Defense innovation expert to enhance Hacking for Defense®
program and support national security solutions
PALO
ALTO, Calif., July 1, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Hacking for Defense® (H4D), the global academic
course that has transformed how national security challenges are
solved, is poised for greater impact with the appointment today of
a new executive director for the Common Mission Project, the
nonprofit arm of BMNT Inc.
Defense innovation expert Maria
Tranquilli is CMP's new executive director, BMNT CEO
Pete Newell announced.
Tranquilli brings over 20 years of experience at the
intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship and defense. Most
recently, she served as the National Senior Director of Venture
Innovation at the Mission Acceleration Center, overseeing national
new venture engagement, defense portfolio services, and investor
partnerships. Previously, as the Founding Director of Defense
Ventures, Tranquilli played a pivotal role in fortifying
defense-industrial partnerships crucial to America's national
security and economic vitality, earning recognition in the 2023
National Defense Science and Technology Strategy.
CMP delivers the curriculum and educator training for H4D, which
is offered at more than 62 universities; provides monetary support
for student teams through its Impact Fund; and maintains a growing
H4D alumni network.
Newell explained that Tranquilli's focus will be on growing
CMP's Impact Fund to expand grants that support H4D student teams
as they work to solve national security problems; improving H4D
course curriculum, teaching materials, and educator support to
ensure a high-quality experience for H4D students and instructors;
and strengthening the H4D alumni network to provide continued
support to and engagement with entrepreneurs around the
country.
"We're thrilled to have Maria on board. Her experience, passion
and track record working in the defense innovation ecosystem make
her the best possible fit for this position," said Newell. "Under
her guidance, CMP's work with university students, the private
sector, government and academia to solve critical real-world
challenges will continue to grow and expand."
Said Tranquilli: "I am thrilled to step into the role of
Executive Director at the Common Mission Project. Our nation's
security challenges demand bold, innovative solutions, and I am
committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible. By
expanding our Fund, strengthening our programs and scaling our
top-tier alumni talent network, we will empower the next generation
of problem solvers to tackle the toughest issues facing our country
and our international allies. Together, we'll ensure the
preservation of our greatest asset amongst a new generation: the
spirit of American innovation and entrepreneurship."
About BMNT Inc.: BMNT is an innovation company for
governments and their partners that uses startup methods to create
new capabilities.
About The Common Mission Project: CMP is the
international platform supporting mission-driven entrepreneurs.
Contact: Terri S. Vanech, BMNT
communications manager, 379822@email4pr.com or
203-918-1270.
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SOURCE BMNT