Show notes
What if the biggest catalyst for startup innovation wasn’t Silicon Valley—but the United States government and it’s US Space Force? 🚀 In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob visits with Roxanne Aragon, Program Director at the Disruptive Technology Index (DTI), one of the Key leaders in the Space & Defense Technology economy in Southern California, to uncover how public funding programs like SBIR and STTR are quietly powering breakthrough technologies in space, defense, and beyond. Roxanne breaks down how startups can successfully navigate government partnerships, why hardware companies face unique challenges, and how Los Angeles has been reborn as a hotspot for space innovation. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, investor, government leader or simply curious about how big ideas get funded, this conversation reveals the hidden systems driving tomorrow’s technology.Feel free to follow and engage with ROXANNE here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanneblairaragon/Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dti-la/Website: https://www.dti.space/We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide.As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests.¡Cheers y gracias!,Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Thinkers02:45 Roxanne Aragon: A Key Player in Space Innovation07:24 The Intersection of Government and Innovation12:14 Misconceptions in the Startup Ecosystem15:41 Understanding Key Acronyms in the Space Industry22:46 The Shift in Government's Role in Space28:24 Los Angeles: The Heart of Aerospace Innovation32:08 Disruptive Technology Index: Bridging Innovation and Government32:59 Collaboration with Space Force34:54 Building the Space Economy40:31 The Importance of SBIR/STTR Funding43:25 Mitigating Risks in Defense Innovation49:27 Storytelling in Government Innovation55:57 Accessing Government Opportunities58:24 Skills for Future Innovators