Adam Jay Harrison

Managing Partner

2019 - Current

Oversees fundraising and investment activities for a boutique investment fund specializing in the commercialization of dual-use technologies that address both national security needs and scalable commercial markets.

John R. Boyd National Security Innovation Fellow

2015 - 2022

Conducts scholarly research related to the impact of technology, business process, and policy innovation on the U.S. national security enterprise. Leads research teams in the development of business systems, incentives, and public policies that promote the integration of commercial high tech industry and the start-up economy with the traditional defense industrial base.

Command Innovation Officer

2018 - 2019

Advises the Commander, headquarters staff, and subordinate elements on business models and applications of emerging technology with the potential to disrupt or revolutionize Army warfighting concepts and capabilities. Leads implementation of the Army Applications Laboratory - the Army's gateway for engaging networks of warfighters, technologists, and entrepreneurs in the discovery and implementation of novel technology applications that incorporate civilian-derived R&D and commercial products.

Founder and Former Director

2015 - 2018

Inaugural director of the MD5 National Security Technology Accelerator (MD5). Leads human capital innovation efforts to catalyze venture creation in support of Department of Defense objectives. Oversees implementation of education, collaboration, and acceleration programs executed through a national network of research universities. Develops programs and policies enabling entrepreneurs to leverage Department of Defense resources (e.g., laboratory infrastructure, intellectual property, etc.) for the development of high potential startups relevant to national security.

Visiting Distinguished Research Fellow

2015 - 2018

Conducts Joint Professional Military Education, research, and technology experimentation that supports Department of Defense innovation objectives. Develops policies for expanded government-industry collaboration enabling the rapid and cost effective development of advanced, military-relevant technologies. Advises senior leaders in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, and the military services on emerging technology opportunities and threats relevant to U.S. national security.

Director

2014 - 2015

Sets overall priorities and leads execution of R&D and defense policy activities for the Center for Smart Defense, a non-profit center at the West Virginia University that serves as a focal point for aligning commercial and academic R&D outputs, investments, and incentives with emerging defense capability needs through the creation of an extended defense innovation base. Functions as one of the principal architects of the Department of Defense (DOD) Information Analysis Centers (IACs) Technology Domain Awareness (TDA) initiative. TDA supports DOD innovation objectives by increasing shared technology market awareness (i.e. sources and uses) among key innovation stakeholders in government, academia, and industry.

Managing Director

2006 - 2014

Founded Mav6 in 2006 to address emerging military needs for advanced imagery and geospatial solutions at the tactical edge. Grew Mav6 to over $100 million in annual revenue in less than five years and over $250 million in cumulative revenue in the first five years of business. During this period, the company's 1,500% (three-year) revenue growth resulted in Mav6 receiving consecutive Inc. 500 recognitions as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in the US in 2011 (373rd) and 2012 (230th) and the 18th fastest growing company in the Government Services category. Developed industry-leading IP portfolio, including the largest UAV ever built and the most powerful airborne supercomputer in the world. Received 2011 Popular Science "Best of What's New" recognition for the integrated application of these innovations. Successfully incubated and spun-out Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, mobile device, and electronic warfare business units.

Director, Technical Operations Support Activity

2001 - 2006

Established and ultimately led a first of its kind public-private partnership for the Department of the Army focusing on the rapid deployment of emerging commercial technologies in support of post-9/11 military operations. Awarded an unprecedented three consecutive Army Greatest Invention awards for scientific and technical contributions to military operations around the world. Served as Program Executive for Army persistent surveillance programs, to include, the Constant Hawk aerial surveillance system and the Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS). Led Army-wide initiatives associated with the rapid development and implementation of emerging Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems and capabilities to support current national intelligence shortfalls.

Deputy Director, Office of Strategic Phenomena

2000 - 2001