In this engaging panel discussion, Bob Gourley facilitated a dialogue with Andrew Cote, founder of Hyperstition, William “Mac” Mchenry of the DIU, and Katrina McFarland a former DoD executive and commissioner of the AI committee for national security. All are leaders in deep tech, defense innovation, and government engineering—centered on the conference theme of “Convergence.” The panelists explored how the merging of disciplines like AI, biotech, materials science, and space technologies is reshaping industries and societal norms. Andrew highlighted the shift from software-driven innovation to physical domains like aerospace and biotech, while Mac emphasized how geopolitical tensions and rapid technological advancements necessitate agile government acquisition systems. Katrina provided a historical perspective, noting how expanded computational power is driving the integration of traditionally siloed scientific fields.

A key focus was trust—how it underpins interdisciplinary collaboration and adoption of emerging technologies. The panel agreed that trust-building requires pilots and real-world applications, as well as empowering teams through flattened hierarchies and decentralized decision-making. They also discussed adversarial convergence, particularly China’s rapid deployment of technologies enabled by centralized control. While the panel acknowledged challenges posed by regulatory inefficiencies in the West, they highlighted the advantages of democratic partnerships and diverse innovation ecosystems as counterbalances.

The discussion concluded with practical advice for enterprises and governments. The panel advocated for flexible problem framing rather than rigid specifications, creating space for innovation. On quantum threats, they emphasized the importance of preparing for quantum-safe practices to protect data. Regarding artificial general intelligence (AGI), the speakers tempered expectations, noting that AGI requires sensory grounding and a long developmental horizon. The panel left attendees with a sense of urgency and optimism, urging stakeholders to embrace convergence as an opportunity to accelerate mission success and societal progress.