Fault Lines welcomes Emily Eisenblätter in conversation with Benjamin Wolba from the European Defense Tech Hub for a wide-ranging discussion on why Europe’s security ecosystem is being reshaped by founders, engineers, and deep-tech innovation. Benjamin retraces his journey from theoretical physics and venture capital to building one of Europe’s fastest-growing defense innovation networks, sharing lessons on entrepreneurship, frontier technologies, and why there is “no box” when it comes to building ambitious projects.

The conversation then dives into the technologies and ideas defining the future of defense: AI hardware, photonic and analog computing, drone warfare, startup ecosystems, and the role of hackathons in bringing new talent into European security. Emily and Benjamin explore how startups can respond to rapidly evolving battlefield challenges, why Ukraine has become a catalyst for defense innovation, and what it will take for Europe to achieve technological superiority in an increasingly uncertain world.

[00:00:00] Intro – From Quantum Physics to Defense Tech

[00:00:43] Leaving Academia for Startups and Venture Capital

[00:03:02] Studying Physics While Still in High School

[00:06:16] Building a Publishing House from Scratch

[00:10:46] Why Academia Wasn't the Right Path

[00:14:44] Future of Computing: Building a Deep Tech Community

[00:18:20] The Future of Computing: AI, Analog & Photonic Chips

[00:21:09] Analog Computing Explained

[00:22:42] Where Would You Invest €10 Million Today?

[00:25:47] Building the European Defense Tech Hub

[00:28:56] Scaling Europe's Largest Defense Tech Network

[00:31:28] Security, Espionage & Running Defense Hackathons

[00:34:35] Drone Warfare and the Future of Modern Defense

[00:37:28] The Technologies Shaping Europe's Defense Startups

[00:40:11] What Makes a Great Defense Tech Founder?

Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions.

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