MEMBERS ONLY – Discussion w/Dr. Jason Rathje

Dr. Rathje will discuss how OSC intends to bridge the so-called “valley of death” that has long plagued the Pentagon’s ability to adopt new technology and keep pace with innovation. Established in December 2022, OSC will develop and execute strategies to increase private capital flow to companies developing critical technologies important to national security — things like artificial intelligence, biotech and quantum computing — and will work in partnership with other agencies across the federal government to accomplish that mission.

“We are in a global competition for leadership in critical technologies, and the Office of Strategic Capital will help us win that competition and build enduring national security advantages,” said Secretary Austin. “By working with the private capital markets and by partnering with our federal colleagues, OSC will address investment gaps and add a new tool to the Department’s investment toolbox.” The formation came after years of growing concern in the national security community about the wide availability of adversarial capital and the corresponding lack of trusted capital in critical technology sectors. The Defense Department has struggled to transition technology from the commercial sector to military users. Organizations like the Defense Innovation Unit and the Air Force’s AFWERX help create partnerships between these companies and the Pentagon, but OSC’s focus is on directing seed funding to increase investment in deep technology areas steeped in science and engineering advances.

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT – Contact Jennifer Giglio for information.