Igniting Innovation for Startups & Entrepreneurs

Acquisition Reform: Accelerating Government Access to Innovative Technologies

In 2025, under the Trump Administration, the federal government's acquisition landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, emphasizing agility, innovation, and efficiency. These reforms, particularly within the Department of Defense (DoD), represent a pivotal shift away from legacy processes toward a model that mirrors the rapid pace of commercial technological advancement. Most notably, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's April 30, 2025 directive ordering a comprehensive Army transformation and acquisition reform initiative highlights the urgency of these changes.

From Prototype to Purchase Order: The Readiness Staircase Guide for Deep Tech Founders

Deep tech startups, unlike traditional tech companies, originate from extensive scientific research and face the challenge of creating new markets for complex products. A strategic go-to-market (GTM) plan is crucial from the start, encompassing how the problem is presented, the audience targeted, the brand positioned, and the value demonstrated. This article outlines the essential components of a GTM strategy for deep tech ventures, highlighting common obstacles and best practices for transitioning from research to market.

A Q&A with FedTech alum John Sanwo, CEO and Founder of WearableDose, Inc.

We sat down with WearableDose CEO and Founder, John Sanwo, to discuss his experience in the DETS program, the company’s partnership with NNSA, and what’s next for the company.

Why a Chief AI Officer Isn’t Enough: Strengthening AI Governance for Responsible Implementation in Federal Agencies

In this article, we explore the rise of contextual AI platforms—systems that retain user interactions and learn over time—in federal agencies and examine the significant compliance, security, and privacy implications accompanying their adoption. While these tools promise efficiency gains by reducing repetitive tasks and providing more personalized support, they also raise questions about data retention, FOIA obligations, and the risks of unauthorized access. We highlight real-world lessons from agencies like the Air Force and GAO, demonstrating both the potential benefits and the pitfalls. Ultimately, a single Chief AI Officer cannot manage these challenges alone; a broader governance framework including cross-functional committees, structured policies, stringent safety and security controls, and mandatory user training, like NIST’s 2024 AI Risk Management Framework, is essential for the responsible implementation of AI in federal environments.

Trident Systems Recognized with 2025 Northrop Grumman Supplier Excellence Award

Trident Systems, a LightRidge Solutions company and an Army Applied SBIR Cohort Charlie 2022 alumnus, has been honored with Northrop Grumman’s Supplier Excellence Award for Strategic Excellence. This recognition highlights Trident’s dedication to providing forward-thinking, cost-effective military and security solutions that address today’s most demanding challenges. Building on its SBIR program foundations and recent acquisition by LightRidge Solutions, Trident Systems continues to strengthen its foothold in the multi-function space electronics and integrated C4ISR market through a robust industry presence and strategic partnerships.

Helping NASA Sell Some of It’s Great Inventions, Even if That Wasn’t the Original Intent