Your tax dollars are helping shape the future of tech, so let's peek at what the US Navy wants.
The Navy's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Justin Fanelli, recently shared how the military branch is thinking about its tech investments. Instead of funding very early, basic research, the Navy wants to co-invest alongside venture capitalists (VCs) [firms that invest in startups] in companies that are already a bit further along. Think of it like a seasoned chef (the Navy) deciding to invest in a successful food truck (a promising tech company) that's already got a menu and customers, rather than funding a brand-new cooking school from scratch. They want to see some proof of concept first.
This strategy means the Navy is actively looking for existing technologies they can adapt, rather than starting every project from zero. For example, they recently made a huge deal worth $562 million for autonomous [self-driving] refueling technology. This shows a clear move towards automation and systems that can operate without direct human control for certain tasks.
Fanelli also laid out the Navy's "wish list" for future tech. They are very interested in artificial intelligence (AI) [computer systems that can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence], quantum computing [a new type of computing that uses principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems], and other advanced areas. This isn't just about building bigger, faster ships. It's about using smart software and advanced hardware to make operations more efficient, safer, and perhaps even predict problems before they happen.
This shift in how the Navy approaches tech development mirrors a broader trend we're seeing across many industries. Instead of every big organization trying to invent everything themselves, there's a growing focus on leveraging existing innovations and partnering with specialized tech companies. This can speed up development and bring new capabilities online faster, but it also means the private sector's priorities often influence what gets developed.
So, if you're curious about where cutting-edge tech might show up next, keep an eye on these areas. The Navy's interest can often signal broader trends in how AI and other advanced technologies will be used in real-world, high-stakes environments.
The US Navy is looking to AI and quantum computing, signaling a future where advanced tech plays a critical role in defense.