Autonomous weapons, decentralized strategy, and startup speed—this isn’t the future of defense, it’s happening now. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Ethan Thornton, CEO and founder of Mach Industries, will take the stage to discuss how next-generation defense is being built from the ground up with AI at its core.
Ethan Thornton isn’t your typical defense industry leader. As the founder of Mach Industries, he launched the company out of MIT in 2023 with a bold mission: to develop decentralized, cutting-edge defense technologies capable of safeguarding freedom on a global scale. Leading one of the most ambitious startups in the field, Thornton brings a fresh perspective to an industry long dominated by legacy players. His work combines advanced hardware, software, and autonomy to redefine how nations defend themselves in an evolving world.
Mach Industries represents a new wave of companies proving that AI-native startups can play a pivotal role in national defense. This session will explore what that means in practice—from autonomous systems and edge computing to dual-use technologies that bridge commercial innovation and military capability. Thornton will share insights on navigating funding, regulation, and responsibility at the intersection of technology and geopolitics.
AI isn’t just powering chatbots—it’s redefining global power dynamics. With rising global tensions and accelerating investment in defense tech, this discussion provides a timely look at how artificial intelligence is transforming security, strategy, and sovereignty.