E82: America’s Future with Palmer Luckey

"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

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