Making the Case for Building Defense First
In the rapidly evolving landscape of dual-use technologies, where innovation straddles the commercial and defense sectors, the insights of Jake Chapman, Managing Director of Marque Ventures, resonate more than ever.
In an interview with SIGNAL Media, Chapman underscores the critical importance of prioritizing defense applications in the early stages of technology development citing the conventional path of seeking commercial success before venturing into the defense sector is fraught with delays.
"If you build for industry first and wait until you're successful there, it takes five to ten years to find the market fit," Chapman points out.
This approach, he argues, not only slows down the adoption of crucial technologies by the military but may also result in a capabilities gap that adversaries could exploit.
Chapman’s perspective is particularly poignant against the backdrop of global conflicts where the dual use of technology, such as drones, has become increasingly common. His stance is a call to innovators and entrepreneurs, urging them to consider the defense applicability of their products from the outset - an approach that not only accelerates the development of vital defense technologies, but also opens up direct engagement opportunities with Department of Defense (DoD) buyers.
By prioritizing the needs of warfighters and navigating the complex regulatory landscape of dual-use technology, startups can achieve success in the defense sector more swiftly and effectively.
In doing so, we can bridge the gap between commercial success and defense readiness, ensuring that technological advancements serve not only economic interests but also the imperatives of national security.