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The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Ohio is pleased to announce an upcoming virtual Operational Use Case Workshop. The session will revolve around a facilitated discussion and question and answer session with Zachary Mears of Anduril, a leader in autonomous systems, AI-driven defense solutions, and innovative manufacturing. Last month, Anduril announced it is building a $1 billion autonomous systems manufacturing facility in Pickaway County, Ohio. As Anduril expands its presence in the state, this session provides a unique opportunity for small and startup defense firms to gain valuable insights into the evolving defense industrial base, barriers to entry into the defense market, pathways to overcome them, and partnership opportunities.
AGENDA
- Opening Remarks – A brief introduction by the OnRamp Hub: Ohio to set the stage for a focused discussion on the defense market, industry challenges, and collaboration opportunities.
- Discussion with Anduril Leadership – The core component of the event will be a conversation with Zachary Mears, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Growth with Anduril. The conversation will include a discussion of:
- Barriers to entering the defense market for start-ups and non-traditional defense suppliers and possible pathways to overcome or manage them
- Anduril’s technological development priorities and areas where the company seeks to partner with emerging technology companies
- How Ohio start-ups can engage with Anduril and what the company seeks in a technology partner.
- Facilitated Q&A Session – The session will conclude with a facilitated question and answer session in which attendees will have the chance to ask direct questions and discuss key challenges and opportunities for startups in the defense sector.
SPEAKER Zachary Mears is Senior Vice President of Strategy at Anduril. Previously, Dr. Mears was a senior advisor at Covington and Burling, where he advised companies in the aerospace, defense, and national security sector navigate policy and regulatory challenges involving the U.S. Congress and Executive Branch. Dr. Mears has extensive experience in U.S. national security and defense strategy, planning, and resourcing, most recently serving as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of Defense and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense. Dr. Mears also advised the Defense Innovation Unit, which is building bridges between the Pentagon and the high technology centers in Silicon Valley, Boston, and Austin. His substantive areas of expertise include strategic planning, risk assessment and management, and advanced technologies. Dr. Mears is a graduate of The Ohio State University where he earned a Doctorate of Philosophy degree in political science.
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