Connecting National Security, Startups, and San Diego’s Innovation featuring Scott Tait

In this episode of The Connect Current, we sit down with Scott Tait to explore how San Diego can better connect national security needs, university research, dual-use startups, capital, and policy into a stronger innovation system. Drawing on his 27-year Navy career and his work across Lumetec, Startup Science, and the National Security Innovation Catalyst at UC San Diego, Scott shares what it takes to move promising technology from concept to real-world mission impact. The conversation dives into San Diego’s unique national security advantage, where founders and researchers often get stuck, and how stronger pathways between government, academia, startups, industry, and investors can help accelerate innovation that matters. Recorded at UC San Diego Park & Market:https://parkandmarket.ucsd.edu/ Learn more about Lumetec:https://www.lumetec.com/Learn more about the National Security Innovation Catalyst at UC San Diego:https://nsic.ucsd.edu/