The Pentagon has terminated Shift, a $2M key technology fellowship program, which was designed to foster closer ties between the Defense Department and Silicon Valley. This initiative aimed to strengthen the Pentagon's relationship with startups and venture capitalists, aligning with the department's stated need to collaborate with Silicon Valley to counter foreign threats, notably from China. However, the abrupt cancellation of the program has been perceived as a setback for Silicon Valley's defense ambitions, sparking criticism from tech leaders who argue that despite the Pentagon's assertions of the importance of this partnership, there appears to be more rhetoric than tangible action.
The fellowship was launched by the Pentagon to strengthen its relationship with Silicon Valley. https://t.co/tpyg2OF0mM
The Defense Department abruptly decided to stop funding Shift, a $2 million fellowship program that strengthened the Pentagon’s relationship with startups and venture capitalists. https://t.co/Oj0O1Obx9J https://t.co/APmYY38vZZ
Pentagon leaders have repeatedly said it needs Silicon Valley to defend against foreign aggression, particularly from China. But after a $2M fellowship program was cut this month, tech leaders told Forbes there's “a lot more talk than there is action.” https://t.co/sTjEg69Tce
Pentagon Kills A Key Tech Program, Dealing A Blow To Silicon Valley’s Defense Ambitions https://t.co/bLIBqBwjwh https://t.co/L5bhLdML0S
ICYMI: Tech bros meet the Pentagon https://t.co/yHKZV1Y7yq