From stealth mode to center stage, Mach Industries brings AI into one of the world’s most complex and controversial sectors: defense. In TechCrunch’s 2025 disruption, Ethan Thornton, CEO and founder of Mach Industries, will take the AI stage and share what it takes to build in a high-stakes environment where speed and autonomy are the most important, and why next-generation infrastructure starts with rethinking the basics.
AI Arms Race Inside – and founders aiming to rewrite it
Thornton launched Mach Industries from MIT in 2023, with a bold mission: to build next-generation local government defense technology to protect freedom on a global scale. Currently leading one of the most ambitious startups in the space, he brings startup speed and AI native innovation to an industry that has long been dominated by legacy players.
From Startup Lab to Battlefield Impact
The Mach Industry is part of a new wave of evidence that AI startups can play a key role in national defense. This session unlocks what it means, from autonomous systems and edge computing to double-use techniques that blur the line between commercial and military capabilities. Thornton delves into funding, regulation and responsibility at the intersection of technology and geopolitics.
ai doesn’t just drive chatbots – redefine global power
As global tensions rise and defence investments accelerate, the conversation looks at a timely view of how AI is reshaping security, strategy and sovereignty. Don’t miss out on the AI Stage from October 27th to 29th at Moscone West, San Francisco. Sign up now and join over 10,000 startups and VC leaders. Save up to $668 before prices go up after September 26th.
