National security challenges for the Defense Department require innovative technology and solutions from the defense and commercial sectors. Often times, these solutions that might begin development in one military service can apply to another. At Sea-Air-Space in National Harbor, Maryland, we spoke with Kedar Pavgi, national capital regional director at the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). He discusses how the office, part of the Defense Innovation Unit, is working to bridge technology divides by forging partnerships between academia, the commercial sector and DOD to bring in innovative technologies through programs like focused grand challenges and other investment opportunities. Pavgi also briefs how these efforts are involving amid the “DIU 3.0” plan to scale defense innovation more rapidly. Check out our full coverage of the conference.