TechnologIST Talks

In this episode of TechnologIST Talks, IST CEO Philip Reiner is joined by Dr. Margaret Mitchell, a computer scientist and researcher focused on machine learning and ethics informed AI development. She currently serves as Chief Ethics Scientist at Hugging Face, where she studies ML data processing, responsible AI development, and AI ethics. In her previous role at Google, she founded and co-led Google's Ethical AI group, which seeks to advance foundational AI ethics research and operationalize AI ethics internally at Google. With Hugging Face, Margaret helps to contribute to IST’s AI Risk Reduction Initiative Working Group work developing technical- and policy-oriented risk mitigation strategies associated with AI foundation models. Philip and Margaret sat down to discuss agentic, autonomous, and transparent models – and the pathway to truly secure AI. “I think that we can do a lot of really great work with AI by having rigorous data curation that corresponds to specific kinds of use cases, and building models based on that,” Margaret said. What’s the current state of AI agents in the marketplace? How autonomous are so-called autonomous models? And once you’ve identified a model’s vulnerabilities, how do you go about protecting against unauthorized actions? Join us for this and more on this episode of TechnologIST Talks. Learn more about IST: https://securityandtechnology.org/

On January 16, 2025, the Biden administration released the capstone Executive Order “Strengthening and Promoting Innovation in the Nation’s Cybersecurity.” In this bonus episode of TechnologIST Talks, Chief Strategy Officer Megan Stifel and Chief Trust Officer Steve Kelly are joined by Carole House, Special Advisor for Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Policy at the National Security Council and a member of the office responsible for leading the drafting of the EO. Megan, Steve, and Carole walk through the main components of the order, talking about its implications for federal systems security, quantum, efforts to tackle cybercrime and fraud, and more. “Software is such a prevalent root cause of so many of the supply chain attacks that we’re seeing and that have been occurring. It’s the next step of evolution. We are requiring software vendors to provide verifiable attestations of those software practices,” Carole said.What prompted the drafting and release of this Executive Order? How does the EO address ransomware? And what should government–and industry–take away from its provisions? Join us for this and more on this episode of TechnologIST Talks. Learn more about IST: https://securityandtechnology.org/

In this special episode of TechnologIST Talks centered on the implications of AI in cybersecurity, IST CEO Philip Reiner is joined by Heather Adkins, a 22-year Google veteran and founding member of the Google Security Team. As VP of Security Engineering, she built the global team responsible for maintaining the safety and security of Google’s networks, systems, and applications. Heather is also a member of IST Ransomware Task Force Steering Committee, where she provides support, guidance, and oversight on ongoing RTF lines of effort. Philip and Heather sat down to discuss the implications of AI on the offense-defense balance.“There are no rules, and no amount of laws and regulations that we put in place are ever going to impact how they use it,” Heather said.How did Heather get started at Google? What did the threat landscape look like in 2002, and how has it changed over the course of her tenure? Join us for this and more on this episode of TechnologIST Talks. Learn more about IST: https://securityandtechnology.org/ 00:00 Introduction to Technologist Talks01:10 Meet Heather Adkins: Google Security Veteran01:55 AI and Cybersecurity: Offense vs Defense04:06 The Evolution of Cyber Threats12:10 AI's Role in Cybersecurity Operations16:38 Challenges and Future of AI in Cybersecurity38:06 Public-Private Collaboration in AI40:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

In this episode, IST Chief Strategy Officer Megan Stifel sits down with Markus Pflitsch, founder and CEO of Terra Quantum, a leading quantum technology company that offers Quantum as a Service in the areas of quantum algorithms, quantum computing, and quantum security. The two unpack the disruptive nature of quantum, contrast approaches to R&D and commercialization in the U.S. and Europe, and discuss what’s next for the industry. “I think it would be fantastic for the quantum tech industry to have that ‘ChatGPT moment,’” Markus said. Why is NIST’s standardization of post-quantum cryptography such a big deal? How do Chinese technological approaches to quantum differ from that of Europe and the West? And what does Markus think about the UN’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Quantum? Join us for this and more on this episode of TechnologIST Talks. Learn more about IST: https://securityandtechnology.org/00:00 Introduction to Technologist Talks01:06 Meet Markus Pflitsch: CEO of Terra Quantum01:14 The Journey from Quantum Physics to Finance01:32 Commercializing Quantum Technology04:37 Quantum Tech's Impact on Industries08:26 Challenges and Opportunities in Quantum Tech11:42 Global Perspectives on Quantum Development18:33 Quantum Security: PQC vs. QKD21:46 The Role of Government and Private Sector in Quantum R&D24:16 Future of Quantum Tech and Global Collaboration32:58 Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects

IST Chief Strategy Officer Megan Stifel welcomes Stefan Leichenauer, Vice President of Engineering and lead scientist at SandboxAQ. SandboxAQ combines quantum computing technology with advanced AI to make technological advances in sectors like medicine, navigation, and the auto and aerospace industries. Stefan breaks down the current state of play in the quantum ecosystem, how the Chinese government is kick-starting development, and what he sees as the possible applications of these technologies. “One example is using advanced quantum sensors that can be very sensitive to the magnetic fields,” Stefan said. “Every commercial airplane should have this kind of thing.”How did SandboxAQ begin? What are the near- and long-term challenges to unlocking the full potential of quantum computing? And what are Stefan’s hopes for the future of quantum science? Join us for this and more on this episode of TechnologIST Talks. Learn more about IST: https://securityandtechnology.org/00:00 Introduction to Technologist Talks01:11 Meet Stefan Leichenauer: From Academia to Industry01:49 Quantum Computing: Challenges and Opportunities06:24 Quantum Sensing and Navigation13:31 AI and Quantum Computing: A Symbiotic Relationship17:57 SandboxAQ: Goals and Focus Areas22:59 Quantum Technology Investment Landscape27:09 China's Quantum Ambitions35:02 US Government's Role in Quantum Technology40:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In the fourth episode of TechnologIST Talks, host Steve Kelly sits down with Banyu Carbon co-founder and CEO Dr. Alex Gagnon to explore the emerging field of carbon dioxide removal and its role in decarbonizing the economy. Banyu Carbon uses a process that relies on sunlight and seawater to remove carbon dioxide from water. An associate professor at the University of Washington School of Oceanography, Alex takes a deep dive into innovative solutions and the ecosystem required to combat climate change. Drawing lessons from cleantech 1.0, he emphasizes planning for future global competition, highlighting the role of federal initiatives in fostering innovation, and supporting commercialization. How can the U.S. prevent repeating the mistakes of cleantech 1.0 in the carbon dioxide removal industry? What steps should universities take to support commercialization while maintaining their commitment to research? And what role should government and private industry play in sustaining demand for cleantech solutions? Join us for this and more on this episode of TechnologIST Talks. Learn more about IST: https://securityandtechnology.org/00:00 Introduction to Technologist Talks01:15 Meet Dr. Alex Gagnon of Banyu Carbon01:26 Innovative Carbon Removal Techniques01:45 Challenges and Opportunities in Clean Energy02:33 The Importance of Retaining Tech Talent03:58 The Evolution of Cleantech05:29 Banyu Carbon's Mission and Vision18:20 The Role of Government and Venture Capital44:29 Future Outlook for U.S. Clean Energy47:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of TechnologIST Talks, host Steve Kelly welcomes Dr. Alain Harrus, an expert in helping scientists who are driving innovation in technologies like materials science, engineering, semiconductors, and energy to break through and become global leaders. Alain shares insights from his extensive career, which spans from microelectronics and materials science to his current role as Operating Partner at the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), where he focuses on emissions reduction and climate investment.The two discuss how Alain got involved in the commercialization of science, tracing it back to his time at Bell Labs. Alain emphasizes the strengths of the United States as a premier environment for entrepreneurs, highlighting the comprehensive ecosystem that includes access to capital, legal and financial support, and a vibrant community. Reflecting on his career, he underscores the importance of turning scientific breakthroughs into practical applications. "Innovation and technology are incredibly valuable once you are able to commercialize it. Otherwise, it's science for the sake of science."What does the innovation ecosystem look like in China right now? Is the United States talent pipeline sustainable? And what is the U.S. government doing to foster innovation in the energy sector? Join us for this and more on this episode of TechnologIST Talks. Learn more about IST: https://securityandtechnology.org/ 00:00 Introduction to Technologist Talks01:16 Meet Dr. Alain Harrus: From Bell Labs to Climate Initiatives02:14 The American Innovation Ecosystem02:51 Venture Capital: US vs China03:46 Dr. Harrus's Journey: From Science to Investment12:14 China's Innovation Landscape20:58 Energy Transition and Climate Investment30:27 The Role of Government in Fueling Innovation35:26 Future Trends in US and Chinese Technology Competitiveness40:57 Conclusion: Bullish on US Innovation

In the second episode of TechnologIST Talks, host and CEO of the Institute for Security and Technology Philip Reiner sits down with Dr. Manish Kothari, founding managing partner at First Spark Ventures and former president of SRI International. Manish shares his journey from a biotech startup founder to a leading deep tech investor, offering insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within the deep tech ecosystem.Manish and Philip explore the history–and cyclical nature–of Silicon Valley, the unique funding environment for deep tech startups, and the key factors that Manish looks for in a company specializing in deep tech when thinking about investing. “One of the challenges of deep tech relative to tech is scaling these quickly is challenging, because it costs more money. You're still in the early development phase. We really want to make sure the underlying component technologies are mature.”How would Manish assess the government interventions that have been made so far to accelerate American competitiveness? How can the United States maintain its competitive edge in the global tech landscape, especially in light of advancements made by countries like China? And how are machine learning and automation playing a central role in the deep tech renaissance? Join us for this and more on this episode of TechnologIST Talks. Learn more about IST: https://securityandtechnology.org/00:00 Introduction to Technologist Talks 01:37 Meet Manish: A Deep Tech Pioneer 02:57 Understanding Deep Tech 05:10 Manish's Journey in Deep Tech 07:44 First Spark: Investing in Deep Tech 09:12 Challenges and Opportunities in Deep Tech 18:41 The Role of Government in Deep Tech 24:55 China's Influence on Deep Tech 30:09 Future of Deep Tech and Final Thoughts    

In October 2024, IST released Why Venture Capital is Indispensable for U.S. Industrial Strategy, written by IST senior fellows Michael Brown, Partner at Shield Capital and former Director of the Defense Innovation Unit, and Pavneet Singh, member of the EXIM Bank’s Council on China Competition and advisor to the Department of Defense. In the first episode of the TechnologIST Talks series “The Strategic Edge in Techno-Industrial Competition,” the authors join IST Chief Executive Officer Philip Reiner for a conversation on their plan for harnessing the power of venture capital. They paint a picture of the “superpower marathon,” in which the United States is racing China for technology leadership, and discuss what makes VC unique. “We're in a global competition with China, whose aim is to displace us as the technology and economic superpower. So unless we're happy with that outcome, we better be figuring out what we want to do that would counter those aims,” Michael Brown explained.How should the U.S. government restructure its current industrial policy approach to attract private investment? What is the importance of team, tech, and TAM? And why should we be ‘waxing poetic’ about contracts? Join us for this and more on this episode of TechnologIST Talks. Read the report: https://securityandtechnology.org/virtual-library/reports/why-venture-capital-is-indispensable-for-u-s-industrial-strategy/Learn more about IST: https://securityandtechnology.org/00:00 Introduction to Technologist Talks00:55 About the Podcast01:39 Welcoming Guests: Michael Brown and Pavneet Singh02:04 The U.S.-China Techno-Industrial Competition03:06 Mike's Journey: From CEO to Venture Capitalist08:55 Pav's Experience in U.S. Government and Research17:11 The Role of Venture Capital in National Security23:43 Government's Role in Technology and Innovation36:03 Developing a Capital Framework for Deep Tech42:09 Conclusion and Future Steps

In this season of TechnologIST Talks, we're focusing on the race to accelerate innovation in technologies of national strategic importance. We’re in an era where government is no longer the sole force driving technology-enabled economic growth; private industry plays an essential role in shaping technology for the future. To secure tomorrow, the public and private sectors must come together to advance technologies that will benefit society and contribute to global stability.We will sit down with entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and policymakers to learn about the real-world challenges they face in accelerating innovation across biotech, quantum, energy, and other critical technology areas. We’ll get their takes on the policies that help or hinder their progress, and discuss where they see things heading.