Emerging Tech Horizons

Dr. Arun Seraphin
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Physics
  • Twice monthly

ETI provides research and analyses to inform the development and integration of emerging technologies into the defense industrial base. This podcast will feature topics and speakers focusing on emerging technologies.

  1. 17 hr ago

    Modernizing Shipbuilding: Technology, Innovation, and the Future of the Maritime Industrial Base

    Emerging technology is reshaping how ships are designed, built, maintained, and sustained across the U.S. maritime industrial base. As the U.S. Navy works to modernize its fleet and increase shipbuilding production, shipbuilders are turning to digital engineering, advanced manufacturing, robotics, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and new approaches to acquisition and workforce development to deliver more capable ships faster and more efficiently. In this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, Dr. Arun Seraphin speaks with Admiral Rick Hunt, President of Fincantieri Marinette Marine and a member of NDIA’s Board of Directors, about the emerging technologies, digital engineering practices, advanced manufacturing processes, and workforce challengesshaping the future of American shipbuilding. Drawing on his 37 years of Navy experience and leadership in industry, Hunt discusses how emerging technology, robotics, automation, and AI-enabled capabilities can strengthen the U.S. maritime industrial base and accelerate the delivery of future naval capabilities. Key Topics Include: - Why increasing production speed and designing future warships for producibility must become priorities in modern shipbuilding. - The role of robotic welding, collaborative robots, automated panel lines, and other advanced manufacturing technologies in improving efficiency, safety, quality, and production capacity. - How digital ship design, digital engineering, and model-based engineering can improve consistency, maintainability, and collaboration across shipyards and manufacturing locations. - The importance of designing ships for readiness, maintainability, sustainability, and flexibility so they can adapt to emerging technologies, evolving missions, and future capability requirements. - How commercial shipbuilding practices and dual-use emerging technologies can inform innovation across the defense industrial base. - The changing relationship between traditional shipbuilders and non-traditional companies, particularly in the rapidly evolving unmanned maritime and autonomous systems sector. - How acquisition reform, multi-year contracting, and stronger demand signals could encourage industry investment in emerging technology and advanced shipbuilding capabilities and expand shipbuilding capacity. - The challenges facing the maritime workforce, from shortages of welders and skilled tradespeople to the need for more naval architects, engineers, and workers with digital engineering and advanced technology skills. Listen to this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons to explore how emerging technology, digital engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence are transforming the future of American shipbuilding and the U.S. maritime industrial base. NDIA Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org NDIA Emerging Technologies Conference: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications covering all things emerging tech, visit: ndiaeti.org   #EmergingTechnology #DigitalEngineering #Robotics #Shipbuilding #USNavy #DefenseInnovation #AdvancedManufacturing #MaritimeIndustry #DefenseIndustrialBase

  2. 2 Sept

    The Future of Unmanned Systems: Scaling Drone Autonomy for Defense

    Emerging technology is rapidly transforming unmanned systems, aviation, and defense operations. As autonomous technologies evolve from prototypes into systems that can be produced and deployed at scale, industry is rethinking how these platforms are designed, manufactured, and integrated into next-generation defense technology and mission capabilities. In this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, Dr. Arun Seraphin speaks with Paul Fermo, President of Robinson Unmanned, a recently introduced business unit of Robinson Helicopter Company and previously known as Ascent AeroSystems, about the rapidly evolving world of unmanned aviation and autonomous drone technology. Drawing on his experience as a naval aviator, requirements developer, and industry leader, Fermo discusses how autonomous systems are evolving the relationship between manned and unmanned platforms and what it will take to deliver reliable defense capabilities at scale. Key topics include: How smaller unmanned aircraft and drone systems are accelerating the pace of emerging technology development and creating new demands for agile manufacturing and production.The role of commercial and dual-use platforms in driving defense technology innovation, expanding applications, and creating opportunities to achieve greater production scale.How drones and unmanned aviation systems can support missions ranging from surveillance, search and rescue, and medical transport to contested logistics and casualty evacuation.The importance of modular, reliable, and upgradable unmanned platforms that allow operators to integrate new hardware and software as defense technologies evolve.How the Drone Dominance Program and advanced market commitments are helping push industry from emerging technology innovation toward industrialization, greater production capacity, and scalable drone capabilities.The convergence of artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, communications, and data exploitation in next-generation unmanned aviation and defense technology.The future of integrated, collaborative drone and autonomous systems in which multiple platforms work together and AI-enabled technologies help operators make faster, more informed decisions.Why multi-year purchasing signals could help industry make the long-term investments needed to build scalable unmanned aviation, drone, and defense capabilities.NDIA Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org NDIA Emerging Technologies Conference: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications covering all things emerging tech, visit: ndiaeti.org #RobinsonUnmanned #sUAS #UASEcosystem #DroneIndustrialBase #UnmannedSystems #AutonomousSystems #DefenseTechnology #EmergingTechnology

  3. 26 Aug

    Turning Emerging Technology Into Capability: ETC 2026 Preview

    That challenge is at the center of the 2026 Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference & Exhibition (ETC), taking place September 8–10 in Washington, D.C. In this special episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, NDIA's Jen Walsh, Director of Divisions, and Rachel Sutherland, Director of Public Relations and Communications, provide a preview of what attendees can expect at this year's conference. From senior Department of Defense leadership and combatant commands to industry innovators, engineers, acquisition professionals, and researchers, NDIA ETC brings together the organizations responsible for developing, integrating, funding, and fielding defense technology and next-generation capabilities. The episode also features Dr. Suzette Johnson, Chair of NDIA's Systems Engineering Division, who discusses how mission engineering, systems integration, digital engineering, and agile practices help transform emerging technology into mission-ready solutions that advance national security. This year's event features: Keynote presentations from senior defense leaders, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and senior officials from Research & Engineering and Acquisition & Sustainment.A classified program on September 8, bringing together experts to discuss emerging technology and national security challenges in a secure environment.The Global Defense Hackathon, where teams from government, industry, and academia collaborate on real-world defense innovation challenges.A new co-location with the Society of Defense Financial Management's Data Analytics and Decision Support Conference, connecting defense technology development with the acquisition and financial frameworks needed to field capabilities.Conference Registration: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org/registration   NDIA: https://www.ndia.org Emerging Tech Horizons Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5oQnv75FK5aCB0IeYAWVPon0C7Xa75sr&si=bLmHXoFhuLhA5WnM   Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8  And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: ndiaeti.org   #EmergingTechETI #ETC #DefenseInnovation #NationalSecurity #DefenseTechnology

  4. 19 Aug

    Reimagining the Defense Innovation Ecosystem: From Labs to the Warfighter

    The U.S. has no shortage of Emerging Technology and Defense Technology innovation, but getting that innovation into the hands of the Warfighter remains a challenge. As the pace of technological change accelerates, the Department of Defense (DoD) is rethinking how its research, development, and laboratory ecosystem can move faster and better connect Emerging Technology with operational needs and National Security priorities. In this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, Arun Seraphin sits down with Jacob Glassman, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies, to discuss the future of the defense innovation ecosystem and the role of the Department's laboratories in accelerating Defense Technology transition. Glassman shares insights from a recent review of the defense lab enterprise, including efforts to break down barriers to innovation, improve collaboration across laboratories, and get promising Emerging Technology to the Warfighter faster. Link to study: https://www.cto.mil/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Defense-Research-Enterprise-Review.pdf Key topics include: Why the Department needs to move beyond simply out-innovating adversaries and learn to continuously innovate faster than the pace of change on the battlefield, strengthening National Security.How government laboratories, FFRDCs, and university research centers can serve as critical bridges between Emerging Technology, industry, acquisition programs, and the Warfighter.The barriers preventing promising Defense Technology from moving from prototypes to scalable capabilities—and why the Department is strong at prototyping but struggles with scaling.How lowering barriers to entry can create opportunities for startups, entrepreneurs, and non-traditional innovators to work with defense laboratories and bring new Defense Technology and Emerging Technology into the National Security ecosystem.The untapped value of government intellectual property, advanced facilities, and technical expertise—and how better access and collaboration could generate greater returns on those investments and strengthen National Security.Workforce challenges facing the defense laboratory enterprise and the need to create new opportunities for younger technical talent to contribute to the future of Defense Technology and National Security.Glassman's "sprint" approach to solving problems through rapid experimentation, learning by doing, and quickly deciding whether to kill, pivot, or scale an effort.How initiatives such as LabFinder could improve access to government laboratory facilities, lower barriers for industry, and provide better data on facility utilization, helping accelerate Emerging Technology and Defense Technology development.NDIA Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org  NDIA Emerging Technologies Conference: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications covering all things emerging tech, visit: ndiaeti.org #Warfighter #EmergingTechnology #Departmentofdefense #DefenseTechnology #NationalSecurity

  5. 12 Aug

    How Faster Systems Integration Can Transform Defense Innovation

    Modern warfare depends on the ability to rapidly integrate emerging technology, sensors, software, and autonomous systems into existing military platforms. Yet despite years of modernization efforts, systems integration and interoperability remain some of the Department of Defense's greatest challenges, slowing defense innovation and making it difficult to keep pace with rapidly evolving threats. In this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, Dr. Arun Seraphin speaks with Travis Lambourne, Head of Sales at Skayl, about how new approaches to digital engineering and digital integration are helping the Defense Department modernize at the speed of need. They explore how reusable integration infrastructure, open architecture, and machine-readable data models can dramatically reduce integration timelines, lower costs, and enable warfighters to rapidly field new capabilities without relying on lengthy development cycles. Key topics include: Why systems integration remains one of the biggest obstacles to defense modernization and defense innovation—and how it affects innovation across the Defense Industrial Base.How reusable integration technologies can reduce integration time by up to 85%, eliminate repetitive hand coding, and make upgrades faster and more predictable.How new sensors and emerging technology can be integrated in minutes instead of weeks, enabling technology insertion at the speed of operational need.Why interoperability, open standards, open architecture, and modular system architectures are essential for extending the lifespan of military platforms while accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies.The policy, acquisition, and budgeting reforms needed to make integration a "first-class citizen" across the Department of Defense and fully realize the promise of MOSA and modern digital engineering. NDIA Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org  NDIA Emerging Technologies Conference: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org  Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more:  LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0  Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3  Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8  And for more podcasts, articles, & publications covering all things emerging tech, visit: ndiaeti.org  #MOSA #DefenseInnovation #DigitalEngineering #DefenseIndustrialBase #EmergingTechnology

  6. 5 Aug

    How AI and Quantum Computing Are Transforming Defense Cybersecurity

    Cybersecurity has become one of the most pressing challenges facing the Defense Industrial Base. As advanced cyber threats, next-generation technologies, and evolving digital warfare reshape the security landscape, organizations must move beyond traditional approaches and adopt new strategies to protect critical defense technologies, critical infrastructure, and supply chains. In this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, Dr. Arun Seraphin speaks with Vince Crisler, Chief Information Security Officer at Celerium, about the future of defense cybersecurity. They discuss how emerging cyber capabilities are changing both offensive and defensive operations, why community-based defense is emerging as a powerful model for protecting the Defense Industrial Base, and how organizations can prepare for the next generation of cyber threats. Key topics include: How machine-speed technologies are transforming cyber attacks and cyber defense, and why organizations must rethink cybersecurity at machine speed.Why community-based defense can help protect small and medium-sized defense contractors while strengthening the entire Defense Industrial Base.The cybersecurity implications of next-generation computing technologies and why organizations should begin preparing for post-quantum cryptography today.How automation and advanced analytics are reshaping the cybersecurity workforce by reducing repetitive work, improving threat analysis, and empowering professionals to focus on higher-value missions.NDIA Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org NDIA Emerging Technologies Conference: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more: LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0 Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3 Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications covering all things emerging tech, visit: ndiaeti.org #Cybersecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #QuantumComputing #DefenseIndustrialBase #EmergingTechnology

  7. 31 Jul

    The Future of Defense Technology: Part 2 on NDAA 2027

    The FY27 National Defense Authorization Act reaches far beyond acquisition reform. It also reflects how Congress is shaping the future of defense technology, emerging technology, supply chains, and the federal workforce responsible for delivering the next generation of national security capabilities. In this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, Arun Seraphin continues his conversation with acquisition policy expert Moshe Schwartz, President of Etherton and Associates, for part two of a two-part discussion on the FY27 NDAA. Together, they examine how lawmakers are advancing defense technology, emerging technology, workforce modernization, and supply chains to strengthen the Defense Industrial Base and shape the future of U.S. national security. Key topics include: How Congress is approaching robotics, autonomous systems, and other emerging technology priorities, and what new legislative language could mean for future defense technology capabilities.Supply chains and Defense Industrial Base provisions aimed at strengthening resilience, improving visibility, and reducing vulnerabilities across critical defense manufacturing networks.Quantum computing initiatives and how Congress is positioning the Department of Defense to maintain its defense technology advantage in a rapidly evolving field of emerging technology.Federal workforce reforms designed to improve talent recruitment, retention, and the government's ability to support acquisition reform while keeping pace with emerging technology innovation. NDIA Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org  NDIA Emerging Technologies Conference: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org  Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more:  LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0  Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3  Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8  And for more podcasts, articles, & publications covering all things emerging tech, visit: ndiaeti.org  #DefenseInnovation #SupplyChains #EmergingTechnology #DefenseIndustrialBase #NationalSecurity   keywords: -          Defense technology -          Supply chains -          Emerging technology -          Acquisition reform

  8. 29 Jul

    The Future of Defense Innovation and National Security: Part 1 on the NDAA 2027

    The fight over the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is about far more than acquisition policy. It is a debate about who controls intellectual property, how the Defense Industrial Base deploys capital, and whether the Department of Defense (DoD) can attract the commercial innovators driving defense innovation and emerging technology. In this episode of Emerging Tech Horizons, Arun Seraphin sits down with acquisition policy expert Moshe Schwartz, President of Etherton and Associates, to break down the most consequential Defense Industrial Base provisions moving through Congress in Part 1 of a two-part discussion on the NDAA 2027. As lawmakers continue pushing reforms aimed at accelerating defense innovation, strengthening national security, and expanding the Defense Industrial Base, many of the biggest questions center on implementation and unintended consequences. Key topics include: Why Congress is pressuring the Department of Defense (DoD) to finally implement commercial acquisition reforms passed in previous NDAAs to accelerate defense innovation.New intellectual property provisions that could significantly expand government-purpose rights and reshape how commercial firms, startups, and subcontractors engage with the Department of Defense (DoD).Senate proposals restricting stock buybacks and dividends, and what they reveal about Congress's growing interest in shaping corporate investment decisions across the Defense Industrial Base.The rise of strategic capital, equity investments, adversarial capital oversight, and new institutions designed to strengthen national security by accelerating emerging technology adoption and economic competition in defense policymaking. NDIA Emerging Technologies Institute: https://www.ndiaeti.org  NDIA Emerging Technologies Conference: https://www.ndiatechexpo.org  Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, early access to upcoming events, inside scoops, & more:  LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0  Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3  Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8  And for more podcasts, articles, & publications covering all things emerging tech, visit: ndiaeti.org  #DefenseInnovation #DoD #DefenseIndustrialBase #NationalSecurity #EmergingTech Keywords: - National Security -          Defense innovation -          Defense industrial base -          Department of Defense (DoD) -          Emerging technology

See All (178)

About

ETI provides research and analyses to inform the development and integration of emerging technologies into the defense industrial base. This podcast will feature topics and speakers focusing on emerging technologies.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Arun Seraphin
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    178
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Arun Seraphin
  • Show Website
    Emerging Tech Horizons

You Might Also Like