This week on Upstream, we revisit a 2023 conversation between Jacob Helberg, Delian Asparouhov, Christian Garrett and Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril Industries and Oculus VR where they discuss the intersection of Silicon Valley and U.S. defense technology. They tackle the challenges of defense tech innovation, the influence of Chinese technology, and the necessity for strategic tech independence. They also covered bio-engineered defense systems, AI-powered military applications, and space militarization, emphasizing the need for strategic autonomy and meritocratic practices in technology.

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LINKS:

The Hill & Valley Forum 2024: https://www.thehillandvalleyforum.com/

Anduril Industries: https://www.anduril.com/

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FOLLOW ON X/TWITTER:

@PalmerLuckey

@jacobhelberg

@zebulgar

@CGarrett_15

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Episode Preview

(02:20) Shifting dynamics between the government and Silicon Valley since Palmer started Anduril Industries

(06:40) Biggest factors contributing to new demand for defense technology

(08:05) Evolving reaction of tech investors and talent to defense technology

(13:16) Working with the U.S. Department of Defense

(19:00) Sponsors: Dealcraft | Fundrise

(20:12) Exporting strategic technology to China: patents, AI, sensor fusion

(23:32) How can more tech companies compete for DoD contracts?

(26:01) Lobbying

(27:32) Building Anduril Industries on first principles

(31:06) Banning Chinese hardware and software (like TikTok)

(39:51) Sponsors: Alts | Squad

(43:04) Can the US pull off a second Cold War victory with China?

(47:24) Immigration reform and supply chain disruption

(56:37) Palmer’s picks for the most impactful strategic technology on the horizon

(01:09:35) Wrap

E82: America’s Future with Palmer Luckey 01:11:50 Share

"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

Episode Preview

How Have the Dynamics Between the Government and Silicon Valley Changed Since Anduril’s Inception?

What Are the Biggest Factors Driving the New Demand for Defense Technology?

How Are Tech Investors and Talent Responding to Defense Technology?

Working with the U.S. Department of Defense: Challenges and Opportunities

Sponsors: Dealcraft | Fundrise

The Impact of Exporting Strategic Technology to China: Patents, AI, and Sensor Fusion

How Can More Tech Companies Compete for DoD Contracts?

The Role of Lobbying in Tech and Defense

Building Anduril Industries on First Principles

Banning Chinese Hardware and Software: Is It Necessary?

Sponsors: Alts | Squad

Can the US Achieve Another Cold War Victory Over China?

Immigration Reform and Supply Chain Disruption: What’s Next?

Palmer’s Picks: The Most Impactful Strategic Technologies on the Horizon

Wrap

Shownotes Transcript

E82: America’s Future with Palmer Luckey