various medical devices to rehabilitate the joints.
Funding: The company raised an undisclosed amount of venture funding from Tohoku Life Sciences Impact Investment Limited Partnership on February 7, 2025.
In our most recent episode of the Securing the Future Podcast, general partner Jeremy Hitchcock sits down with Nicholas Fitzgerald a strategic advisor to global corporations, law and private-equity firms, sovereigns, and others facing high-stakes reputational, commercial, PR, regulatory, and policy challenges. Together, they dive into how commercial and national security sectors collaborate to drive innovation.
