Austin4America

It's not an ASSET problem, it's an ACCESS problem. While ADM Holsey highlights SOUTHCOM's need for more assets to combat drug trafficking, the real challenge isn't a lack of satellites/ISR assets - it's access to them. At SkyFi, we've solved this access problem. Our product provides the visibility needed to support critical border security missions. The technology exists - it's about getting it into the right hands. 🇺🇸

My Impressions from Austin4America Huge thanks to the entire Austin4America (Kate van Dam and Luke Fischer) team for organizing such an impressive event in a regular hangar and bringing together so many amazing participants and spectators. The energy was absolutely off the charts—truly a testament to your professionalism! Unfortunately, with a 102°F fever, I wasn’t able to enjoy the event to the fullest. Still, I’m grateful I had the chance to speak and shed light on the realities of the war in Ukraine: drones have completely transformed the battlefield and rules on it. Tasks that once cost over $100K (via artillery) can now be executed for $5–$20K, with vastly improved accuracy and effectiveness. I also appreciate the opportunity to talk about my group of companies, DFG, including our combat unit, Drone Fight Club, the drones we’re developing, and our simulator, UFDS - Ukrainian Fight Drone Simulator. (If you’re considering investing, I’d be happy to discuss the possibilities!) After my presentation, I had to head straight to the hospital for a couple of weeks, so I didn’t get to fully communication on event and watch the Austin. I’m certain, though, that I’ll be back in Austin—and I look forward to seeing everyone again! Thanks again for the invitation, SkyFi Luke Fischer Tom Babb Ileisa Lambert Kate van Dam and All Team Austin4America Rushi Yalamanchili

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation is one of the most impactful organizations that takes care of the kids and family members of our fallen Special Ops service members. Since its inception, it has changed the lives of thousands of individuals and continues to do so under the steadfast leadership of Clay Hutmacher. Thank you for letting me be a part of SOWF! Learn more at https://lnkd.in/g5CecGqj

NSTXL recently concluded an impactful week at SXSW in Austin, Texas, where we convened government, industry, and academic leaders to address critical national security technology challenges. Key highlights included: Stephanie Lin, VP, Microelectronics Commons, delivered a compelling presentation at the Austin4America conference, emphasizing the far-reaching implications of domestic microelectronics innovation. Our "Agility in Action: Rapid Acquisition for National Security" event at Capital Factory featured in-depth discussions on leveraging Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) to expedite technology procurement. Those discussions included the following: - Dr. Dev Shenoy, Principal Director for Microelectronics, Microelectronics Commons Executive Director OUSD(R&E)/ASD(CT), provided critical insights into the Microelectronics Commons program, vital for safeguarding our nation's supply chain. - U.S. Representative Pat Fallon, 4th District of Texas, provided valuable perspectives on congressional efforts to streamline acquisition and foster innovation, emphasizing the need to "even the playing field" for small and medium-sized businesses. - Panels were held on "Achieving Space Defense Readiness for a Resilient Future" and "Hypersonic Readiness Redefined," featuring leaders from Atlantis, the Texas Space Commission, Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, and Leidos. These sessions addressed emerging threats and the imperative for rapid technological advancements, with "Hypersonic Readiness Redefined” discussing the MACH-TB initiative. Through these discussions, it became clear that the speed of acquisition and the development of critical technologies like microelectronics, hypersonics, and space defense are paramount for maintaining our national security. NSTXL is committed to driving meaningful change and fostering the collaborations necessary to meet these challenges. Read on in our latest blog at the link below. > https://lnkd.in/gtHFWJNN

Business or engineering? Austin4America had all that and more. After defence related orgs were blacklisted by another conference, A4A decided to branch out and host their own conference to keep the conversation alive. Regardless of personal beliefs, it seems reductive to deny or belittle the impact defence has on our economies; policies; and, most importantly, people. At the intersection of defence technology, investing, and health, A4A had a unique character to it and presented solutions to a variety of problems its competitors failed to address. Thanks to Luke Fischer and Kate van Dam for hosting, and shoutout to Sky Roasters for keeping the crowd caffeinated late into the evenings. I deeply admire the rebellious spirit championed by this event, certainly a must-see if you are in the area. As an aside, SkyFi's recent partnerships with GoTAK should be on everyone's radar. As the world of robotics shifts towards fleets of autonomous systems, an operator's ability to interact with a fleet still presents many technical challenges. It seems promising to me that these companies are tackling these issues now.

What a week! CONGRATULATIONS to Tom Babb, Kate van Dam, Luke Fischer, Rachel Fitzmaurice, and the team at SkyFi for hosting the first ever Austin4America event and letting me run interviews!! An absolutely thrilling event with wonderfully curated panels! Exciting releases dropping weekly, stay tuned 📻. (Thanks for putting up with me 3rd + Lamar) Barbara and Mark, continue to ask students what they want the world to look like in 20 years. You were the first people to ever seriously ask me this question. Varpas de Sa Pereira and Larry C. your interview was amazing— I wish you nothing but the best in your movie making and deal seeking careers 📽️! Kirsten Bartok Touw and NOLAN OLSEN, CAIA it was great finally meeting you in person! Please stay in touch, my offer still stands 😉 Steve Bowsher, the future of UTS depends on procuring the best technology and talent. I appreciate you delaying your ride to speak with me. Timothy Roy and Vladyslav Plaksin— the frontlines are our customer and hearing your perspective puts reality to the hypotheticals. Thank you both for sharing. George Cummings, thank you for the badges! At the end of the day, the Earth we live on is vital to our survival. We will continue to discover and educate the new parallels of the deep sea and space. ⛵ 🌊 🛰️ Mashiko, Klara, Krystian, and Leo— glad you got to experience more than just the Austin Convention Center! Cabo the Koala is featured in a few of the interviews 🐨 I have a shortlist of people to interview for upcoming events. There were a lot I couldn't get to in the two days— we may have another A4A event coming soon 👀 🗓️ Lewis Alun Jones, Sean Singleton, Deeph Chana PhD, Gen Paul Peyton, Adrian Dan, Sharmin Ali, Pablo Casilimas, the Tuesday Night crew 🕺🕺, Robert Douthit, Philippe Kassouf, Jason Curtis, Ryan Gutwein, Steven Simoni, and the many more amazing people I had the privilege of learning from— y'all have taught me so much and I hope our paths cross again! I wish I could tag you all. Thank you Michael Sheetz and the Firefly team for the campus tour! Seeing the full lifecycle was surreal. Lastly, congrats to Joy Schoffler, Marcella Caldwell, and Claire Guzman, on another great year of SDI! Shoutout to Mo Islam and his team for a successful Tectonic event, and to Joseph Kopser and the Capital Factory team for a great House event! Thank you to all the groups for having me— I have learned so much this past week and am forever grateful 🙏🤘

Its Friday, y'all, and Aeon is rocking an updated new website! 👀 Fresh off the heels of the Capital Factory CapHouse week, Austin4America, and the Army Applications Laboratory events, its rad to see all of it come together on a Friday afternoon! Check it out below, and have a great weekend! 🇺🇸 www.aeonindustrial.com

What an incredible experience at Austin for America during SXSW! I had the honor of capturing professional headshots for attendees, and the energy in the room was inspiring. From meeting creative innovators to connecting with industry leaders, this event truly embodied the spirit of Austin’s thriving community. Grateful to have played a part in this amazing gathering! #AustinForAmerica #SXSW #Headshots #ProfessionalHeadshots #AustinEvents #Networking #Creativity #TechConference Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://lnkd.in/gwJFgt4M License code: ZIKBEBMRTVFJY9UN2m

New profile pic, who dis? Big thanks to Suzanne Covert for setting up a headshot booth at Austin4America! When organizing the event, we wanted to add unique value for attendees—something beyond the usual programming. Since every professional (should) cares about their online presence, offering high-quality headshots became a top priority. Thanks to friends like the Coverts (shoutout to Larry C. too), we made it happen with a fantastic local photographer on-site for both days.

SkyFi brought THA HEAT during our SXSW panel discussion about deep space tech at their Austin4America event. Thanks for having me, Kate van Dam & Bill Perkins. It was an honor to be on your stage. It’s fun to witness lunar resource policy and regulation be shaped in real-time as we build The Extraterrestrial Mining Company (XMC). Let’s go to the Moon, y’all. 🤘🏼