Michigan Business Beat | Eric Patton, Ares Technology - GVSETS, Defense Innovation & Michigan Growth

Originally uploaded August 28th, reloaded September 15th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Eric Patton, President of Ares Technology and GVSETS Deputy Chair Welcome Eric, first share with our Michigan business community what GVSETS is? You served as co-chair of this year’s GVSETS. What was your role in putting the three-day symposium together, and what did you most want attendees to take away from the event? GVSETS brings the military, major defense companies, smaller manufacturers, technology companies, and universities into the same room. Why is that kind of collaboration so important to Michigan businesses looking to compete in the growing defense market? A major theme this year was connecting new technology with the real needs of the military. What opportunities did you see for Michigan companies, particularly smaller businesses, to turn their technology or manufacturing capabilities into defense contracts? Artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomy, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing were all part of the conversation. Which of those areas do you see creating the biggest near-term opportunities for Michigan businesses? Now that the 2026 symposium is over, what comes next? How do you turn the conversations and connections made at GVSETS into actual partnerships, investment, new contracts, and growth for Michigan’s defense and manufacturing industries? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: X.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Summary: Eric Patton of Ares Technology discusses GVSETS, defense innovation, Michigan manufacturers, emerging technology, and opportunities in the defense market. Eric Patton of Ares Technology discusses GVSETS, Michigan’s defense and manufacturing ecosystem, emerging technologies, opportunities for smaller businesses, and turning industry connections into partnerships and growth.