About the Event
On Thursday, January 7, 2021, DHS and FedTech hosted a virtual event for the launch of the Homeland Security Startup Studio and a discussion on how to "Find Your Greatness."
This exciting virtual event featured:
- Keynote address by Robert Burns, the Executive Director of the Office of Innovation & Collaboration at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate
- Fireside Chat with Dave Copps, a serial entrepreneur and the Founder of Worlds.io, moderated by Business Insider journalist Jennifer Ortakales
The event was the Kickoff for the inaugural Homeland Security Startup Studio. The Homeland Security Startup Studio is designed to accelerate and deliver commercial applications of technologies from DHS laboratories and research centers to meet homeland security needs.
Agenda
2:30 p.m. / 1430 ET
Opening
Welcome Remarks
2:40 p.m. / 1440 ET
Keynote Address
Robert Burns - Executive Director, Innovation & Collaboration Science & Technology Directorate, U.S. Department Of Homeland Security
2:50 p.m. / 1450 ET
Venture Spotlight
Dave Copps - Serial Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO, Worlds.io
Jennifer Ortakales - Entrepreneurship Reporter for Business Insider
3:30 p.m. / 1530 ET
Closing
Closing Discussion and Audience Q&A
About the Speakers
Robert Burns
Executive Director, Office of Innovation & Collaboration
DHS Science & Technology Directorate
Mr. Robert “Bob” P. Burns assumed his current role as the Executive Director of Innovation and Collaboration (I&C) in June 2019 after serving as the Principal Director of I&C since October 2018. OIC, located within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), is an organizational bridge connecting critical DHS enterprise requirements with other government agencies, industry, academia, and international partners to collaboratively research and deliver a variety of influential and ground-breaking solutions for a safer and more resilient America. Mr. Burns was previously the Deputy Director of the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA).
Prior to this role, he established and served as the Director of the Apex Technology Engines. Prior to transitioning to S&T, Mr. Burns spent more than 18 years with American Systems Corporation, ending his tenure as the Director of the Weapons and Combat Systems Directorate. Mr. Burns received a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering and Military Sciences from the U.S Naval Academy and served in the U.S. Navy for 5 years.
OIC, located within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), is an organizational bridge connecting critical DHS enterprise requirements with other government agencies, industry, academia and international partners to collaboratively research and deliver a variety of influential and ground-breaking solutions for a safer and more resilient America. As such, OIC oversees R&D efforts through the Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, Industry Partnerships, International Partnerships, Office of National Laboratories, and University Programs
Dave Copps
Serial Entrepreneur, Chief Executive Officer at Worlds
Dave Copps is known internationally as a futurist, technologist and visionary on the role that emerging technologies will play in transforming markets and the world. Dave has founded, launched and sold two technology companies that have placed machine learning and artificial intelligence in hundreds of companies around the world. In 2017 Dave was recognized as Emerging Company CEO of the Year in Texas while serving as CEO of Brainspace Corporation which was acquired by Cyxtera in 2017.
Dave received his BA from the University of North Texas.
Jennifer Ortakales
Journalist, Business Insider
Jennifer is a journalist in New York City. She currently covers entrepreneurship for Business Insider, the largest business news site in the US.
Jennifer obtained her bachelor's degree in journalism at Emerson College, with minors in publishing and art history.